Ruby from Pennington, NJ

“All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.”
–James Russell Lowell

You Matter Moment

We’re delighted to share this gorgeous You Matter essay written by Ruby and submitted by her grandmother, Jan.

“A single action. One lovely action is all it takes to tip the scale. My grandma has mastered the art of taking action. My grandma also loves to walk. When I travel to Lititz, a small town in Lancaster County that my grandparents call home, we often stroll along the lively streets lined with sidewalks and local shops. Sometimes, when the town feels too small, my grandma and I wander beyond the brick buildings and chocolate-scented streets.

During one of these journeys, we came face-to-face with a man. He was holding a sign made from a cardboard box, approaching car windows at a red light. “Anything helps” it read in thick Sharpie marker. As we saw people turn their heads to avoid their own reflections in his disappointed eyes, my grandma reached inside her purse, retrieving a plain white envelope. She hands it to the man, maintaining a gentle gaze.

“Thank you,” the man says. And we can tell he means it.

As we turn to leave, I ask my grandma what was inside the envelope. Without hesitation, she pulls out another identical one, opening it to reveal its contents.

She explains that there was a gift card inside for a sandwich shop down the road and then pulls out what appears to be a business card. After she hands it to me, I examine the card. It is white with no writing other than two bold words in the center. It reads, “YOU MATTER.”

A card with that message on it would make anyone feel seen. It would make anyone feel loved, even if it is from a stranger. Whenever I see one of my grandma’s “YOU MATTER” cards, there is a spark inside me, one that fuels me. These two words are inspiring, kind, and speak to what it means to be human. To matter. To make a difference in someone else’s life.”

You Matter.

 

Cheryl Rice, Founder
https://youmattermarathon.org/

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