This past Christmas, I purchased the most wonderful Christmas cards to send to family and friends! Before you begin to wonder why you didn’t receive yours, you should know that you are not alone. I didn’t mail them. I would love to share with you my list of excuses, but this is not the place for it. I will share with you, however, the message of the card, because it is an important one.

“In an unlikely place…unimaginable hope was born.”

During this time when we welcome a new year, count our blessings and invest in the promise of better days ahead, I ask you to welcome the card’s message as it was intended. It is a reminder that God does not abandon us, even in our darkest hours, but comes to us in the person of Jesus Christ. He is with us, His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Let me back up.

With the loss of our sunshine, Heller, at the end of 2007, we stumbled into the New Year disoriented and overcome by enormous darkness. Our Christmas gifts were left unopened--our world left shattered. We were raging angry, frightened, and feeling like the new “we” would never be enough to carry us. This, we learned, was true; but within our “we” was a “He.” God had a gift for us—a present we carefully unwrapped throughout the year, unsure what lied beneath the bow, but prepared to find out.

He held us up as we gathered with friends and family to celebrate Heller’s life. He supervised and was delighted as a truly caring community assembled themselves to sustain us with food, friendship, and prayers. He led us to a quote that would carry us--“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” —Helen Keller.

December 22nd

For thirty-five years December 22nd came and went for me with neither anticipation nor a backward glance. December 22, 2007, the day Heller left us and joined his Father in Heaven, has forever changed that. As December 22, 2008 drew nearer we had two choices—be afraid or be inspired. Because of Heller, we chose the latter, and for that we will forever be thankful.

Here are just a few things that Heller's family did to spread our Random Acts of Kindness Because of Heller:

1.Together, we selected a less fortunate family and purchased Christmas items (toys and clothing) to have delivered to their home. What pleasure we took in wrapping up our items and handing the pile over to be delivered from “Santa.”

2.We packed a large basket with goodies of chocolate, gift cards, and candy, and carried it with us throughout the day to hand out to random strangers. Our hearts soared throughout the day as a result of the looks on the faces of the bank teller, McDonald’s drive-thru girl, the busy ladies at Blockbuster, the little girl in line with her father at Starbucks, and many more.

3.We carried blankets to the Metropolitan Ministries and clothing and toys to ECHO—two charities doing kindness every day.

4.We ordered take-out pizzas from our local pizza place and delivered them to the fire department. We thanked them for being there for us in our time of need, and for the comfort of knowing they will be there in the future if we need them.

The day was truly amazing, and “in an unlikely place…unimaginable hope was born.” Thank you to all who participated with us that day. Your kind deeds will never be forgotten.

In His Love,
The Ritz Family

I received a letter in the mail from Windsor Farm Elementary School in Annapolis, Maryland. It read:

A donation was made by Deanna Johnston and Dina Hastings to the media center at our school to purchase books in memory of your son, Heller. Mrs. Johnston said Heller loved studying about weather so I purchased the following books:

Can It Rain Cats and Dogs?
Changing Weather Storms
On the Same Day in March

A picture of Heller and a donation plate have been put in each book.

Thank you, Deanna and Dina, for your very special kindness! These books look wonderful and I know Heller would be the first to check them out!

** The beautiful artwork found above was created by a very special friend and talented artist, Cindy Hesse

Click Here to learn more about St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Lately I have been feeling blue. I have been missing my “Valentime.” Heller knew the word was Valentine, but he always told me he was my ValentiMe because he knew it made me laugh. On Valentine’s Day, Heller was delighted to wear his favorite color, Red. His cards and gifts were, of course, my favorites. Oh how I will miss them. However, as this Valentine's Day approaches, our family received a beautiful Valentine gift “from Heller.”

Brenda is a wonderful soul who works with my husband, Ford. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Brenda, but I know when I do I will give her an enormous hug. Last night, Ford brought home a box of Valentines goodies and beautiful gifts for our family. Brenda had given him this box to deliver. Along with the goodies, was a card filled with words that I will always cherish—words that reminded me that Heller’s kindness continues.

Here is what it said. “I would like to thank you for the gift of your son, Heller. He has inspired so many people, including me. I am sure his heart was as big as they come! So, this Valentines Day, I would like to send you some “treats” from my heart, just as Heller would have done. Have a wonderful Valentine weekend and always remember how blessed you are to have Heller--such a wonderful person with a huge heart!”

