Random act of kindness

In English Language Art class, Emily was asked to tell about a random act of kindness.

She wrote about making me coffee in the morning πŸ™‚

I thought that was good but we got a note home saying it had to be something you do for no reasons, for someone you don’t know.

That left us puzzled.

For Emily, someone she doesn’t know is not someone she interacts with.

We’ve spent years teaching her about safety and personal spaces.

That homework got difficult suddenly so we left it aside for now.

Tonight, after a fabulous birthday party, we stopped at the Shoppers Drug Mart.

As we walked in all chatty, I noticed 2 guys looking at Valentines cards. One of them was looking at us. We get looked at quite a bit, I barely ever noticed it.

Emily and I looked for treats, little snacks and Valentines.

On the way to the cash register, Emily grabbed a Lindt rose, I told her we had enough stuff already and to put the rose back.

As we were paying, I saw those 2 guys again, waiting at the cash register behind us. From up close they looked more like father and son…. Maybe.

I’m not good at guessing people’s age.

Emily and I walked out and as we were getting in our vehicle, the younger guy came out of the drugstore, walking fast towards us… Well more like towards me as Emily went around the truck to her door.

Him: “excuse-me”

Me: “yes” (thinking we dropped something)

Him: “she said she wanted a rose right?”

Me: “yes”

Him: “here” (pointing the box of Lindt rose for me)

Me (smiling): “you can give it to her”

He went around and gave it to Emily who said thank you and climbed into the truck.

Once in the truck, she blushed and had tears flowing.

“Random act of kindness” experienced first hand by Emily.

It was so sweet, and the fact that he asked me before offering the chocolates to Emily was really lovely.

I don’t know why she caught his eye when we walked in but I know she will always remember Valentine’s week, getting this gift from a stranger.

IMG_6842

Run for the cure

Today is our 16th wedding anniversary and Emily’s christening anniversary.

So, a month or so ago, I signed Emily and I for the CIBC Run for the cure as part of my work team.

I figured this would be something fun to do as a family. I helped Emily raised the amount she pledged and I did my own fundraising.

On Friday, we had a bake sale at work. I’m not a baker but tried my best.

IMG_6060.JPG

IMG_6044.JPG

IMG_6058.JPG

IMG_6062.JPG

IMG_6056.JPG

IMG_6067.JPG

As of this morning, we were just over the $4,000 mark. This is so awesome. I can’t wait to see what our final tally will be.

…..

Tomorrow, oct 6th, will be the 15th anniversary of Emily’s diagnosis.

15 years ago, we were told Emily would never walk. Every single doctor and therapist we’ve met that first couple of years after her diagnosis continued to tell us she would never walk!

Emily was almost 3 when her physio therapist started to believe she might walk. She had a walker for a year before she started walking on her own.

…..

Fast forward to today.

We could do a 1km or a 5km. Emily, Jon and I decided to do the 5km.

IMG_6076.JPG

IMG_6080.JPG
Just before the run started Emily had the best surprise ever. Wild Willie, our junior hockey team’s mascot showed-up.

Emily knows someone’s in the costume and she knew that this year was supposed to be a new person in the costume. She knew he wouldn’t recognized her like the previous Willie did. We’ve “known” him for 8 years or so, he comes to see her at the game and even showed up at her birthday party one year.

But something special happened today.

IMG_6081.JPG

IMG_6083.JPG

IMG_6087.JPG
Emily’s favorite cat was the same as last year! And that means a lot of hugs and smiles and hand holdings.

They were both so happy to see each other that the big cat decided to join on our walk.

Yes, my girl has that kind of effect on people who have known her over the years.

She makes people around her, cheer for her and get inspired by her.

Around 1.5km in our walk, the beautiful fall day turned into pouring rain.

So much rain!

β˜”οΈβ˜”οΈβ˜”οΈ

We made it to around 3km when Emily said her feet were wet and although I am sure our feline friend would have continued, I am guessing his fur was getting really heavy and he had to be thirsty.

We took a short cut to the finish line.

3km in the rain on uneven ground through the park for the girl who wasn’t supposed to walk is a really big achievement.

So to celebrate in style, I got her a medal.

IMG_6097.JPG

IMG_6094.JPG

IMG_6092.JPG

Once home, we changed into dry clothes and ate Subway sandwiches.

Happy Anniversary to us!

I found the medal on the races for awareness website (they are on Facebook). Joanna helped me get the medal here within 2 days of contacting her as I wanted it here in time for today. The medal is awesome, if you ever need one, check them out.

IMG_6052.JPG