December 02, 2024   –  Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on my life and came to the realization that I am truly happy. I’ve realized that it’s okay to be happy and that I can let myself feel this way because I also believe that Michael is not just happy, but joyful, wherever he is. Feeling this calmness about Michael has allowed me to feel happy about living my life fully and finding my own joy. While this isn’t the way I pictured life, it’s still a beautiful life. I know there will be bad days that come along with the good, but now I know that I won’t get stuck in those bad days.

This Christmas will be the second year I’ve spent the day without Michael. My life has changed drastically in two years, but one thing remains the same—grief is a strange thing. Though I am happy and have filled my life with people and activities that bring me joy, there is always a missing part. Some days are harder than others, particularly when a memory pops up, or when days that hold special meaning for my time with Michael pass by without him here. But, more and more I’m able to think about those memories with a smile instead of a tear.

Helping others has been a saving grace. On days when I find myself feeling sorry for myself and missing Michael, I can always count on my work to change my attitude. Every day the ARH Foundation gives me the opportunity to help others who are in crisis. Their stories, and their need inspire me to get up and get going. Being able to help others, even a little, is a gift that keeps on giving and has helped me through many dark days.

As we approach the holidays and the Season of Giving, I want to give all of my friends, readers, and family the opportunity to experience the joy of giving as well. Soon you’ll see many organizations providing you with the opportunity to give through holiday and GivingTuesday campaigns. I know that you have many options for your holiday dollars and I’m so thankful to live and work in a community with so many incredible organizations who are making a difference.

However, I’d like to take just a moment to give you some reasons to support the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities and share why I’m so proud of the work the ARH Foundation does daily.

Every single penny you donate goes right back out into the community. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of ARH to our communities, 100% of your donation goes directly to support individuals and families in need. So far this year, because of the kindness of people like you, $581,549.06 has been distributed to those who need it most (based on a period of 01/01/24-09/30/24).

What truly warms my heart are the lives touched, and the people served through your generous gifts. One story that stands out is of an individual who desperately wanted to return home but needed oxygen support to do so safely. Sadly, their home wasn’t wired for electricity, making it impossible. Thanks to your donations, we were able to provide a generator, along with gas cards and fuel cans. This means they’ll be able to spend the holidays at home, surrounded by loved ones. Through the ARH Foundation’s support made possible by generous donors, the local food pantry can provide meals to those in need, not only during the holiday season but year-round. The ARH Disaster Recovery Center will continue operating and will make it possible for children to have gifts to open this Christmas thanks to our dedicated employees, donors, and incredible organizations such as Good360. It will also continue to push out around a million dollars in supplies each month to flood victims.

“Partnering with organizations like Good360 has been incredible. Together, we’re able to provide much-needed resources and support to our communities, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Todd White, ARH Director of Behavioral Health Security Operations.

I could talk endlessly about the people we serve, but today, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the impact that giving has on your own life. I hope that you will discover, as I have, that no matter what struggles we may have personally, helping others, providing joy to others, in small or large ways brings joy to the giver as well. Will you help spread joy this holiday season by making a gift to the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities? Giving is so easy at arh.org/donate and you can even make a recurring monthly donation to continue your impact and joy throughout the year. How will your generosity bring joy to others this season?