Day 1 - June 1st

[Madison]

I gave my first gift on Friday afternoon, but I didn't have the blog then so I didn't write about it. It was (Dylan) my boyfriend's little brother's high school graduation on Saturday (yay Blake!) so the family was going out for a special dinner at Red Lobster. I had been invited, but sadly had to decline and work at the theater because all our graduating high schoolers took the Friday and the weekend off. I decided to get Blake a card...he's a sweetie, and I actually knew him long before his brother and I met and started dating. I wrote him a long letter before I set off to do errands before work when I noticed my $20 bill I had been saving since a babysitting job a few nights before. I'm short on money all the time, since the theater isn't giving many hours these days. But I had just finished reading "29 Gifts" that morning, and knew this would be a perfect opportunity to start giving. Sometimes when I lend money to friends or put it in the offering plate at church, I know I'm doing the right thing, but I feel a pang of sadness letting go of my hard earned money. I'm not a workaholic or obsessed with income, but every dollar I earn is because of a LOT of hard work, and I don't make much. However, I had no fears as I slipped the bill in the letter, and then sealed it in the card and envelope, sitting in my ancient Honda Civic in the CVS parking lot. I was literally so happy to give him his present. Blake is one of the kindest, most generous and serving 18 year old boys I know, and he deserves all the $20 bills, love and support I can give.

[Deb~ Community Manager]

You are off and runningt, girl! Way to give, Madison!

[Lois55 wwt]

What a super start, Madison, I believe you have a wonderful giving heart!

[Anita Silva]

Welcome to this website. A great start to your challenge, Madison.