Alexander's Heart, by Hailey

Want to know what I want to be when I grow up? Visit Hailey's blog and you'll see. I want to be as strong, kind and wonderful as she is. She is 12, I have never met her, but I will adore her always. What she has set out to do, how she has turned a devastating loss into something good, it's truly selfless and inspiring.

Go read, she'll show you an amazing spirit we could use so much more of in this world.

Alexander's Heart, by Hailey

Hailey, if you happen to see this post, I have a story for you, something that perhaps will give you strength when you need it. It's something so small, but to me, it's huge. Maybe when you see a ladybug, you'll know, too.

When nice things happen

I don't even know what to say, other than this is one of the nicest surprises I've gotten in a long time and I couldn't resist sharing...

Luanne is a woman I "know" through her blog, which is on my "daily must-read list." She reads my blog (not that there's much to read these days!), I read hers, and we exchange blog comments from time to time. I know that Luanne is a Disney-aholic, and she knows that I live in Florida. We each have two daughters (she has a son, too) and we are both fans of CoolPeopleCare and CoolMomsCare.

Out of the blue today, I got an email from Luanne, an email that made my day, week and month. Turns out that Luanne had preplanned (and paid for in advance) a weekend trip to Disney World in May for the Minnie Marathon and the 5K Go Red for Women, and some of her guests aren't able to make the date. She has an extra studio booked at the Boardwalk Villas, plus two tickets to Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party, an after hours party that my daughter keeps asking to attend, and we keep saying "maybe next time."

Luanne, giant sweetheart that she is, thought of my family (who she's never even met!) and offered the room and the tickets to us, free of charge. Say what?!?!? A 3-night stay at the Boardwalk Villas plus two party tickets, for nothing? How nice is that??

I talked to my husband, made sure the weekend was clear, then very happily accepted Luanne's offer, with the caveat that I'd like to pay her for at least the tickets. She said no. The only thing she would like in return is a group picture of us from Disney, to hang in her Disney-themed guest room. (Mind you, this is a big price for me, who is not a fan of being in front of the camera, but all in all, a very small thing to ask for such a big gift!)

I am in total shock at this amazing offer, this amazing woman, this amazing act of kindness. This is a biggie, one I'm not sure many of us can match. But when nice things happen to me, it inspires me to do nice things for other people, who hopefully, will be inspired to do nice things for someone else, too. The chain of kindness, I think that's really the nicest thing of all. Luanne, thanks for being nice and passing it on!