As we come into this holiday season, I want to share with you a story about the power of social media and the kindness of strangers. I am not sharing this for recognition, but rather a reminder that sometimes the best self-care comes in the form of helping others.
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being part of the “The Great Elephant Expedition.” On Facebook, there is a group called Weird Secondhand Finds That Just Need to be Shared, in which people share photos and stories of interesting items found in thrift stores, at garage sales or were gifted to them. One day, a woman shared a photo of a side table that was a baby elephant with a glass tabletop that she found in a thrift store in Burnsville, MN. A man commented on this photo, stating:
“So without making this too sappy. I want this for my wife for Christmas. Our 13 year old son Brayden passed away from liver cancer just before last Christmas and the last thing he got her was an elephant picture with a mom and baby elephant and he told her it was his mom protecting him. I called the store they won’t take a card over the phone, they won’t ship it, and they won’t hold it for me even if I drive there, I’m in Michigan and its 12 hours away. I know it’s a shot in the dark but if there is anyone who is near this place that I could overnight a check to Western Union the money to them that they could get it for me and I would have ups come pick it up. Or I could come pick it up and buy you lunch or give you a couple bucks that would mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time read this it is greatly appreciated.”
A lady from Iowa made the decision that she was going to help this family get the elephant to Michigan. Along with me, she teamed up with people from all parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and finally to Michigan. At this time, the elephant gained the name Baby Brayden. Upon arriving to Michigan, they brought the elephant to his new home, along with Brayden’s favorite teacher, several of his friends and a member of law enforcement. You can see the photos and videos of Little Brayden’s 6 state, 700+ mile journey here on Facebook.
Throughout the act, the ladies who engaged in it talked about their reasons why they chose to offer their help-- the loss of friends/family to cancer, the spirit of the season, etc. The overall consensus was a love for helping others and the sense of fulfillment helping others provides.
This holiday season and throughout 2020, I challenge you to practice self-care by helping others.