Making a Difference, One Step at a Time

Yesterday I heard an old story again, a timeless tale that never gets old.  It's referred to as the starfish story and there are several variations.  I found this one cited to The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley:
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.  One day he noticed a young man who was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out.  If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future.

We must each find our starfish. And if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.
 --
What a simple yet powerful message.  Sometimes it's hard to think we, one little person, can help drive change, and quite rarely do we do it alone.  But we must not give up.

That's how I feel about my contributions to LLS.  There is so much to do, so many people to help, in the fight against cancer.  I will do my part, what I can, to help.  For those who have joined my efforts, I'm so grateful for your support as you join me.  If we all do what we can to help, together we will make a difference, one step at a time.