Ring those Phones with Gratitude

There is joy in my heart as I start to fully realize how my new mobility scooter will change my life and overwhelming gratitude for the Kinsmen Foundation for making it possible. 

The phrase “Ring those phones!” keeps running through my mind.

The first Telemiracle happened when I was six months old. I don’t remember that one, but I do remember growing up with Saskatchewan’s incredible annual telethon.

I remember sitting in front of the television for an entire weekend trying to decide when to make my pledge. Should I call early and help get things started? Should I wait until the end and help raise the total? Maybe stay up in the middle of the night and hope they would put my call on the air?

What I learned from Telemiracle was simple; small gifts, added together, make big things happen.

A couple of weeks ago I reconnected with my friend Jeff Straker. Jeff and I served on the ASSU together and were part of the team that helped establish what became the USSU Pride Centre. Over the years, Jeff has also spent countless hours supporting Telemiracle through his music. His own writing echos mine, and I share his awe at how incredible the people of Saskatchewan have been for 50 years. 

The day we connected I had just heard from the Kinsmen that my application had been approved.

A few weeks later, I sit here and marvel at the scooter in my classroom that is going to change my summer and hopefully my whole life. 

I see how this scooter and all the stories I’ve been telling connect.  The different strands of my life have each brought me a different opportunity, a different lesson, and different people. People who know how to show up and keep showing up to help create a community together. 

Things aren’t easy right now. Trying to navigate how to keep going and raise what WebbSprout needs in terms of awareness, infrastructure, student enrollment, and fundraising support is no small feat.  

Today I am reminded very keenly that every small act of kindness and support makes a world of difference.

I’m so blessed to have found so many companions in my life who have made what I’m doing today possible.

As I work to grow WebbSprout, preserve the space it calls home, and create opportunities for more children and families, I find myself thinking about the lesson Telemiracle has taught me.

Every step matters, even if I decide to scoot instead of walk. 

WebbSprout exists because people keep showing up for one another. I’m hopeful the next chapter will be built the same way.

Small gifts, added together, make big things happen.