We rise by lifting others

"We rise by lifting others ~ Robert Ingersol"

Every year on Ryan's birthday and throughout the month of December we set out to do good deeds, positive ways to influence others the way we were taught by him. Often the ideas appear in the wee hours of the day, other times it is a spontaneous reaction as I recall the first signs of joy.

And although I never set out to pay it forward for the accolades, it is nice to hear how these small acts influence others and provide a healing impact that echoes throughout the day.

On Wednesday, December 7th, what would be Ryan's 29th birthday, the day of  the Stan Hywet event, I woke early with a plan, I had decided I wanted to purchase drinks for 29 people at Starbucks, and while I could not stand there to witness each purchase, I had devised an average cost and left that amount on a gift card which they swiped for each purchase.

The next day I stopped in to see how the pay it forward went when recognizing the employee from the day before, her words lifted me as she shared the tenderness of others who were touched by Ryan's story and chose to add to the card to keep it going into the morning hours.

Yes, goal accomplished, promote kindness...

With this positive momentum, I expressed gratitude to the kind souls who take care of others by making a quick trip to Dunkin Donuts for several dozen donuts and munchkins to deliver to the nursing staff where my mom is, as well as a couple Target gift cards to share with grandchildren that visit the home.

The day was powerful, promoting the joy I was in search of, taking a story of sadness and sprinkling kindness around me that continued into the evening hours. This tribute to Ryan became a guidepost to reduce sadness, however, it does not take a loss to promote kindness, we just have to be willing to see the good in those around us.