And Another Year Begins.....Hello 2011.

It just seems like yesterday that I was writing about the end of 2010.  Seriously, this year went by at the speed of light.  Last year I was lamenting how difficult my year had been and as I re-read that post I realized how negative I felt at that time and how that presented itself in my post.  I have to say that although this year has flown by and I have had greater difficulties and trials in my life than ever before, I find that I am in a much different place. So, no New Years resolutions for me, nope....just counting my many blessings. 

Perhaps I am in a different place because we are once again at the end of December and as always, this community has reached out to us and helped us meet and surpass our fundraising goals in a very big way and perhaps it is because each and every year I witness the "magic" that is our holiday bureau adopt a family program and how this year more than ever we needed assistance to help those in our community that are less fortunate and this community reached out to our families and ensured that we were able to help 2,500 people with a holiday meal and presents for their children.  Perhaps it was my Christmas Day Santa delivery made possible by Free State Brewery and Rick Martin their Executive Chef. 

I described in a short Facebook post just how it felt to have the opportunity to go to Rick's house on Christmas morning and walk into his kitchen and see an array of food that was incredible and stand there with him while he described the joy he and his wonderful elves  (including a pastry chef who made an apple pie from scratch-from trees in her own back yard) had in preparing what they now call their "holiday tradition."  I heard this man standing there in front of me telling me about his joy in sharing the gift that he was blessed with - his craft of being a chef and a love of cooking.  Then I was able to arrive at the home of a veritable stranger and deliver a holiday meal the likes of which filled the trunk of my car.  The woman answering the door and her grandson came out to help me and were overwhelmed with the amount of food provided.  As is typical in this business, at Ballard, I got the "I'm sorry I had to ask, normally I would not have.....I am unemployed.....it is the first time in 30 years that I have not cooked my own dinner for our family. This little, big brown eyed woman immediately took me to the wall and pointed out every person that lived in this home; the people who would enjoy this meal.  She named them all for me and told me how much each person meant to her, how they were different each from another and how each made a difference in others lives.  Then her young grandson gave me a big hug and she said....he is such a loving boy.  She turned to me and with tears rolling down her cheeks she said....I am worried that there is someone out there who needs this more..... I left that house on Christmas Day - 2010 - crying my eyes out.  I had to come to the Ballard parking lot just to compose myself from the experience of the true meaning of Christmas.  I wondered to myself...do either of those people, Rick and his group, or this lady know what a Christmas gift they had just given to me?  I seriously doubt that they do, but you see, that is the "magic" of Ballard.  Every day there are miraculous moments of joy. 

It is difficult to explain to people why this place has it's own character, why the children and families mean so much to me, why our donors always put me in a place where I am humbled beyond words.  As I sat last Friday night, some of it with my mom in Overland Park and some at home later, I thought back over the year and the many different situations that I had encountered personally and with Ballard and realized just what a blessed life that I have the opportunity to live.....

I have been given the opportunity to get up each day and do something that I love beyond reason.
I have been given the opportunity to spend every day with my mother after her horrific accident and enjoy her in a way that I never would have had the opportunity to.
I have been given the opportunity to look into the faces of little children every day and see their parents smiles when they arrive to pick them up knowing the each day we make a difference in a life of their child.
I have been given the opportunity to work with donors who understand how much the donation that they give means to our organization and to our children and families.
I have been given the opportunity to work with amazing people who give of themselves and help us succeed. 
I have been given the opportunity to work with volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure we provided even more services than ever. 
I have been given the opportunity to use my vision and work on a new project that has never been done before, to work with a group of professional architects and construction managers whose vision matched my own and the opportunity to bring this 11 year dream into reality.
I have been given the opportunity to live a life that is rich beyond measure with very good friends, new acquaintances and old friends reappearing in different ways in my life. 
and last, but not least,
I have been given the privilege to serve this community for 13 years in April....it truly is a privilege to serve others in Lawrence, what a very special place....this is a privilege that I will never take for granted. 

Happy New Year to one and all, thank you for truly making a difference and helping us help others, you have touched many throughout the past year, including me....love you mom.....
 
Mom's 89th Birthday - December 12, 2010

Comments

[Rick Martin]

Thanks Dianne. You have made many people tearfully happy through your work. I am so honored to be a small part of it. Looking forward to continuing the tradition.

Rick

[Brad Vermaas]

Dianne, you are a perfect example of Proverb 3:5,6)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
I have seen this in your life and know it is true.