December 11, 2011: Inspiration Begets Inspiration

Heaveno!

This is how inspiration works.

Mommy, daddy, Ali, and Julian watch CNN's Heroes of 2011 on the television.

We watch inspirational stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Our hearts swell upon hearing story after story.



I say to Ang, "You know, it's been a privilege being Bella's parents because in some small way, we've been heroes to parents, spouses, and people that have written to tell us what a difference we've made."

She responds, "I like to think that Bella is the real hero."

Right as always, but it's okay to acknowledge our roles as "supporting actors," I say.

Then, as I look at the picture in the living room of Ali hugging Bella, I turn to Ali and I say, "I know of one other hero who donated her bone marrow to her little sister."

To which Ali responds - out of the blue, "I want to sell my art to the world to raise money."

"Who do you want to raise money for?" I ask.

"Bella's doctors."

So, as I give her a bath, she and I start to brainstorm different ways to share her art with the world.  Among many of the ideas, a vlog (video blog) emerges where she'll draw a picture - like Bob Ross, baby - and while we're brushing teeth, she decides she wants to do her first episode tonight.  So, with, um, no planning, I give you episode 1 of Ali's Art World...



Life is good.  Stay tuned for more inspiration.  Here's a seed.  When you find yourself inspired, do something inspiring.  There's no better time to do so.



God night.

last but not least, one of my all time favorite pics of Bella and me...