Yellow Envelope Project coming attcha' from a hotel room on Saturday morning, where I am enjoying a weekend getaway with my husband.  

That is just one example of how unstoppable our tribe is about scouring the planet for people who shine and then making time to reinforce their contributions.

Today's recipient is an inspiration to anyone like me, who in some crazy and distorted way, can get upset about the inconvenience of having a husband who travels because his business is picking up or because of the extra laundry generated by having a new pool in the backyard.  Helloooooooo, Claudia.  Some perspective, please!

Here is an example of Keeping Perspective (Shine Principle #):

Ron is a cancer survivor - he has been in remission from pancreatic/duodenal cancer for almost 9 years. His personal motto is "surthrival" and having almost lost his life to a killer form of cancer he does indeed strive to thrive and help others to do the same. Ron is an ultra runner, and has combined his love for running with the opportunity to raise money for and awareness about cancer research through Relay for Life events. Ron was joined at a recent Relay for Life event by a young guest who is battling an uncommon form of pediatric cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. In honor of his guest and other cancer patients and to the delight of others present, Ron shaved his head on the spot declaring that baldness is a symbol of the courageous, warrior spirit that exists in every cancer patient who is fighting for their life. This is only one example of the many ways in which Ron shines among us, going above and beyond volunteerism to personal involvement in the lives of cancer patients and survivors to give them hope and a spirit of "surthrival."

I love that Ron is an ultra runner.  If running is a good way to stay fit and healthy, I imagine ultra-running is Ron's way of saying, "I'll see your fit and healthy and raise you another hundred miles or so."  He isn't just thankful to be alive.  Ron is living life like someone determined to make a contribution.  

He isn't just relishing in his own remission and leaving other cancer patients to fend for themselves.  Ron actively involves himself in helping to raise money and awareness about the importance of cancer research.  He's a setter, like us.  He is dutifully doing his part to make the world a better, brighter place.  No bells, no whistles, and apparently... no hair either.  

Ron embodies so much of what the House of Shine stands for.  He, as his nominator describes, has a warrior spirit, is compassionate, and generously gives of himself.  Life goes on even if we don't send Ron a note.  True.  But, if we do send Ron a note then the importance of his work is underscored and maybe, just maybe this warrior will receive the jolt of motivation he needs to keep on going.

Playing is easy.  Jot his short note and place it in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers and/or stickers).  Address it to the address listed below and place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address.  Put a stamp on it and commit to mailing your envelope before next Saturday when we post the name of another worthy recipient.

Shining off until Monday.