Counting my blessings

I try to remember that I am blessed, very blessed with my family, our health, happiness and more... I know at times that I am sure I can take all of it for granted.  I try not too, but I am sure it happens. Working at Volunteers of America (VOA) has reminded me how lucky we really are to have a house, cars, the necessities to be safe, healthy and happy.  Not everyone has that and it's becoming more and more of a reality today.  I have had the opportunity to meet some really special people and families while working at VOA, many who have touched my heart.  These people are not any different than me or my family, they just have not been as lucky in life and are currently experiencing difficult times... my family could easily be in their shoes, if Ryan and I lost our jobs we too could be needing the help of organizations like Volunteers of America.  This brings me to my point for saying all of this...

The Summer's family (shown above) recently stayed at our Family Emergency Shelter after a series of unfortunate events, but things recently started looking up for them, until a couple days ago.  Rebecca Summers, the mother, unexpectedly passed away in her sleep leaving behind a husband with deteriorating health and six children aged 4 to 18.  This family caught the hearts of so many while staying at the shelter, they are the sweetest, most loving family... who have stayed together through tough times.  The Courier-Journal published an article on the front page of the Metro section today... you can read it HERE.  You can also view a documentary made by Angela Shoemaker below that featured this lovely family before Rebecca's death. 

This is such a sad story and my heart goes out to the family, especially the children. They will need help, so there has been a Memorial account set up at PNC.  You can contribute to the Summers Family Memorial Account at any Greater Louisville PNC bank location.  Every little bit helps. 

Again, I need to make a better effort to count my blessings every single day... you never know when it all could change.