The power of paying it forward!

 While I was in the Foothills Hospital, I received a card from another patient.  It was a homemade card that just wished me the best from one patient to another and that little gesture had a big impact.  It started the process on how could I give to other patients while doing something with the beautiful cranes you all sent me. Mike, Joanne (my friend) and I made packages containing 20 cranes with the following note:

I dropped off 40 bags to the nursing unit just prior to heading back to Edmonton.  It crossed my mind a few times wondering if they were able to be distributed and if they had any impact on someone else.  Then our Calgary social worker had sent an email to Mike and I with the following:

Wanted to send you a quick note to let you know I was just in with a patient that has your paper cranes hanging in her room. She expressed deep appreciation for them and is now thinking of ways she can ‘pay it forward.’ A friend knit her small hearts (they fit in the palm of your hand) for her admission and she is thinking that is something she could potentially provide for future patients.

Please know that your donation is having a beautiful impact.

I am so grateful that we were able to receive this email as it emphasized how acts of kindness have impacts even if you do not immediately see the outcome.  It really is a ripple effect that spreads rapidly and touches many.  This ripple effect could not have started without you and I appreciate being a part of it.