Let there never be a question as to whether or not we are making a difference.  We are. Every week I get to tell new people about the Yellow Envelope Project and every week people are enthused and inspired that a committed group of readers can keep this initiative going week after week.

Anonymous letters of gratitude mailed to hardworking citizens who are committed to making a difference in their corners of the world.  What is not to love?

Oprah, what is not to love?!?

This week's recipient is a beautiful reminder of the gift of good parenting - seemingly appropriate since Sunday is Father's Day.  Take a look.

Kathy is a selfless giver and nurturer. She takes on the most important role anyone can ever assume...parent. However, she has taken on the role of a parental figure for 2 individuals who were not her own...her nephew...and me, her sister. My sister and I are 13 years apart.  My mom did the best she could, but she did not know how to parent and she never tried to learn. My sister was my positive motivation, my support system and the one who loved me unconditionally. When my mom told me going to college was stupid, my sister told me I could do it and took me to my college orientation. 5 years later, my mom wasnt watching me, cheering me on, shining with pride....my sister was. My sister was there when I gave birth, she flew out to watch me graduate with my master's, and when I said, "I do" on the courthouse stairs.  She is not my mom...but she showed me how to love, support and now...parent.  

We have a 4 year old nephew, who was born to 2 people who did not want kids and, unfortunately, it shows. He is developmentally delayed, does not talk and until this weekend... was wearing diapers. My sister watches him once a week and a few weekends a month (all while working 2 jobs, working on a bachelors online and raising her own kids). My sister is the love and attention that he needs and deserves. A few weekends ago she put underwear on him and 3 days later he got it.  He was potty trained. No, my sister did not potty train him in 3 days, he was already potty ready, but his parents never wanted to deal with the inconvenience, so they never put him in underwear. Because my sister put Toy Story underwear on him, praised him when he went to the potty, and took the time to focus on him...he showed he was ready and willing.

No matter how tired or busy my sister is, she makes the effort to get him and spend time with my nephew.  She gives him the best gifts a child could ever receive...attention, time and love.  My sister told me she cried when our nephew went home after spending 3 days with her. She feels she should do more and that she is somehow letting him down.  Please tell her she shines, not only to our nephew, but to others...because she upholds some of the House of Shine's principles: Be Present (she is in his life and mine); Realize the Impact of Little Things (she might not, but I can attest to how she impacted me); Be Accountable (she is holding herself accountable in her role as a parental figure); and Reject Mediocrity (she steps up when others dont and she goes beyond what anyone would expect of her).

To say anymore might diminish the beautiful and heartfelt message composed by this week's nominator.  I will leave well enough alone.

That leaves only the how-tos of the Yellow Envelope Project for those who might be new to our community.  Participating is easy:

Write a short note of gratitude to this week's recipient - Kathy.  Assure Kathy that her hard work does not go unnoticed and that there are people tucked away in all corners of our globe who applaud her contributions.  Let her know that we understand doing the right thing requires hard work and that, often times, it can leave us feeling depleted.  Point out that her commitment to her four year old nephew is just one of the many things that makes her shine.  

Seal Kathy's letter in a yellow envelope - or in a white envelope decorated with yellow markers or stickers - and address is to the address listed below.  Place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address and commit to mailing your letter sometime before next Saturday when we reconvene to recognize another worthy recipient.

Help keep Kathy going, because Kathy is a positive role model to others.  Her willingness to pitch in and help her sister allowed her sister to graduate from college.  Now her sister, who lives thousands of miles away from their home town in Ohio, is employed in a professional position helping others.  She is, in a way, carrying on the good work of her sister, Kathy.

One person shining her light in a small corner of the world can cast light that reaches far and wide. Please do your part to keep the light burning.  Your letter - your one letter - when added to mine and to Cheryl's, and to Heather's, and to Peggy's, and to Brian's, and to the countless other people who participate creates a beacon of light that let's Kathy know her contribution matters.

Ten minutes and $0.44.  Such a small price to pay for such huge payoffs.

Shining off until Monday...