My beautiful niece Alyssa recently graduated from George Washington University with a BS in Public Health.
She is an inspiration to all of us, and because many family members comment on the undeniable resemblance to Alyssa and my daughter Olivia. I must tell you that not only do they look alike, but they both share the same independent spirit and I hope and pray that Olivia will one day follow in her footsteps. Alyssa has also inspired me as a special Mom, as she reminded me last week of a fellow student of hers that is a person with cerebral palsy that also graduated last week.
This post is in honor of Alyssa, and all that she represents…
Dear Alyssa,
When I think of you, I think of the word “pioneer”—and all that it means….one definition of pioneer is “the first one in any effort.”
Thank you for being a pioneer in our family. Thank you for setting the bar high for all of your little cousins and siblings to arise to. I am so grateful for the amazing pioneer spirit God has given you.
Your amazing work ethic, your brilliant mind, along with your beautiful heart that longs to serve those that have less than you makes you one of my heroes here on earth. Your passion and drive has come from your loving parents and family that surround you, and God gave you your independent drive and passion as He knit you in your mother’s womb.
For all that you are, I beam with pride. Not only do you have dreams, you are making them come true. And the thing about a true pioneer is that their dreams surpass their own needs and wants and desires---the dreams of a true pioneer have the needs, hopes, and dreams of others first….that is you.
The work that you have invested time and money in to benefit women and children in Rwanda is awesome…I am so thrilled that this week the women of that village will be able to put their arms around your neck and thank you personally.... I know that I know in my spirit, that you are an answer to their prayers that they have been praying for the past decade….they have been crying out to God for someone to help their children get medical care, and have a harvest for their children so they can have basic necessities that we all take for granted. The work that you and your fellow students through GlobeMed have done—are the answers to their desperate prayers.
Please take 5 minutes and watch this video of a song called “Pioneer” by Rick Pino. It sums up what you stand for:
I love you,
Aunt Maria (Re Ree)
To see the amazing work Alyssa and GlobeMed are doing in Rwanda click here:
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For updates on their trip to Rwanda starting tomorrow, click here:
Visit www.GlobalGiving.org --a wonderful organization that Alyssa works for that enables anyone to give to any cause—including those that affect people with disabilities.
Congratulations, Alyssa....and to your Aunt Re Re, who also shares your compassionate soul, your amazing work ethic, your pioneer spirit and warm heart!
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