Brenda---that makes two of you!!!

I was at Walmart with 2 of my 5 children, and as I am checking out I see a handicapped person who was unable to put her groceries on the conveyor to check out, so I helped her unload and load her groceries. It is true that you get back 10 fold from the glory of God.

I was at the same Walmart, with 2 of my 5 children, and this day everyone knew I had kids.....screaming ones at that. I was overwhelmed with the amount of help I received both with the children and checking out. My daughter who is 5 months had an ear infection and would not lie in her car seat, so she cried and cried, and then my 2 year old ran around because she thought she could....I was blessed to have had the extra set of hands. One guy even took my groceries to the car and put them in there.

My true sought out act of kindness came on Christmas Eve, when one of the guys that does work for us, shared with us how he was unable to provide for his family because there was not enough work. He recently had his electric turned off and rent was due. We had been giving him extra work to try to help out. He was truly thankful. But we called him up on the phone after he left for the day and said to meet us. I told him I forgot to give him his Christmas present. I handed him and envelope and he said thanks.

We drove away and he was so surprised and shocked, he called us in tears. He said, Now I can at least give them somewhat of a Christmas.

Barbara

Another wonderful kindness remembering Heller.

Thank you, Uncle Robert and Julie!

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What a beautiful gift to receive in our mailbox today! We are so blessed that Heller's kindness day continues...

Thank you so much to Miriam and Bob!

Click here to learn more about Trees for the Holy Land

Cheryl and Derek Newell (ages 8 and 9) asked their mother to inform me that they performed many random acts of kindness on Heller's Day by helping their family in any way that they could. Thank you to you both!

Heller has made an impact on my life this year and I want to thank all who made this happen. I have not had an easy year for 2008...My daughter and I with my 3 grandchildren went to visit my parents in Ohio for Christmas. We wanted something good to happen for these wonderful children and it was wonderful.

While we were gone my son Scott and his girlfriend came to my home and gave my front room and kitchen a makeover... They painted my ceilings and walls with beautiful colors, reorganized all of my stuff in the cabinets, cleaned everything including the ceiling fans.

Then in my bedroom was the greatest gift, I love big cats, little cats, any kind of cat, and in my room was a plaque for an adoption of a snow leopard and with that a beautiful picture of a snow leopard, and best of all a stuffed snow leopard (So soft).

I want to thank them for all of the hard work they have done to help make this Christmas complete. I think that what you have set up for Heller is a very nice way to remember someone who is very special. I did not know Heller but I feel the love that was given to him and I hope that his love will go on to someone else someday. Thank you all! Have a safe and happy 2009.

Love, Cindy

Heller's family received a beautiful letter on Christmas Day from The Richardson Family.

In eight, hand-written pages, a proud mom of four children shared the kindness that was delivered to her family "because of Heller." Below are some of her kind words:

"When I finally opened the card--I got a gift greater than any money could buy. The angel spoken of at church had appeared before me in the form of Wanda. With her usual quick smile and ways she restored my hope...

This Christmas will be the best ever because not only did she help us to purchase gifts, but she cared enough to help...

Thank you for raising a child whose memory lit up this Christmas for my family. The gift that was delivered through him to me was absolutely priceless--hope.

You can bet that Heller's memory will be honored in our house for many Christmases to come!"

*****

Ms. Richardson--Please know that your letter to our family was also a gift that we will remember. Thank you!

What a wonderful way to celebrate Heller’s life; a perfect way to remember such a kind, loving spirit. In honor of Heller, we made lasagna for a friend of a friend whose husband passed away recently.

Jim & Jeanette Hammersley

Kim Writes:

We were able to make this "Heller's" day and wanted you to know we were blessed by giving random acts of kindness out. Thank you for including us. Be blessed!

"'The Lord bless thee, and keep thee, The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.'" Numbers 6:24,25

Mary Ellen writes:

I was thinking about you today, and I thought that I would drop you a quick note. I hope that you are feeling God's love and warm smile upon you. I had a lot of fun spreading my random acts of kindness today everywhere from the doctor's office to the crazy lines at Wal Mart. My boys and I dropped off some gifts at our church's giving tree, and we spent some quality time together. It was a wonderful way to spend the day, and I thank you for this wonderful idea of how to spread Heller's love and to remember him in such a positive way.

