It's hard to believe that October is already upon us. Which leads to Evan's 5th Birthday, my birthday two weeks later, followed by Thanksgiving...and about 4 days later, what would have been Ethan's 8th Birthday. I was going to wait to write about this, but felt that the more time people had to prepare, the better participation we could get. In honor of Ethan's Birthday, we are declaring November 29th The Golden Rule Day.
THE GOLDEN RULE:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
As many of you already know, Ethan tried so hard to live by the Golden Rule. He would usually go out of his way to treat others the way he wanted to be treated. Of course, he was human just like you and I, and antagonized his little bother, and didn't always share. :o) But that's human nature, and no one is perfect. However, Josh and I had never seen someone so passionate about living out The Golden Rule.
We ask that you find in some way, big or small, to go out of your way to treat someone the way you would want to be treated--on November 29th of each year. Perhaps you will buy a meal for someone who is less fortunate, volunteer at a soup kitchen, go visit the widowed in your neighborhood, make cookies or a meal for a neighbor who is ill or bereaved. The list of possibilities is endless! If we can all show extra love on Ethan's Birthday, then the world will be a much sweeter place, and this will honor Ethan's memory, and also honor the Lord.
To read more about Ethan, please visit: www.mem.com On the left hand side enter in Ethan for "first name" and "Wallace" for last name (without italics, of course).
4 comments:
Shannon,
This, my family will most certainly do! As my family is approaching what would have been my brother's 30th birthday on October 22, reading this brings me to tears. But, in a good way! Because while I miss him terribly - especially his big smile - and I can only begin, only begin to imagine how you miss Ethan so, I know that the Lord had, and continues to have, the most spectacular plans for Ryan...and Ethan. Those plans are still 'in play' in ways that we openly celebrate like creating a 'Golden Rule Day', in ways that we live out what was best in their hearts each day, and in ways we will not see until the story unfolds for all of us when we are together again. It is so very clear, even though I didn't know him, that Ethan whole-heartedly lived out God's purpose for him, and I am grateful that you continue to share those special parts of your son with us. I look forward to your posts and am always uplifted by them. My prayers will be with you and your family as we all enter a first holiday/birthday season without these precious boys in our lives. May God continue to grant you the strength, courage, and peace to pass through this time with joy in your heart even though it may be heavy.
Serving Him always,
Alicia Maroney
I just love you Alicia!! :o) Ryan's birthday is the day after Evan's. Evan will be turning 5 this year. This indeed will be a tough and sad holiday season for both of our families. You will all be in my thoughts. I pray everyone is starting to heal from losing your beloved Ryan, though grief is NOT to be rushed! Everyone grieves their own way, in their own time, and that is a-okay! :o)
Aww Shannon, I am a little behind on writing but want you to know I will definitely do this and will post what we all did! I love you darlin you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!!
Thanks, Nicole!! I love you too!!!
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