Sunday September 24th, 2012 – Muskego, WI

  Each and every day of late I’m learning to appreciate life more and more. My level of gratitude is skyrocketing, and I realize with crystal clarity that the reason we are all here is to help as many other people as we can. I can’t control what anyone else does, but as for me I want to do my part.

   Last night it was a cancer fundraiser in Sparta, WI and this afternoon it was another appearance at a wonderful place called ‘Acres of Hope and Aspirations’ located in Muskego, WI that focuses on helping people dealing with brain injuries. The person in charge is Lisa Alberte - a nurse with a vision who has really put together an amazing network.  www.acresofhopeandaspirations.org.

   I was made aware of Lisa by my radio friend Robert Deglau. Robert and I went to grade school together and reconnected a few years ago. He and his wife Karen are huge animal lovers, and the Acres of Hope facility is a home for recovering animals that are used as an important part of the process for the brain injury clients in their own recovery. I have never seen anything quite like it.

   There were cats, dogs, a pair of pet deer, a pair of donkeys, miniature horses, tortoises, parrots, peacocks, chickens, geese and even blind ducks. It was a stunning sight to behold to say the least and I felt a loving vibe as soon as I walked through the gate. There is positive energy coming out of that place, and any time I can be a part of that or add to it I am there. I’m really glad I came.

   I was hired to do a comedy show to help raise awareness for the facility, and I had no idea what to expect. Robert is a very kind person and was looking out for my well being by negotiating for me to receive payment, but seconds after arriving I knew I wouldn’t accept a penny. There was a much smaller turnout than expected because of good weather, and I felt Lisa’s disappointment.

   I probably didn’t need to perform at all, but there were people who showed up and I tried to do my very best under difficult circumstances. There was no stage or sound system, but this wasn’t a show for people who were comedy fans. This was something to raise awareness for a cause that I feel is extremely worthwhile, and if I was uncomfortable for a few minutes than that’s how it is.

   What about the people with brain injuries or a yard full of recovering animals? My feelings had no meaning today, and I sucked it up and did what I could. The people who showed up were very appreciative, and there was a man named Windham who was shot in Iraq and was a client of Lisa and the facility. His story was extremely moving, and everyone was in tears when we heard it.

   I also met an especially nice person named Joal Dauer who has a website dedicated to bringing awareness to a dog named Sadie who was shot and left for dead in Kentucky. Sadie is recovering and Joal asked if I wouldn’t mind passing her site along.  www.savingsadie.com. It’s inspiring.

   People like Lisa and Joal and everyone at Acres of Hope and Aspirations are the true heroes of the world, even though they have struggles like we all do. Any way I can ever help anything they ever do is something I have made up my mind to do. It’s way more important than the insincerity and shallowness that can be the entertainment business. Serving humanity is life’s true purpose.