Back in August, there was an email to a Postpartum Mental Illness group of which I am a member. This email stood out. It was from a Dad. He sounded desperate. His daughter was struggling with Postpartum Depression. His words echoed with concern and worry.
Despite that I was at Wal-Mart, on my cell phone, and had screaming kids in the backseat, something told me to respond right then and there. My husband was with me and I asked him to drive so I could respond. By now, he was very used to this scenario.
In responding to this Dad, I identified myself as a Postpartum Support International Coordinator and offered to email off group with him. We began to email privately within 24 hours. He opened up completely to me and I referred him to Coordinators in TX but let him know I would remain available for any questions he had as the situation proceeded.We continued to email back and forth for a few months. At one point, I had not heard from him in a few weeks and he popped into my head so I emailed him to see how things were going. This is the way things went between us.
This father was James Stanley.
Turns out he’s on the Diversity Council for Luminant Technologies, a subsidiary of one of the largest Energy Companies in Texas.
So moved by my compassion, James approached Luminant Technologies about a fundraiser for PSI.
It’s in August.
I have been oh so humbled by all of this. I did nothing beyond what I do every day and what I wished someone had done for me. James told me this fundraiser is the least he could do. It’s SO much more though. So very much more.
Each day, I arise with thankfulness in my heart for having made it so far. I wake with a simple goal – to help just one mom or family understand or get help with a Postpartum Mood Disorder. Since I’ve started reaching out, I have never failed. This is a daily goal I never intend to lose.
You can read his story at Postpartum Progress.
I’ll be in Texas for the golf tournament.
The best part? I get to meet James and his wife. And THANK him for his very compassionate heart.
According to the post at Postpartum Progress, here’s how you can help sponsor this event:
Luminant’s Sandow/Three Oaks Diversity Advisory Council 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, August 7th at the Golf Club Star Ranch in Hutto, TX (near Austin). The entry fee is $75 per player and $300 per team if you register by July 27th. The entry fee includes lunch, golf cart, range balls and drink coupons. Mulligans can also be purchased. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers, and random drawings will be made for additional winners. To learn more or to register, click here. You can also contact Debi Mikulencak at 512-446-8992.
To help Luminant support PSI, your company can help sponsor this event. There is a wide variety of sponsorship options. To learn more, click here.
Also, we welcome assistance from PSI supporters who would like to donate a gift certificate or gift card from a national chain for use as auction items or prizes at the golf tournament.
James – Thank YOU, sir, for your dedication and compassionate heart. You have humbled me.
And thank you, God, for putting the two of us together. You have truly blessed this in every way possible.
I’m so glad you’ll be able to go to the event. That’s Awesome with a capital A! Thank you for everything you do for moms with PPD!
I’m beside myself about this one. So very humbled indeed. It’s absolutely humbling.
I am so proud of you Lauren. EACH DAY you may unexpectedly help someone with all this hard work you do. You’re awesome
This is so amazing, Lauren. The little, undiscovered ripple effects we always talk about have been partly discovered here in this story. Just thinking about the reach associated with this is a thrill. And, that you get to attend is so wonderful. I’ll be there with you in spirit. -Cheryl
That is amazing. How neat that you get to meet him.
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