Today has been a truly wonderful day. It’s also been an emotional day, filled with happiness and a few tears. I’m pretty wiped out at this point, so I’ll try to keep this brief.
Last night I sent out my fundraising email for TNT. I followed the directions they gave us and sent the email to everyone I know, including people on Facebook whom I haven’t seen in over 20 years (grammar school & high school friends). Since I have over 275 friends on Facebook, I was hoping that a few of them would donate a bit of money. Maybe $10 or so.
I went to bed, and when I awoke this morning, I already had two donations of $25 each. Then I got to school and I had 3 more. As the day continued, the funds raised kept growing and growing. People were extremely generous in their giving. Overwhelmingly so.
A few times throughout the day, I went to my fundraising page and reread what I had written. Every time I read the part about my uncle, I get tears in my eyes. I miss him so much, and he was such an inspiration in my life. I know he would be so proud of me if he were still here. You see, my uncle always wanted me to lose weight so that I would be healthier, and I know that he would be so happy at all that I’ve accomplished so far. I know that when I cross the finish line in May, because I WILL cross it, he’s going to be there with me too.
As the day continued into evening, more donations came in. I can’t believe the amount people are giving in this economy. I am so happy that people are willing to support me to reach this challenging goal. So far today I’ve raised $875. In ONE day! I still have a long way to go to get to the minimum goal of $2900, but if I have a few more days like today, I think I can get there.
When they say that TNT will change your life, I thought it was mostly about pushing yourself to your physical limits and then surpassing them. I had no idea it was also going to be about a renewed sense of the spirit of human generosity and kindness. I have been blown away by so many of my friends, family, and colleagues today that I am humbled and awestruck.
If you’d like to donate, you can click on this link. Thank you for donating anything you can, if you can. I appreciate it more than you know.
Bella on the Beach 