The REAL America….
Forget politics. Forget Government programs.
Forget right and left.
I experienced the REAL America this past Saturday, at a benefit for Shannon Johnson, who was left paralyzed by an auto accident last year.
This event made me reflect on this great country and its people, to try to identify what and who we really are – and I have come up with a few observations. What makes up the REAL America? Who are we really?
The REAL America includes the guys in the tractor shed next door roasting the pigs and drinking beer.
The REAL America includes those friends who give of themselves to put on a benefit with no reward other than the heartfelt thanks of everyone that they touch.
The REAL America includes the friends who solicited donations from local wineries and businesses.
The REAL America includes those businesses who give from their profits and stock to help someone in need.
The REAL America includes band, vocal group and a DJ who donated their time to help someone who needs it.
The REAL America is young, old, skinny, fat, professional, redneck, employed and unemployed.
The REAL America is people with dreams, whether it is to start their own business or work at a job.
The REAL America includes all those who paid for the party with money that might have been better spent elsewhere – but knew a real need and wanted to help.
The REAL America looks to themselves first, then to each other.
The REAL America IS the most generous people in the world.
What an awesome people! What an awesome country!
Forget politics. Forget Government programs.
Forget right and left.
I experienced the REAL America this past Saturday, at a benefit for Shannon Johnson, who was left paralyzed by an auto accident last year.
This event made me reflect on this great country and its people, to try to identify what and who we really are – and I have come up with a few observations. What makes up the REAL America? Who are we really?
The REAL America includes the guys in the tractor shed next door roasting the pigs and drinking beer.
The REAL America includes those friends who give of themselves to put on a benefit with no reward other than the heartfelt thanks of everyone that they touch.
The REAL America includes the friends who solicited donations from local wineries and businesses.
The REAL America includes those businesses who give from their profits and stock to help someone in need.
The REAL America includes band, vocal group and a DJ who donated their time to help someone who needs it.
The REAL America is young, old, skinny, fat, professional, redneck, employed and unemployed.
The REAL America is people with dreams, whether it is to start their own business or work at a job.
The REAL America includes all those who paid for the party with money that might have been better spent elsewhere – but knew a real need and wanted to help.
The REAL America looks to themselves first, then to each other.
The REAL America IS the most generous people in the world.
What an awesome people! What an awesome country!
For more photos of this event, please visit http://monroepayne.smugmug.com/Events/Shannon-Johnson-Benefit. Profits from any sales will go directly to the family.
