On this #ThankfulThursday we invite you to listen to a story that will draw your hearts closest to the true meaning of purchasing with purpose.
Candi Goll experienced some ongoing dizziness for a little over a year with no clear explanation. Until one day an MRI came back showing a mass in her cerebellum; the news no family ever wants to hear. Brain surgery followed shortly thereafter and Candi's loved ones finally experienced some comfort when she made her way into the recovery room and began the healing process.
Unfortunately, only four days later, she was struck with a severe headache, which was determined to be a brain bleed, and Candi was rushed once again into emergency surgery. According to the family, this unexpected turn was a major setback, and significantly affected the way Candi functions today. She has a hard time walking and can no longer eat solid food. Candi works daily with various therapies to gain pieces of her independence back, but still requires nearly round-the-clock care from her husband, her Aunt Darlene and her cousin, Kelly.
Candi with her grandson, Silas.
When a family is first hit with news this devastating, their world crumbles around them. What once was stable is now shaky, and all they can do is reach blindly for a solid beam from which to start rebuilding hope. Candi and her family could easily lie down in the midst of their suffering, and they would be completely valid in this reaction. But instead, they continue to reach for ways to repurpose their pain.
The remarkable thing about Candi’s family is that although they have experienced loss multiple times over, their only holiday wish is to GIVE. Candi’s family members cut back on gift-giving this year and gathered together to donate their money to Humanity and Hope with the humbling wish of providing a more stable lifestyle for our friends in Honduras.
Candi's family honors her this holiday season- Stacey, Kelly, Chris, Darlene, Kate, and Laine.
Their generosity has touched our hearts and reminds us what this time of year is truly about.
We often think of the holiday season as a time of magic and wonder, and with the new year approaching it is often perceived as a time for turning a new page. However, there are some things in life that we cannot simply turn the page on, like the sickness of a family member or the struggle to provide for your children when you have no stable income. We all know far too well, when the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, our pain is not magically wiped away.
However, what if the magical new beginning we are all looking for is found in simply believing we are not alone?
Candi and her family have shown us a new way to look at the wonder of the holidays. Together we can say:
I know you are hurting. I am too. But, I’m here with you in this struggle. And as we simultaneously walk through these difficult seasons of life, I choose to be a shelter for your pain.
H&H Director of Engagement, Ally Browning, sheltering her friend Ariel with love, in the village of La Coroza
We believe that, just like Candi’s loving family, you too were given the power to build sanctuaries for others out your own suffering. By choosing to purchase with purpose this holiday season, you are consuming in a way that reminds you that your pain can be repurposed for the good of others, and simultaneously gives our most vulnerable friends the power to believe that too.
By: Kelly Segar with Ally Browning