Kayden’s Gift
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
Sometimes things just have a way of showing up just when you need them - maybe it’s karma, maybe it’s coincidence or maybe it’s destiny. No one can say for sure but when it happens, you know it’s something special and a little part of you, the part that tells you that all of this isn’t just chance, that we’re here for a reason, rejoices.
Toward the end of last year, among the hustle and bustle of the holidays, when it was an up at dawn, down at midnight task to keep up with the Tiny Rev order flow I was beginning to feel more tired than inspired. I was over joyed to have the wonderful increase in business but when you’re balancing a child in one hand and a business in the other, toss in the demands of the holidays and you can start to miss a lot and begin to wonder if it’s all worth it. Was I making any real difference in the world? Was it worth the sacrifice of time with my family and friends and two years of working without a paycheck? Would I ever really know if all this changed anyone’s life?
So, that’s where I was late that night - tired and unsure, having a minor life crisis - when my partner, Courtney, brought the mail in from the day. Inside was a package for me. I didn’t recognize the sender’s name or address. I thought, “Well, must be someone who received one of our tee’s as a gift making a return.” I opened it and this was inside:
A little boy named Kayden, on the other side of the country had received one of our “This Shirt Saved a Life” tee’s from his aunt Amy and loved it so much that he wore it all the time and when he had the chance to make a model of himself at school, he drew himself in the tee. Courtney looked over and I had tears streaming down my face. I couldn’t say anything, I just handed the little drawing to her and she said, “See, it does mean something. It’s all worth it,” and more than ever, at that moment, it was. It really, truly was . . . and continues to be today.
Kayden gave me a gift - it was the gift of knowing that children do have the power to transform the world and that our little mission, our Tiny Revolution, is merely honoring them and what they’ve always done. It’s honoring kids just like Kayden who want to make a difference in the world, who DO make a difference in the world.
I got in touch with Abby, Kayden’s mom, and asked her if she’d mind sharing a little about their family. I figure if a kid turns out this well then there’s gotta be some pretty cool people behind it - at the very least, I could take a few notes :). Here’s what she had to say:
Our little family of four (John, Abby, Kayden & Ryan) reside in a little house (875 sq. ft.) in a little town (Pop. 10,000) in California. Fortunately for us, our little house is right next to the gigantic Pacific Ocean , which gives us lots of room to play.
For fun, we like to ride bikes as a family. John LOVES to surf and Kayden and Ryan love to play in the sand and run around the dunes. A perfect day for Kayden would include playing at the beach, hanging with his cousins and friends, and finishing the day with a play. Kayden loves to direct plays. Announcing and holding the flash light while others perform is what he does best. It is a wonderful thing since Ryan loves to dance her heart away. I support the arts by attending all bedroom and living room productions.
What can we say about Kayden? While John and I would love to take credit for everything he is, we know that deep down he has a kind and gentle soul that is all his own. When we ask how his day went at school, he shares with us the joy he felt watching someone else succeed. Or after a soccer game, he recounts the events that led to one of his teammates first and only goal of the season. He is aware of those around him and cares about everyone. As parent we appreciate, acknowledge and treasure these qualities. We are pretty lucky.
Here’s the family:
Thank you Kayden, thank you Diodati family. You are the Tiny Revolution.
Lots of love,
BreeAnne
