A Path of Caring and Compassion : Blogust 2015

A Path of Caring and Compassion : Blogust 2015

Quote for my daughters by Tracey Clark

Back when my daughter started High School, a number of changes took place. A shift of school, status, schedule and surroundings were the obvious. But, perhaps the biggest surprise (and gift) came from her shift of perspective and a clear focus. With her first Model United Nations class came a palpable passion and insatiable curiosity for the world beyond the bubble she had always been held in (large in part by me). From struggles and injustices to triumphs and victories, she was voracious to learn, understand, and get involved in global issues; to become an engaged and active citizen of the world. There’s not much more to say except, her passion sparked my own passion. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Over the years I’ve shared stories about our incredible experiences working with the United Nations Foundation and I admit that if it hadn’t been for my daughter’s urging, I might have passed up the opportunity of a lifetime; to work with the Shot@Life campaign to help vaccinate the vast number of children at risk of illness and even death from preventable causes. Preventable.

It is with great pleasure that I am participating again this year in Shot@Life’s Blogust 2015; a month-long blog relay where some of North America’s most beloved online writers, photo and video bloggers and Shot@Life Champions will come together and share inspirational quotes for their children. AND…every time YOU comment on this post and other Blogust contributions, or take action using the social media on this website, Shot@Life and the United Nations Foundation pages, one vaccine will be donated to a child around the world (up to 50,000). Blogust (which runs throughout August…get it?) offers a unique opportunity where YOUR comment directly translates into a life saving vaccine! I love it!

As I prepare to send my first born off to college (after 4 highly successful years in her Model United Nations program, I might add) my head and heart have been clinging to every piece of advice, each word of wisdom, and every insight I can find to send her off with. This quote above by Arthur Ashe, simple yet poignant, is one that I hope both of my daughters carry with them as they travel their own paths into the big bright beautiful world. It makes me weepy just thinking about it.

Please, show your support for Shot@Life and be a part of vaccinating a child by commenting here. If you’ve got an encouraging quote to share, I’d love to hear it. The more inspiration, the better!

40 Comments
  • Julie Marsh
    Posted at 14:01h, 05 August Reply

    Such a simple quote, but so empowering. There’s always something that can be done, with whatever time and resources we have. So glad to be with you on this initiative!

  • Serena M
    Posted at 14:26h, 05 August Reply

    I’d never heard this quote before – it is perfect. Thanks for sharing, for all that you do for Blogust and kids at risk of preventable diseases.

  • ASHISH SHRIVASTAVA
    Posted at 14:28h, 05 August Reply

    #Blogust Address http://ashish-shrivastava.place.xyz/post/55c1ef178182582a5d8b45ce/investment-for-education-health-infograp
    as Investment for Education & Health (infographic-GirlChild)

  • FelisaHilbert
    Posted at 14:33h, 05 August Reply

    What an amazing journey you daughter will embark and how precious your moments together. Thank you for sharing!

  • Sarah
    Posted at 14:45h, 05 August Reply

    I love this quote! Thank you for sharing!

  • C.C. Chapman
    Posted at 14:56h, 05 August Reply

    Another beautiful quote and inspirational post helping kids in needs.

    Damn, do I ever love being part of this Blogust family!

  • Linda
    Posted at 14:58h, 05 August Reply

    as a healthcare professional vaccines are near and dear to my heart. I think this is a wonderful August project.

  • Polly Palumbo
    Posted at 15:18h, 05 August Reply

    Tracey, love these words. I remember your daughter from the first Shot@Life Summit. So great to hear about her and her continued advocacy!

  • Elena
    Posted at 15:40h, 05 August Reply

    What a powerful quote Tracey!

  • Nicole
    Posted at 15:53h, 05 August Reply

    That quote = Gold!!! Such a great life motto.

  • Erin
    Posted at 16:38h, 05 August Reply

    Thanks for your work on Blogust, Tracey! Perfect quote.

  • Nicole Melancon
    Posted at 17:37h, 05 August Reply

    Wonderful Tracey! I hope I can inspire my children to become global citizens too!

  • Julia Clark
    Posted at 18:00h, 05 August Reply

    I love this post mom! So glad we could both get involved with these issues, and I’m glad we are able to use our time to help children gain access to vaccines. So awesome.

  • Katie
    Posted at 19:13h, 05 August Reply

    Commenting for a shot! Thanks for the opportunity to do so.

  • jyl from @momitforward
    Posted at 19:13h, 05 August Reply

    Your daughter is such a terrific example.

