A Dreamer and Doer for Earth Day

I have received the best present.

It's not my birthday and clearly it's not Christmas (though it's been chilly enough).


It's for Earth Day.


Earth Day is this Friday. In its 41st year, it's promoting "A Billion Acts of Green".


I knew that my Earth Day celebration would include heading over to Grand Central Station where there are many events going on, but in my wildest dreams, I didn't imagine that I'd be getting such a gift.


My sister called the other day. My nephew Robert came to her and told her he wanted to enter the Disney Dreamers and Doers contest. Central Florida children in grades K-12 can nominate themselves.  It is Disney's way of recognizing those "who demonstrate excellence in their schools and communities."


The children are judged on an essay so Melissa asked him what he wanted to write about.


Here is what he wrote:


"When I go to the beach, I walk with my sister and my aunt and we clean up all of the trash that people leave.  We sort and make a trash and recycle pile.  It is fun and other families walk by and say good job.  It also helps the Earth."


I had no idea the day I took him and his sister Theresa for a walk on the beach to collect seashells would turn into a beach clean-up - and that it would make such an impact on him.


Robert is one of three finalists in his school, but it doesn't matter to me whether he wins the contest.


He's already won.


And so have I.


And best of all - so has the Earth!