Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference

10 year old Laura Stockman and her mother are making a difference this holiday season. With the help and guidance of her mother, Laura started a blog: “Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference". She has been blogging daily about her efforts at making a difference and she will continue this until December 25^th. She is challenging others worldwide with her endeavor. In only 10 days this blog has had over 9,000 hits and CBS is considering featuring her story for their program. This is what she wrote:

I hope that this inspires other grown ups and kids to make a difference in their communities too, by doing little things. For this reason, I am challenging everyone who reads this blog to TRY to do something every single day during the holiday season to make a difference in his or her world. Leave a comment or send me an email at twentyfivedays(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know what you did and when you did it. Even if you can’t do something every day, you can do one small thing to help make your world a better place.

Well Laura, you’re so right. Already you have made a difference because all the way over, on the small island of Guam, things are changing. Today when I woke up and read your story, I immediately started to think that I’m too busy and wouldn’t this be a great idea after the holidays were over. But as I kept reading I ran across your list of ideas for making a difference. You listed big and small, grand and simple. With your help I have realized that making a difference is not only something that we should do with our children but that we must do with our children. They need to be taught about generosity especially during the holiday season when time and money are spread thin. It’s in being generous that we remember our humanity. It is critical to our well being to be connected and show love and concern for our fellow human beings. Thank you for reminding me.

Even though December 25^th is only a few weeks away, it’s never too late to make a difference. Laura has inspired me. I spent the morning thinking of ways that my family and I could make a difference. The best way I can do that now is pledge to join Laura in her journey! For the next 2 weeks I will chronicle our contribution to this worthy project. Please let Laura be an inspiration to you as well. Show your children that generosity is contagious. You may find her blog at http://twentyfivedays.wordpress.com/.

Sheila Cason, MD