The origin story
5 1/2 years ago my dear friend Mark Borella called me and asked if he could come out to our house. At that time my 8 year old son was terminal with neuroblastoma a childhood cancer. At this point Mark who also is a photographer offered to come out and take a family picture as he wanted to do something for us to cherish our memories. I unfortunately had to tell him that thanks for the offer but we were beyond that point and these wouldn't be the pictures we would want to remember Dawson by. But I told him that I would love to have him come out anyway if only for support. So later to my knowledge Mark set out for a trip to the country only to have several times pulled over not sure if he really should be doing this or he really could do this. He followed his heart and and arrived to try and offer some comfort.
It was shortly after his arrival, I will never forget, standing in the kitchen talking with this friend and old high school buddy. He totally reminded me of a nervous boy getting ready to ask a girl to prom. It was at that time Mark reached into his pocket and said I don't know what I can do but I want to offer you a little smile. He then pulled out this little clump of clay shaped into a ball like shape with a happy face on it and handed a few both to myself, husband and daughter and told us to make sure Dawson got one too. These have become know as the original Seeds of Happiness. He explained how he would sit around with leftover clay and pinch them into a smile kind of like a worry stone. The thoughtfulness he put into this brought a smile to our faces and tears to our eyes. To think he thought about turning around and going home several times.
I told Mark how much this had meant to us and that I'm sure there are tons of people like us that could use these smiles. A simple jester that put smiles on our faces and love and memories in our hearts.
Our dear son Dawson is now an angel but took his seed with him so he could spread smiles in heaven. We continue to carry our original seeds with us everyday.
So now today the seeds of happiness family is a big part of our lives. They have jumped on board and have participated with us at the St. Baldricks event which raises money for childhood cancer research. They do that by people getting their heads shaved. Mark has shaved his head every year since along with some of the Seed family. They have even created a St. Baldricks seed and donate the money from the sales of that seed to St. Baldricks.
I will have to say my life was so touched as I have been asking and asking if he could make me an angel seed for our Dawson, and could it be orange as that was his favorite color. Over and over he would tell me "I'm trying". I just can't get it to turn out. I know how frustrated this made him as he wanted to put another special smile on my face. So like normal one day I stopped in to say hi to everyone,and as always was greeted by mark a hug and kiss. A little grin on his face he had to be up to something. I was right and in his hand he held a Seed of Happiness Angel. And yes it was orange. It brought tears to my eyes and put a huge smile on my face. He is amazing and never stops giving.
For those of you who don't have a seed I hope you will one day be as lucky as myself and have one given to you if you ever need a smile. It truly is amazing!
We love you Mark and your Seed of Happiness Family and friends!
Paula
Also in News
SPARK ⭕ A Story from our archive
1) Monday night, my sister’s neighbor was mowing his yard and he collapsed. The other neighbor ran to him and performed CPR until EMS arrived on scene. They worked on him for what seemed like forever I am sure, and he unfortunately did not survive. He was 33 years old and died of a suspected heart attack. He leaves behind his wife and 3 children. My sister has never spoke to this family before. I am sending her a smile to bring to the widow and her children because I am sure they will need it more than anyone right now.
2) My 2nd smile is going to my best friend. Her fiancé has been battling cancer for 15 months now. He is losing the battle (only has a few days to a couple of weeks left of life). They have an 18 month old. She has been sitting at this bedside since Sunday morning. She has been through more than anyone I know (she witnessed her friend dying (struck by a train) when were 16 years old). She definitely needs happiness in her life.
When I order more – I am planning on giving them to law enforcement officers. My brother LOVED his job. My brother in law loves his job currently, but hates it at the same time. I also plan on giving one to the president of C.O.P.S. Georgia (Concerns of Police Survivors-GA) who lost his daughter to a PE 2 weeks ago.
Stephanie
SPARK ⭕ Expressions in the form of a smile
The seed helped me say to her, “I can not imagine the pain you are feeling, I am here for you, and, I hope this seed will help you remember happier times, start the healing, and lead you back to happiness”.
My daughter in law is very artistic and enjoyed reading the card that Mark Borella included. I had dreaded going home after the meeting, as she and my son, had just flown in while I was at the meeting. However, Mark, gave me a way to start the conversation.
