Your Inspirational Stories

This story is about OPTIMISM

My Issues are Nothing

Submitted by Chris L. over 3 years ago.

My name is Christopher, and for 10 years I've been a member of the children's service club called Optimist International. I will become the volunteer Governor of the Illinois District in October, and hope that my leadership will increase the Illinois membership.

In July, Illinois Optimists spend a day at a camp in Lake Bloomington for children undergoing cancer treatment. We sponsor a day of games and fun so they can be just kids again - not kids who battle a serious illness.

The first event I assisted with was a relay race. The boy I was helping had a brain tumor and was blind. I thought he'd pass on the race, or ask for help.

Not so - holding his cane like a lance in front of him, he took off at full gallop. He may not have run the fastest or straightest race, but he ran with the heart of a lion. He later said he was tired, because he had chemo that morning.

What a hero! Suddenly, my own issue of unemployment seemed small, and I was reminded again that it is giving that we receive.