After that night I didn’t really hear from him. My mom finished her project and that was it. I kind of shrugged it off up until recently. But on Christmas morning, when I opened up a shining new copy of significance, I smiled. When I opened the cover, my card sat there. Next to my personal Jon Petz autograph. It said, “Jackson, never forget the importance of simple moments in life. Don’t watch it happen – Go make it happen! It’s Showtime! – Jon Petz” I grinned ear to ear. By far one of my favorite gifts ever, and it’s right up there with my laptop and Disney World trip! I looked at the card and studied it. It brought me to this website, and I spent lots of time figuring out what to write and when. I decided to tell a couple of my close friends, and bring the book to my English teacher. They all loved it. One of my friends bought a deck of cards. I’m pending on my card choice, but in the meantime I’m spreading the word. My point is this story changed my life. And so did Jon. My message is if you haven’t already, buy this book. Buy the cards. Or just tell people about the story. I’m going to carry out my quest of significance, and continue to change people’s lives, and you should to.

I am “just a” volunteer for the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types. I was “just a” raffle prize coordinator for their Family Conference. I received a beautiful sterling silver key lock necklace as an in kind raffle donation from a jewelry store. The winner was a young 13 year old girl (living with ichthyosis). Seeing the huge smile on her face as she walked up to receive her prize warmed my heart. She immediately put that necklace around her neck and she felt so beautiful. Because of her I decided to host a fundraising gala for Ichthyosis in 2015. Starting to plan for next year I began feeling that I am “just a” volunteer again and now from the Significance in Simple Moments book my outlook on my contributions has shifted. I am a volunteer and advocate for the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types. I matter in other’s lives.

Mr. Myerson has made a significant impact on my life by caring so much about my son. He has gone over and above the call of duty as a teacher to reach out and try to help my son get through a rough time in his life, and for that I thank him. If more teachers were like Mr. Myerson, I truly believe that more kids would feel like they are worthy. He is a special person.

I am a child of God, a woman, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a caretaker, a survivor, a massage therapist and so much more!! A wonderful client of mine, gave me the book ” Significance…in simple moments”, which I needed to read and found this card on the inside of the back cover. I plan on carrying it with me as a daily “positive” reminder of “I am” and not I’m just… which seems to have been my own identity for so many years. Mr. Petz thank you for sharing Nathan’s story, you truly are a gift from God for so many people, myself included.

So, here is my significant moment. I was working at a dead end job in the mall my senior year in college having just ended a relationship (not my choice). I was feeling pretty down and a stranger walked up to me at my kiosk and pulled out some paper and some kid scissors from his pocket. His teenage children were saying, “Dad, no, not again”. I watched as he turned the paper into a long string of people holding hands and he handed it to me. I can’t even remember the words he said to me but my whole attitude changed that night in that one moment. I felt I had purpose and meaning and I left work happy instead of deeply sad. That one moment changed my life. I quit the dead end job the next day and have had lots of moments in between that have led me to my dream job.

I hope he finds someone to pass it along to who also makes a difference.

I will be giving the signed book with card to my 6th grade daughter Abby’s art teacher, “Ms. D.” in Springboro. She leads an after-school group called STAND, which promotes self-esteem, anti-bullying, and kindness to others. She has made a tremendous impact on the students, and I want her to know that it does not go un-noticed. Makes a great teacher gift, wish I could be there to see her open it. As my daughter put it, “she might happy-cry!”

I am a person who makes a difference in the lives around me. I am a husband who shares the celebrations and challenges of life with my wife. I am a father who supports my daughters’ dreams and goals. I am a human resources professional who achieves results greater than expected.

Jane is our Receptionist who is typically the first person I see when I walk in the office in the morning and the last person I see when I leave at night. She always manages to make me smile or laugh and I really appreciate that about her. Thank you Jane for being you 🙂