I am feel like one of the lucky people in the world. I have an amazing and loving family, and more friends than I can keep up with. I have learned how short and precious life is through each of them.
Lately several of them have taken to writing for the causes that impact their lives, and I wanted to take a moment to share the stories of two great people in my life because I think there is something we can all learn from both of them.
The first is my dear friend Kristi Simmons. At the age of 29 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not only that, her mother and her Aunt were also diagnosed. In 2007, her mother lost her fight with this devastating disease. If that is not enough, my friend Kristi, not only under went and beat this disease, she remains one of the most optimist, positive people that I know. Read more about her story here: http://www.komenaustin.org/assets/race-documents/why-i-race/kristi-svec-simmons.pdf 
The second is my sister, Michelle Hensel. In April of this year she gave birth to my niece and nephew at 23/24 weeks. For those of you that haven't already done the math, they were only carried for about 6 months--not long enough. Her struggles to get through this emotional time, and fight to bring those babies home was tremendous. In August of this year, both babies came home. The road ahead is still long for all of them, but they are still with us to travel it. Read her inspiring stories here: http://camdyncade.blogspot.com/Now, other than great reading I think there is something to be learned by these inspirational words. Experiences are what connects us...they are the things that bring us together...that move us to act...that inspire us.
Takeaway: Think about how you can use the stories that impact your life to do great things. Kristi uses hers to raise money for Susan G. Komen, Michelle uses hers to help other families of premature babies, & starting today, you will use yours to____________________.
