When Rod suffered a stroke last month, bunch of us decided to do Walk-a-Mile-For-Rod.  After several weeks of compiling letters, well wishes, painting a flower and wooden mailbox, the tag was ready for Rod and his wife Connie!

Neerav and I had the blessed opportunity to deliver Rod’s tag. Tag in hand and hearts overflowing with love and excitement, we were ready to spread generosity and smiles. 

After a few knocks, Connie came to the door. We introduced ourselves and pulled out the very colorful wooden mailbox filled with beautifully ribboned heartfelt letters and wishes. 

Despite being in the middle of their dinner, Connie invited us into their home. We decided to step in for a few minutes to see how Rod was doing. As soon as Rod saw us, he looked at his wife and said, “These are my friends…but they're more like family really.” He was speaking of the collective CharityFocus bunch. : ) 

Connie placed the mailbox on the dinner table next to Rod and opened it. Rod let out a huge laugh and said, “Smile cards…of course!” Connie pulled out the little painted flower and pointed out to Rod, “Look, you’ve received a ton of letters from folks!!”. 

Rod had begun to feel the love and generosity that so many of you had sent him. Looking at Neerav and I, Rod says, "How can one smile when they are on the verge of joyful tears!"  A small tin was tucked inside the mailbox ... Rod picks it up and laughingly says, "I wonder if its spare change?" Connie and Rod burst out in joy as spare change fell from the tin. 

Connie mentioned that their picking up change days might be over as Rod cannot walk and he is not allowed to bend due to his fluctuating blood pressure. Rod joked that he’ll need to devise another method. They both reflected on the last 12 years that they have been collecting spare change and how they’ve collected over $3,000. Being modest, Rod says, "It’s not much, we know." Smiling Neerav says, "It’s all about the intention and to those you’ve helped, it meant a lot. You’ve inspired so many people through your genuine acts of kindness."

We gave Connie and Rod big hugs from us and the collective CF Family.   

Rod is recovering very well. He is confined to a wheelchair and slowly learning how to read again and build his memory. Despite everything, Rod has not lost his wonderful sense of humor. Connie mentioned that Rod cannot read as well right now due to blurred vision, but she would read the letters to him. Jokingly Rod says, "I get to see twice as many letters!"

Rod and Connie send their love to everyone!