5 years - seems like a lifetime

and yet I know it has passed like a blink of an eye to Pappaw.  Today marks his 5th birthday in Heaven.  A very real place to me, where I will once again someday see him and hear his laugh. 


Today, I will celebrate his life, first by taking my family to Donut Bank for breakfast. I used to love to go get hot donuts with him early on Saturday mornings. 


When I was just about Sophie's age, I went with my dad while he gave away some food to some old men sitting on the corner in the poorest section of town.  When I asked him why he did that, he said, "Because there but for the grace of God, go I."  He explained how blessed we were and how we should share what we have. 


With that in mind, for a more lasting memorial, my family has started a team page on Kiva.org. Since Kiva began in 2005, members have funded over 524 MILLION dollars in loans to poverty stricken people - $25.00 at a time, with a repayment rate of almost $99%.  Kiva is a well respected organization, having received the Charity Navigator's highest ranking.


The way Kiva works is simple.  You lend someone $25.00. There are thousands of people you can choose from.  When their loan is fully funded, they get the money and put it to the specified use.  They then repay the loan, and your money is returned to you.  You can withdraw it, or lend it to someone else.
Because we are so blessed, we give.  If you would like to join my team, "There but for the grace of God", please follow this link and join us.
http://www.kiva.org/invitedto/there_but_for_the_grace_of_god/by/perri2227


And today, remember Pappaw's belly laugh and the love he had for his family and others.