My first gift - to this community
Six years ago I was fired from my job. I was 49, single, broke and had a pretty bad attitude. I was so burnt out from the career path I had chosen that I couldn't bear the thought of finding another job in that field, so I opted for unemployment to give me time to re-think my life and path.
Around the same time, two Muslim families in the city I live in were going through an ordeal that made my situation seem like a vacation. Both fathers had been targeted in an FBI sting operation and ultimately arrested for money laundering (a charge I & many others adamantly believe to be wrong). While the men were awaiting trial in the county prison, their wives and children (ten in total) were suffering terribly, and very frightened.
An Iraqi Muslim friend of mine called one day to ask if I could help raise some money for the children's school supplies. This was the first time the families came within my personal radar, although I had heard about the men and the FBI sting on the news. I agreed to help out of concern for the children, and together we raised about $200.00 from friends and acquaintances.
My friend asked me to come to one of the homes to deliver the gifts (we purchased all of the supplies ourselves). This was the beginning of a very profound shift in my life, as I got to know the families and ultimately an entire community that I would never have reason to participate in otherwise.
I am trying to write a memoir about my experiences during that year, and the amazing gifts that came out of it for me: I was able to bolster enough support to buy a small cafe which quickly became a popular haven for artists, musicians and lots of creative people; fell in love with and married a wonderful man; saw my daughter fall in love and marry another wonderful man; bought a house; adopted two rescue dogs.., and helped to start the Muslim Solidarity Committee and the Jihidi Peace Sisters, both of which groups are still active today.
I hope to find my voice and inspiration to write this story through the 29 day giving challenge. But, because I've already seen the results of giving from my joyful heart, I also know that this may not be the universe's plan for me. So, I am willing to see what happens.
Thank you, Cami, for writing that book, and for inspiring so many people with your own story and your gift of determination.
This will be my first gift to the 29Day community, because I have not really told this story publicly before.
Comment
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Comment by Angeleyes3135 on March 6, 2012 at 9:00am
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You have shown your open and giving heart XXX
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Comment by Grace Co on January 31, 2012 at 6:19am -
So nice to hear your story :) Good Luck on your journey. I wish you well :)
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Comment by Ruth on January 16, 2012 at 5:40am -
Catherine, i've just read your story and you show so clearly how gifting has many aspects. Your gift has helped out in the lives of those to whom you've given directly but it has done so much more and the enrichment of life itself for you and so many with whom you're in touch - the touch of heartfelt feelings to make this world a happier place. Thank you for sharing in every way.
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Comment by Anita Silva on December 19, 2011 at 2:21am -
What a beautiful, positive story Catherine. You really changed these people's lives (and your own!)
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Comment by Catherine Callan on December 10, 2011 at 7:01pm -
thank you Sharon. It's great to hear others stories about moving out of our own comfort zones and learning the beauty of different life styles. What an amazing world we live in, like different facets of a prism :-)
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Comment by Sharon D-29 Gifts Ambassador on December 10, 2011 at 6:51pm -
I too, have befriended a Muslim recently, by the grce of God, our paths would not normally have crossed.
This is a major shift in my reality and my response to the culture.
It is a beautiful life to those who are not the radical and dangerous Muslims that many think they all are.
If it had not been for my friendship with a Muslim woman here on 29 gifts, I would not have befriended the woman in my community.
I hope these stories will open the eyes of others to the fact that many are not monsters, and we can all be friends.
-s
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Comment by Dawn wwt on December 9, 2011 at 6:25pm -
wow, that is quite a story! i believe it will make a very readable book...i know i'd buy it! life has surprises we never would have guessed in our wildest dreams, that's for sure. welcome to the 29 Gifts family! Hugs, Dawn
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Comment by Rita on December 9, 2011 at 4:18pm -
what a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
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Comment by Lois55 wwt on December 9, 2011 at 3:29pm -
Good luck in this endeavor, Catherine. I wish you all the best...and welcome here!
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Comment by Deb~ Community Manager on December 9, 2011 at 1:50pm -
I look forward to it Catherine~
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