I am sharing my card with a very dear friend who stood by me during my cancer treatment. She would sit and listen to my stories over and over and over and never interrupt me. She still calls me out of the blue just to check on me. I have to say she is a better friend than I am. She always made me feel comfortable no matter how bad I looked, if I had hair or not, or was wrapped up with so many bandages that mummies were jealous. I will enclose this card with the letter I write for her to open on her spiritual journey.

The head of MYL told us the story of Nathan, the boy who inspired the 7 of hearts orginization to be created. On our last day of the most amazing experience of my life, she gave us each a 7 of hears card, saying that everyone had made an impact on someone’s life while we were there.

I just recently returned from MYL which was a life changing experience with 120 other sophomores from across the state of Maine. I was given the card and the chance to do my part. I have recently learned that I can be myself and that no one can change who I am. After hearing the 7 of hearts story it made me realize that I can make the same difference on someone else and by giving the card to someone else I can make a ripple effect. MYL changed my life it made me see the good in myself and other people and that no judgement zone should apply everywhere. I was glad to share this experience with so many wonderful people and hope to make a difference in the world.

I got this card at Maine Youth Leadership (MYL) along with one hundred and twenty other sophomores. Our counselor Kathy was telling us that even when we think we don’t make a big difference in someones life, we do. I hope that the person I give the card to gives it to someone else that gives it to someone else and the card will travel! I also hope that you all get this card and actually write about your story. Also that it touches you your heart as much as it did to mine. This story meant a lot to me, I believe that the story will live on in my heart forever.

While attending a Leadership seminar I was given this card, long with the opportunity to pay something forward. The seminar itself got me to step out of my comfort zone and open up to other sophomores from across the state of Maine. I learned to step up and be a better leader not only for other but also for myself and learning to trust myself and take risks. Upon receiving this card we were all told the story behind it, after hearing it the entire crowd was over whelmed with emotions. Receiving a card opened up the opportunity to give something back, it might be small, but this card taught me that even small things can be significant.

I very recently returned from the MYL (Maine Youth Leadership) Seminar in Gorham, Maine. I attended the seminar with around 120 other sophomore students from the state of Maine. On the final day of the seminar one of the leaders, Kathy Leighton, stood before us and told us the story behind this website and the cards. I was moved to tears by it and truly inspired. It is a great honor for me to be taking part in this program.

I am the Director of Community Relations for the Stockton Heat hockey team of the American Hockey League. A lot of time, I forget the significance of the simple moments because I work for a sports entertainment organization. To me, a puck drop or a zamboni ride or even a fundraiser is just another element of game presentation. To those who select – oftentimes related to a special cause – these moments are once-in-a-lifetime special moments.

My 7 of Hearts moment happened a few years ago. One of my clients asked if I could donate a pair of tickets to a young boy and his mom in celebration of his birthday. For his birthday, all the boy wanted to do was host a blood drive to help out kids like him who needed blood. You see, he had a heart condition that left him very sick and constantly in need of blood transfusions. I told my client not a problem, and also offered to give him a ride on the zamboni during one of the intermissions. It was “just” a zamboni ride, not a big deal. But to his family, that night WAS a big deal. It was a chance for him to spend time with his family, have a special adventure, and even meet the team mascot. He was so happy and wanted to share each moment of the night with his mom. He was such a humble kid, so grateful and said thank you and hugged everyone who had helped him that night.

“We each have gifts and may not realize their impact…” A simple moment for me was a huge moment for him and his family, but it’s a memory that I will carry with me forever.

Tonight at Brad and Lauren’s wedding reception I will give them a 7 of Hearts card inside a copy of Significance in Simple Moments. Brad and Lauren are colleagues of mine. I watched them meet, become friends, fall in love, and become a family. I love each of them individually and admire them as a couple. They made a difference in my life by being my friend. They helped me paint my house before I sold it. They save me a seat at happy hours. They ask for my thoughts. They are interested in my life’s story. They smile and hug me when we greet one another. They treat me like I am one of their best buddies.

But I am old enough to be their mother. They make a difference in my life because they respect me for my place ahead of them in life’s journey. They do not cast me aside in an attempt to hurry along on their own way. And I am forever grateful and delighted that our paths have joined for the simple moments that we share.