The Kindness of Strangers

Tomorrow we remember and quietly celebrate the one year anniversary of Ori's bone marrow transplant.  Our boys have had quite a year.  We are beyond grateful that they both continue to enjoy normal lives as we enter this holiday season.

These last few days have been a roller coaster for our country.  It's hard not to feel a little disconnected from others when there is such division.  But there are always stories to remind us how truly interconnected and good we are.

And Ori's is one of them.

Ori is here today because of the kindness of a stranger.  At some point in his teenage life, a young man across the globe decided to register with Be the Match.  He had no idea when or if he might be called to give of himself.  He simply knew that somewhere, someday, someone might need his help, and he chose to be there, ready to maybe save a life.

And save a life he did.

Throughout this 8 year journey, our family has experienced the kindness of strangers too many times to count.  Strangers who donated toys or money to the hospital.  Strangers who sent us gift cards or presents in the mail.  Strangers who donated blood or platelets.  Strangers who brought us food.  Strangers who made cards for us.  Strangers who simply wished us well.  Strangers who made a difference in our lives.

Our family has been fortunate to have received gifts from strangers.  Strangers who gave without question, no matter how big or small the gesture. Strangers who simply saw a need and acted.  And these acts of kindness will always stay with us, reminding us that even in difficult times, the world is full of kind strangers who are willing to give.