#113: Thank You

Today has been quite a surprising day.

I learned I have been appointed to a County Commission committee to assist the area's elderly.

Another county invited me to make five presentations to 9th-12th graders on Drinking and Driving/Highway Safety.

And, the letter that brought tears to my eyes:

"The SparkPeople Community thinks you are a motivation to others!

SparkPeople Members can vote for SparkPages that are motivational, based on Community involvement, personal accomplishments and more. You have received enough votes to become a "SparkPeople Motivator."

I am truly appreciative that so many of you thought to express your feelings about the encouragement and support I have tried to give to others on the SP site.

It has been four months of expressing heart-felt compassion for those enduring financial and other hardships, of praying for those against whom the world has turned, of trying to lift up with my words all of those who have felt defeated and unworthy of being a success.

I have answered the call to take over leadership of two groups, "Bowling For Weight Loss" and "I Can Do All Things Through Christ!" Both groups have shown an increase in membership, the latter from 284 to 361. That some of you are interested in these teams is not because of me, it is because there is something special occurring within the teams and with their members.

During my time on SparkPeople I have laughed at your humor, commiserated with your troubles and felt your disappointment. You, in turn, have been an inspiration to me more than I can express.

I am uplifted when I read your huddle comments and your blogs and posts. I am inspired by the number of members who respond with hope and prayers when a fellow SparkPeople member needs them. And I am amazed at the times I, myself, feel down and then receive a Goodie or a kind post on my profile page.

This is an honor I will not forget.

Thank you all.