Inspiration Friday

happy friday lovebugs!
notice anything different?
the blog has had a bit of a mini facelift....
I'm working on a brand new design to launch sometime this month so stay tuned for that :)
in the meantime, let's share some inspiration, shall we? 

It's been a little hard for me to focus on this here blog lately and I'm attributing it to the fact that I feel so bogged down in other areas of my life right now. So for today, I'll leave you all with this little gem :)

Now I'm gonna turn it over to my very good friend, Kara, whom I've known since I was a kid. She's got a little something to share with you today about someone very important in her life. So show her some love :)

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Hello everyone! My name is Kara and I blog over at Once There Was a Tree! I've known Sarah since we were in elementary school, and it's been such a blessing to watch our lives unfold together! Obviously, I was honored when she asked me to be a part of her Inspiration Friday series... especially since this week I have been incredibly inspired by some one very, very special in my life. I think we could all learn a little from my God-Brother, Mitchell, whom I donated my kidney to almost 2 years ago.

Yesterday I wrote a post about Mitchell, because he is only 18 years old and already needing a third kidney transplant. In fact, he is having trouble finding a third match, so he starts dialysis this month. He never complains about not being able to go to a regular school, the constant pain he is in, the weekly trips  to and from the hospital, where sometimes he has to stay for weeks at a time. He can't eat some of his favorite foods, and doesn't even have the luxary of taking a hot shower. But I have never heard him say a negative word about his situation. In fact, whenever I see Mitchell he's a pretty happy person! He's always laughing, making jokes, and gives off an incredibly calming and positive vibe. At times it's hard for me to remember that he's human, because to me he's a super hero.

Mitchell's medical history is pretty complicated, because he needed his first transplant at a very young age and hosplitals all over the country are still trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with his body. It may be easier for you to hear the words directly from Mitchell, which can be found on his website here (http://savemitchell.com/2012/02/14/mitchells-story/#more-134)

So how has becoming a part of Mitchell's journey continually inspired me and changed the way I look at life? Such a loaded question. Mitchell has taught me that we are each responsible for how we handle any given situation -- we can sit and dwell in the negative, or we can choose to be positive and find other, often times more unique, ways of enjoying each moment. He's taught me the value of family and the importance of cherishing those close to you, because I have never met a family closer and more supportive of one another than his. And he's also inspired me to be a better person, and to do whatever my body is capable of doing to help those around me.

I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of Mitchell's life, because every time I see him or hear about him I am inspired all over again. He really is an amazing person, and I hope you will take the time to learn more about his story (http://savemitchell.com/) -- I promise you will be inspired by my favorite super hero :)

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If that doesn't put things in perspective, I don't know what does. 

I am so proud of Kara for doing something that not many people would have the courage to do. 

I hope you head over to his page to see what you can do - whether it's spreading the word, helping to raise money, or even just saying a little prayer for Mitchell. 

And this weekend, remember to be thankful for the little things, and for those around us.
happy weekending!

xoxo.