Greetings, fellow Denver/Lake Norman Rotarians!

I sure hope everyone has had a great weekend. I am on the last leg of a wonderful trip to Canada (Whistler and Vancouver). While this trip was fun, relaxing and educational, I am ready to settle back home and into routine.  And while I think about the comforts of the farm, my office, my friends and my Rotary, I cannot help but think about the devastation that occurred in Hawaii almost two weeks ago, and what is happening outside of my hotel window in Vancouver with smoke-filled skies and poor air quality. My heart breaks for those that have lost everything - their homes, loved ones, pets, precious memories... It is unbearable to thinks of these peoples' losses.

Tying back to what this year's Rotary theme is about - Creating Hope in the World, in these short days after such tragic devastation - where does one begin to find hope? How can I, one small person, create hope in the lives of people that have lost it all? Sure, I can donate money.  I have and will again (and I hope you do too)! But in these moments of complete despair by people I do not know, I can find gratitude in my heart for everything that I am fortunate to have. I believe gratitude can transcend oceans through positive energy vibes or prayers to others who, at this time, really cannot find much to be grateful for. Where I may not have the resources to physically "be" there to help, I can collect items that are desperately needed for some of those people to have some semblance of normalcy (more to come on that as a future project).

Rotary International is doing what we do best - finding solutions to BIG problems. They are putting together a list of items that are needed by people affected by the fires. Most of you have seen the link to donate money (http://rotaryd5000.org) to those impacted in Maui. I am sure there will be another plea for those impacted in the Northwest Territories in Canada to come. Please consider donating, even if the donations are your positive energy and prayers - they go so far in creating hope.  As we start this new week, be mindful of all of the good in your lives.  Acknowledge the blessings out loud and let us try to remember that when our roads get tough, or we are so tired from being lucky enough to travel, that gratitude will carry us through.  I am grateful for each of you and all of us as a group! Together we can do great things! See you on Wednesday!

Blessings to our Rotary!

Andie Taylor