the Why, the How, the Who...

One of the coolest things about our particular era is the "GO GREEN" initiative.
History was always my favorite subject in school. Why? Because it's just so
interesting! In every culture, every academic discipline, and in every aspect
of life, History tells the story of how we got to where we are NOW. I have
always found that so fascinating. History shows us our mistakes, our victories,
our perspectives, and ultimately defines in many ways, who we are as a society.

When I was growing up, my mom was just about the "Greenest" person ever! I
mean, she wouldn't even throw away a paper towel after she had wiped her hands
with one! Literally, if we were in a public restroom, she would wash her hands,
then she would grab a paper towel and dry her hands. Because her hands were
already clean when drying them on the clean paper towel, she would save the
paper towel. She would fold it up, and take it home. She had a special drawer
where she saved those used (but clean) paper towels. These paper towels were
for cleaning the floors, bathrooms, or to mop up messes. When I was young I
thought that was normal. But as I got older I soon realized how NOT normal that
was!

Furthermore, she would take me to her work place every month on her day off. On
her day off (mind you) we would collect the aluminum cans from the recycle bin
and crush them, bag them up, and then take them to the recycle center. I asked
her one day, "So how come your job makes you do this?" She laughed and said,
"My job doesn't make me do this! I set out this recycle bin and started
collecting the cans so they wouldn't just get thrown away! I can't stand to see
people be so wasteful." That was my mom. On top of that she would use the
money that was collected from the cans to sponsor children in developing
countries. It all made sense! I always wondered why my mom always got those
"Thank you" cards from children in Guatamala and Africa. A light bulb went off
in my head. Ahhh! I know the why, the how, the who, and ultimately the
definition of the who. My mom is a Saint. That's all there is to it. And that
is how it will be recorded in History.

My mom taught and continues to teach me many wonderful things. Be "Green", and
be charitable. I guess that's why I love this organization so much. I know I
am teaching the same lessons to my kids by doing these swaps. But our hope is
that all people in all communities will get these valuable lessons. Not
everyone has a mom like mine ;)

Which brings me to all of YOU. Whatever your purpose for becoming a swap
organizer, being a volunteer, or being a swapper, one thing is for certain - there was, and is, a why, a how, and ultimately a definition of YOU. I am pleased to report that YOU are a Saint.
And that is all there is to it. And that is how it will be recorded in History.

Have yourself an awesome week ;)