A few years ago, Reese Witherspoon made a comment in her Oscar acceptance speech that, like June Carter Cash whom she portrayed, she was “just trying to matter.”

I have long felt the urge “to matter.” I am learning as I get older that there are many different ways to matter and to make a difference and sometimes it’s as simple (yet so important) as loving your child and loving your neighbor.

When my grandfather died a few years ago, these things started to be more clear. As I reflected on his life and what he meant to so many, I realized that although he didn’t go out and change the world or do “big things” that the world would notice, he touched so many lives by smiling, laughing and caring for everyone with whom he came in contact. He was important to others. His life had influence on others. His life mattered in every sense of the word — to his family, his friends and his community. Grandpa knew this was what was important. And now, so do I.

In honor of all of us trying to matter in our own way, I have created this t-shirt shown above. If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt for $20, all the proceeds will go towards charities — this month, we will donate to the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in Houston in memory of our friend’s mom, Linda, who died of breast cancer a few years ago.    Please email me at lena@lenasnotebook.com if you would like to order, as our new shop is not yet open.

Posted under Charities, Random Thoughts