« view 10: the amazingly-awesome, super-spectacular, breathtakingly-wonderful, resounding success of the photo drive »
Remember the photo drive? So, this is how amazing you are:
You guys are so amazing, that when I laid out all of the photographs I received to take the shots for today's post, I finally gave up after my kitchen table -- which comfortably seats six people, by the way -- was buried under photos 5 deep. Marcus and I estimate that I received somewhere in the neighbourhood of one thousand images.
You guys are so amazing, that I received your packages of images from over 10 countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, St. Croix, South Korea and at least 30 states of the USA.
You guys are so amazing, you sent photos of your cats. Your dogs. Your birds. Your fish. You sent pictures of spiders, ladybugs, dragonflies, damselflies, houseflies and butterflies. You sent shots of blowing dandelions, bubbles and balloons. You sent images of sunrises, sunsets, rainstorms, snowstorms. You sent photos of the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge. There were flowers, statues, toys, trees, sunshine, beaches -- oh, so many beaches -- horses, seals, dolphins, sharks, tigers ...
You guys are so amazing that you wrote such beautiful, touching notes of love, encouragement and kindness on the backs of your images. As I read each of them, I kept thinking that the kids are going to love them, but more importantly, the families of the kids are going to love them -- I can't imagine how heartening it will be for them to know that people from all around the world care.
I will be taking the photos to Texas Children's Hospital today. You guys are so amazing that when I called the Volunteer Services director and told her about the response, she informed me that because of your generosity, she's going to be able to distribute these not just for the holidays, but throughout the year. Think about that: you guys made it possible so that the spirits of sick children will be lifted throughout 2010.
So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your response has positively made my holiday season. And also: to those of you who were so sweet ... so kind ... to send me personal notes, stick extra photographs in your package just for me, and send me small gifts like stationery, magnets, and tea bags (tea bags, for heaven's sake!), I was SO moved. I've kept every one of your notes and cards and images, and they will be added to my personal journal throughout the year. I'll use the stationery with honour. The magnets are already on our fridge. And the tea?
Well, the tea was drunk a long time ago.
Thank you. THANK YOU.
Song: Thank you by Boyz II Men. Aw yeah.
Tue, December 15, 2009
Reader Comments (22)
Congratulations on the success on this campaign. Being a photographer, what do you think of the quality of pictures sent to you? I originally intended to send some pictures but I was kind of intimidated. Maybe I'll enrol photography...or get a nice camera...someday. Keep doing what you are already doing and more!
how cool! i'm so disappointed i didnt get to send any! there's always a next time, eh?
Ha, I could see one of my pics on the table:)
How wonderful so many pictures. I have just ordered more pictures and I will distribute them to an old people's home round the corner. Thanks for inspiring me to do this. I loved it!
Melx
This makes me so happy, I can't even tell you!
Inspirational in a catch-your-breath sort of way. Nice job Pied Piper!
This is amazing -- evidence of how you have influenced so many peoples' lives.
!!!
yay!
The kindness that comes from strangers is something that continually inspires me. Your sponsorship of the photo drive, and the kind souls who participated are exactly what the holiday season should honor.
I once received an anonymous gift when I was down on my luck and my daughter had just endured open heart surgery. She was three. My son was five. I was young, newly divorced and stuggling to even find a bright spot in my day. When, out of nowhere, $100 magically appeared on my desk at work. There was no name attached, just a note: "Santa wants your children to have a great Christmas." I stood there, at my desk at work, in front of everybody and cried. I was so grateful.
I still don't know who gave me the money. But, I do know that my children had a good Christmas that year. I am still knocked over witih gratitude.
That happened about 14 years ago.
thanks so much for bringing it to the forefront of my mind today.
I feel uplifted.
Thank you Karen and people of the world for acts of kindness.
These are beautiful - I am blown away, too.
Ohhh, this photo drive must have happened while I was on blog hiatus while being overwhelmed with work. I'm sorry I missed it, it sounds like you've organized something wonderful. YOU'RE photos of all of those beautiful photos are gorgeous as well. You must feel amazing right now to have inspired so many to contribute! :)