    I also love this quote. Sometimes, we overthink service. At least I do. I start planning a huge endeavor that requires all sorts of resources and funding when all I need to do is look around me and start small. All of us, regardless of how limited our resources may seem, have exactly what we need to make a huge difference!.

    PS: I cannot believe she’s already going to college. It feels like yesterday you were telling me about her discovering her passion for getting involved in global change.

  • Linda B
    Posted at 19:31h, 05 August Reply

    As a new SHOT@LIFE Champion, your quote really resonates with me … thanks for being a 2015 Blogust contributor and helping the cause!

  • Seana Graham
    Posted at 19:48h, 05 August Reply

    Arthur Ashe–he lived it, didn’t he?

  • Asha Dornfest
    Posted at 20:24h, 05 August Reply

    That quote is amazing. As are you!

  • Emma
    Posted at 20:34h, 05 August Reply

    It’s a lovely quote – perhaps I’ll pass it on to my own mother! Thank you for sharing your story.

  • Diane Glasgow
    Posted at 21:05h, 05 August Reply

    “People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~Abraham Lincoln

    TFS!
    ~Diane Glasgow
    Shot@Life Champion

  • Mr Lady
    Posted at 21:06h, 05 August Reply

    Oh, I feel this so hard. Also fixin’ to send a kid off into the wide world. I also pray they know what all they can do is enough. Beautiful.

  • Amber
    Posted at 21:19h, 05 August Reply

    Awesome quote. thank you for sharing

  • M Lemckert
    Posted at 21:24h, 05 August Reply

    So clear!!!

  • Delores Van Horn
    Posted at 12:39h, 06 August Reply

    Loved your story – how to help our youth become advocates for those in need!

  • Hope Randall
    Posted at 14:40h, 06 August Reply

    A perfect example of why young people need to believe in themselves! Their passion truly can and does ignite change beyond what they can see.

  • Cindy Levin
    Posted at 16:47h, 06 August Reply

    A lovely and important quote. Thank you, Tracy!

  • Caryn/The Mid Life Guru
    Posted at 18:29h, 06 August Reply

    Passing on a tradition of doing good to the next generation–perfect!!

  • Gal S
    Posted at 22:19h, 06 August Reply

    This is wonderful, Tracey! Thank you!!

  • Marisol Morales
    Posted at 12:14h, 07 August Reply

    I am a beleiver that small steps can lead to big changes. Thanks for the opportunity of taking part of this great effort!

  • Liz
    Posted at 13:24h, 07 August Reply

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen this quote before. Thank you so much for sharing it. And for being a part of this amazing campaign.

  • Sharing this post will save a life | Cool Mom Picks + #blogust
    Posted at 14:49h, 07 August Reply

    […] who this brings to mind, many of them participating in Blogust too, like Asha Dornfest, Jyl Patee, Tracey Clark. We are all imperfect of course, but when I have this thought in my head, it always gives me […]

  • Tanis Miller
    Posted at 17:31h, 07 August Reply

    I love that quote. So much. Thanks for participating in this awesome campaign.

  • Kendra Frampton
    Posted at 22:33h, 07 August Reply

    Simple yet powerful. Thank you for sharing!

  • Kathryn S
    Posted at 00:33h, 10 August Reply

    Beautiful post and wonderful cause; thank you for caring.

    I love the Arthur Ashe quote and here are a few of my favorite encouraging quotes:

    “By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.” ~Edwin Elliot

    “We won’t always know whose lives we touched and made better for our having cared, because actions can sometimes have unforeseen ramifications. What’s important is that you do care and you act.”—Charlotte Lunsford

    “Never squander an opportunity to tell someone you love or appreciate them.” ~Kelly Ann Rothaus

    Tracey, I am so appreciative of all you and your daughter have done and are doing for Shot@Life and for you both for being yourselves. Much love to you both and to your whole family.

  • Nate Bradshaw
    Posted at 17:00h, 10 August Reply

    Thank you for moving such an amazing cause forward!

  • jana anthoine
    Posted at 16:43h, 16 August Reply

    I love this quote so much. Happy #Blogust.

  • Laura BC
    Posted at 02:46h, 17 August Reply

    Thank you!

  • Christine Crank
    Posted at 01:35h, 18 August Reply

    I love all the quotes on here.

  • jeannette
    Posted at 19:03h, 18 August Reply

    Love this quote so much. Thank you for always supporting Blogust!

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