Time for a Wake-Up Call

A couple of years ago - April 30th, 2010 to be exact - on a luxurious week away in Puerto Vallarta with my husband Tim, I had an awakening moment in my life that still brings tears to my eyes to this day. We left Mexico having sponsored two little girls named Valleria and Jennifer. These girls and their families lived at the city dump and struggled daily for the simple things we all take for granted such as food and shelter. Yet, every child I met at the dump that day was full of laughter and hugs. A day I will never, ever forget.

Fast forward two busy years full of everyday life and the "challenges" faced while juggling a business, a marriage, two children and two dogs all while living in one of the most desirable places on the planet in a comfortable, warm home full of everything you would ever need, including love. Yet, still, I "struggled." Life was "so hard." Time for a wake-up call... thankfully, one came.

My friend and probably one of the biggest hearts I know, Jonathan Cruz, invited me and Tim to join him in early December at Free Portrait. Held at Carnegie Community Centre on the Downtown East Side (DTES), Free Portrait was a one-day event where people living on the DTES were invited in for a warm coffee and to get free hair cuts, makeup and their portraits done by industry professionals as a Christmas gift.

Thank you Jonathan, for my early Christmas gift of gratitude and love that was given to me that day by so many warm and wonderful people and those who are truly struggling each and every day.

PS: I am happy to report that Valleria and Jennifer, along with their families, have moved away from the city dump in Puerto Vallarta and to a better home. We are now sponsoring a new family in the hopes that they too one day will find a better path.