....I have followed for the most part in my fathers footsteps. His giving nature has been planted in me. Let me share a few stories if I may. I remember being a child and watching my dad in action. He often helped stranded motorists. Once there was a young couple he helped that turned out to be a couple UF Cheerleaders who ended up giving him some tickets to a game for helping them out.
Once there was a family who was stranded near the Oceola Forest, their camper had broke down and they were stuck. There was an elderly couple and a younger couple with their child. My dad was driving a little truck but he picked up the elderly woman, the mom, and the grandchild. Oh and just so you know this was before the days of cell phones. So my dad showed up with these people and asked my mom to drive them home in Jacksonville. He was going back to help the men. I could tell my mom was a little nervous about driving the people home, or maybe she was nervous about my dad going back to help. Either way we drove the ladies home to a big beautiful house and the Elderly lady gave me money, she said don't give this to your mom until you get home. I guess it was her way of saying thank you for all that my parents had done. For years after that my parents were on their mailing list for Christmas cards.
Dad has always been one of those to be in the right place at the right time. Once to find a wallet and return it to a lady down south somewhere. Once he found a bag of money and checks that totaled over $20,000 dollars. He took the bag to the bank and was questioned after the money was counted over some change. We all joked abut it because why would someone keep 52 cents when he could have taken probably thousands in cash. He was later rewarded with $100 check from the bank.
Anyway I guess the reason I am telling you all this is to show you that my father is a very giving person. He gives his time and much more all the time. He has helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity, he has volunteered several years as a coach, to me, my brothers, and now my children. He has a heart of Gold and I like to believe I am following in his footsteps. I love helping others. I love giving even when at times I don't have much to give.
Well recently my father was traveling with work and some how a conversation started between him and the lady sitting next to him. She is from Mississippi and was overcome with emotion talking to my dad about all the storms, flooding, and tornadoes that had hit recently. Many people were killed. I do not know all the details, but my dad offered her this thought. He asked her to go home and think about how he could help the most. A few days after his return he brought this to me and told me he had told her what a great help fundraising I was and that if she emailed him she would put her into contact with me. We have not received an email from her yet, but we are anxiously awaiting it. I know I would love to help out in anyway I can and knowing the friends I have all over this country I know We could make a difference.
****** Nothing may ever come of this, but if it does I will share.
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