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Making A Difference
 Benjamin and Noah (ages 7 and 5 years old respectively) noticed that a shark in a local pet store seemed too large for the very little tank it swam in—around and around. The Black Tip Reef Shark from Indonesia could not grow anymore because the tank was too small. They decided that they would buy the shark so they could give it to an aquarium in Long Beach, CA, a place where the shark could grow and be happy. When I received their letter asking me for help, I knew that Benjamin and Noah had the power to make a difference in their world. To help raise money they sold lemonade and a bunch of their toys. After they had successfully completed their mission, their grandma told me that the shark smiled when it was first released into its new home. This is a true story!
Over and over again this past year the "making a difference" theme captured my attention and it became clear that this year's Holiday Newsletter wanted to focus on ways, little and small, that we each make a difference in our world, the one we live in day in and day out. It is my hope that some of the stories you read will inspire you and affirm the importance of the "little things" that "mean a lot." The fourth Saturday of every October is the national Make A Difference Day. This year that day happens to be October 26, my birthday! Although a special day has been set aside to celebrate neighbors helping neighbors, millions of people accomplish thousands of projects in hundreds of towns every day of the year.  When I wrote to you last year, I had just made arrangements with Hospice of the Valley to assist us in the care of my mother during her last days in our home. Before she took her last breath on Thanksgiving Day, she helped me understand the significance of sharing small moments and little things that are more precious than diamonds or pearls. We would blow kisses to each other across the room and I told her she looked nice even when she did not. I touched her hair as I passed her chair, gave her my arm as we crossed the street and called her to let her know I was on my way home. She held on to my hand when she thought she had lost her way and gave me her shoulder to cry on. Whether the day was bright or gray, I gave her my heart to rely on. Always and ever, now and forever, little things mean a lot.
Some people seem to specialize In doing thoughtful deeds. Before you ask, they understand Your problems and your needs. They help because they want to, They find joy in being kind, And making others happy Is the first thing on their minds. They make this world a better place By practicing the art Of reaching out to others And by giving . . . from the heart. Amanda Bradley Joyce Anne Ware Longfellow, MS Owner*Ambassador Children's Dental Village |
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Children's Dental Village
7360 South McClintock
Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 838-6949
tlc@childrensdentalvillage.net