"In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." ~Brother David Steindl-Rast
When the Gratitude Hike was first announced, there were going to be 12 Following Atticus followers invited. I was one of the first selected to go, as I was one of the first to comment on the Facebook post, along with Jack Daley.
Patricia & Ed were selected as part of the initial group when they took Atticus with them "in spirit" by bringing the Following Atticus book along on a hike the day Atticus was having surgery to remove his cancer.
Followers were then given the opportunity to write in to be selected for the remaining eight spots on the hike. The response was tremendous - much more than the 50-75 emails Tom & his Facebook page moderators expected. They received over 1400 emails from people all over the country, even some from overseas who wanted to join this hike.
OVER 1400!
There were so many deserving people, they kept increasing the number of spots on the hike. It went from 12 to 18. Then 23. Almost two dozen people selected for this incredible opportunity!
When the announcements came in that the list was growing & response so great, I was still in a bit of shock and disbelief. I felt lucky to have been among the first selected. But I also felt less deserving because I didn't write in and ask for the chance to go.
I was torn between overwhelming excitement & feeling like others (in that stack of 1400 emails!) may have deserved this more than me. Maybe they needed it more than me. Maybe...a thousand maybes went through my mind.
I will share with you parts of an email I sent to Tom the day the full list of hikers was to be announced.
Hi Tom,
I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know I've been thinking about the Gratitude Hike & my purpose in being there. Being selected because I was the first person to comment on the Facebook post feels very serendipitous to me. I believe in "everything happens for a reason", "right place, right time" and now your "right where you're supposed to be" very much. But after the hundreds others who wrote in and the select few who have been handpicked by your trusted team, I started to think I didn't really deserve this special opportunity.
I found out later it wasn't simply because I was the first to comment that I was selected. The team was selected for various reasons, but a lot of it had to do with energy, positivity and how we each had contributed to the Following Atticus page. Given that I've only been following Atticus for a short time, I'm even more humbled and grateful to be among this special group. The others have expressed their humility and gratitude as well.
It's a huge gift we've all been given and I'm excitedly counting down the days (see my countdown clock on the right!) until we're all together and we see what unfolds during the Gratitude Hike.
Here is the last part of my email that day:
I've really been thinking about it a lot the last few days...Perhaps it'll lead me to give back or pay it forward in ways I haven't quite grasped yet. I'm sure it's a combination of these things, or other reasons I have yet to determine.
Just like your book & Facebook posts have inspired me and so many others, I really want this hike to have meaning and purpose for me...I'm going to make the most of it and see where it (and Atticus) leads me.
Erica, there's no doubt you belong on this hike, your energy is palpable!! Things are already unfolding aren't they? ;-) Post a link on the group page...and your FB...so people can find this.
ReplyDeleteI wish it could have been me. Since retiring in 2005 I have walked in nature every single day, snow-storms, rain, sunny - does not stop me. Three years ago I got a rescue dog and he has kept me going, even if I did not feel well. Walking is a meditation for me and to do it with a wonderful dog - there is nothing I would rather do. For some reason, I cannot comment on Following Atticus FB page, so I guess I missed out on this opportunity. Linda Hanley
ReplyDeleteI love the way you express yourself Erica! I'm learning a lot from you by reading your always positive posts and your helpfulness at every turn. Thank you for this blog site, you say what I believe most of us or all of us feel about this event. Why Me, I have ask myself that over & over. After reading about the cancer, feeling my heart sink & holding my breath with everyone waiting for results, I sent a card to Atticus, Tom & Will...the card was loaded with flowers & butterflies, flowers for Will but butterflies for Atticus & gratitude to Tom for keeping the book alive and continuing with the FA page and his blog. I was shocked when Tom mentioned on the FB page that Atticus claimed my card as he read it aloud, tears of joy sprang up and chills that this amazing little dog could sense the love I was sending him...it made my year just knowing Atticus recognized it, I had no idea a week later when Tom announced the gratitude hike that I would be one of those lucky people chosen. When Tom called & I thanked him for picking me he said Atticus chose me because of the butterflies... more tears & I have been leaking ever since every time one more wonderful thing after another happens. THANK YOU seems so small compared to what I have been given the opportunity to do but I will continue to be very grateful till the end of my days for this priceless gift...and these new friends that I will cherish forever! 22 days & counting :)
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to meeting you. I also wonder why I deserve to be including in this once in lifetime adventure. Having been chosen makes me want to be a better person; to be someone who is worthy! I have learned much from Tom and Atticus.
ReplyDeleteErica, your selflessness is representative of every member of our team. Thank you for capturing that spirit with your post.
ReplyDeleteYour post filled me with gratitude. Thank you and enjoy the hike.
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