Yesterday was my son's first day of kindergarten, so I know what it feels like to count on someone else to make everything ok for your child.  I was at the mercy of Mrs. DiViero, as my precious six year old son - all 42 pounds of him - walked into the cavernous hallways of his new elementary school.  Even first graders looked huge compared to Matthew.  What would happen if he didn't know what to do, where to go, or if he didn't feel included?  Who would watch over him the way I would?

Yesterday, I was counting on Mrs. DiViero, his kindergarten teacher, to shine at her job.  And she did.  Matthew came home reporting that he liked his first day of school (though he still thought there were too many "baby toys" in the room).

Today's nominator tells a similar tale - though, I can only imagine, much more emotional.  Look at what she writes: 

"Judy is a lactation consultant (LC) at Johns Hopkins, the best hospital in the country, possibly the world. And she's it--the only LC in the whole place. Back in 2008, I spent many weeks there with my son, who was an exclusively breastfed newborn recovering from major surgery. During his recovery, he was in traction and could not be held, so we faced some breastfeeding challenges, to say the least. As a first-time, postpartum mom, I had a very difficult time, both physically and emotionally, and Judy really saved my sanity and helped me take things one day at a time. She came in to see me day after day, sometimes when I asked the nurses to call her, and sometimes just to check in, but always with a smile, an expert tip, and words of encouragement for what a great thing I was doing for my son. Thanks to her support, Lucian and I were able to maintain our nursing relationship through a very difficult time, and he never had a drop of formula. I am profoundly grateful for her patient, tireless physical and emotional support during those difficult days. It is World Breastfeeding Week, and Judy and other lactation consultants do amazing work for mothers and babies every day, usually without thanks. I'd love for every lactation pro to receive a note of thanks this week, but Judy holds a special place in my heart, so let's start with her!"

To anyone who has every counted on another person to shine when taking care of their small and vulnerable child, please consider participating in today's Yellow Envelope Project.  It takes ten minutes, but will most certainly reinforce the passion and commitment of this remarkable woman.  A mailbox of yellow envelopes is the gift we give Judy.  Judy's renewed energy for serving thousands of other mothers and babies is the gift we give the rest of the world.

Here's how to do your part.

Write Judy a short note letting her know you think she shines.  Seal it in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers or stickers) and place the words "Yellow Envelope Project" in place of your return address.  Commit to mailing it to the address listed below, sometime before next Saturday when we meet again to recognize our next worthy recipient.

Such a simple act of kindness, but when combined with the simple acts of hundreds of others, there is the possibility of such profound effects.  You know I'm right, but... only if each of you follows through with ten minutes of your time.

Shining off until Monday...