When Hayley first mentioned this Act of Kindness idea to me I thought it was a wonderful idea, but I was not surprised. I thought this was a great way to honor Heller’s memory.

Today I went by a Rehabilitation Center for senior citizens and dropped a bag full of little things like, toothbrushes, socks, picture frames and crossroad puzzles. The look of appreciation was just wonderful. I will not stop but continue to spread some kindness throughout the year in honor of Heller.

As much as I know this could have been a very difficult day it turned out to be such a beautiful day and I was honored to be able to share this special day with you and your family. I am thankful that you and your family have come into my life.

Love,
Maryann

** A Side note - Maryann also took the afternoon off from work to spend Heller's Day with us. She joined us as we purchased pizzas for the local firefighters and took them to the firehouse to let them know how grateful we are for them.

Maryann's special attention to Heller's day will always be remembered!

I received your cards this year about random acts of kindness to be performed in Heller's name. I just wanted to let you know what we did; I have 2 friends who are expecting in January and one who had 2 baby girls premature this past summer... she also has a 2 year old daughter... and on Sunday I made dinners for them all and delivered them with the cards on Monday.

I told them about Heller and your family. They too plan on participating next year... I'll email addresses to send them cards next year.... I feel like I helped honor Heller's memory and to make this wonderful practice grow and I wanted to let you know how honored I am to keep his memory alive.

Jackie, Tom and Sam

I just wanted to share with you that a donation has been made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in memory of Heller and to remember the blessing he was to those he touched and continues to touch to this day.

Patti

I enjoyed a relaxing bath after a long, fun-filled day of kindnesses thanks to my special friend, Donna, who began her kindnesses "Because of Heller" by sending me bath products that she makes herself. Thank you, Donna!

A special little girl in our neighborhood knew that our family would be spreading acts of kindness on December 22nd and that often times running around town with a 2-year-old in tow is difficult. When she saw me out walking with my little one the other day, she offered to spend a few hours with him on "Heller's Day" so I would have the time free from my toddler. Thank you, Mandy, for your generous act of kindness!

Rather than just focus on one day, I decided to shift my thought process instead. Holding the door for someome, walking someone to their car in the rain. Being more thoughtfull while driving. And, chewing my tounge more often. I can only say thanks to you. Not only for creating a tradition that I hope will live on. But, I thank you for inspiring me to be a better person.

Greg

"Hi Hayley, I am thinking of you and your family today. And have been doing random acts of kindness in honor of your sweet boy."

Carrie

I have indeed performed an act of kindness today in honor or Heller. My promise is to do so more frequently to continue a special way of keeping his spirit among us all. I hope this day and holiday season bring the warmth, comfort and meaning that people like you deserve.

Steve

I am a parent of a child at Alafia - I never met Heller or your family, but I am inspired by all that you are doing in Memory of your special son. I work with some children at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville and I delivered toys to the House "Because of Heller" this Christmas. It was perfect timing - as they opened their holiday shop that afternoon, for the families to "shop" for their children while they are in the hospital. Thank you for your and your son's inspiration to do more for others - please know I will continue this tradition with my family each year because of Heller! God Bless and Merry Christmas.

Jill

I received a card today from my coworker Debi. She is also Heller’s Mapa. I was planning on my own act of Kindness never thinking I would receive one. Debi wrote me a card and letter that was so thoughtful and kind that it made my heart smile. With all the stress around me (that I sometimes create for myself) it was the bright part of my week without a doubt. I thank Debi and Hayley for making this day about Life and Kindness. And especially for reminding us that acts of kindness are like emotional hugs that help us thru the rough patches.

My own plan for spreading Heller’s Sunshine is to help my boyfriend clean and organize his mother’s house. (The Family) all went to Ohio for the Holidays and left in such a rush the house is in need of help. My boyfriend Scott and I have made a commitment to take 2 or 3 days(this Sunday and Monday) to go there clean, organize, and finish projects for his mom while the house is empty. Everyone likes to come home to a clean house. We are so excited to do this for her and inspired by Heller. Even though it wasn’t today, it is in the spirit of Kindness inspired by such a wonderful spirit.

Sarah

Just wanted to tell you that Heller inspired me to make lots of cookies and candy and give to as many people as I had enough for. I’m also taking cookies and candy with me to Phila. on Wednesday when I fly home to be with my family for Christmas. I will also do some other acts of kindness today which I won’t know about until it happens. Yes, this is because of Heller!! God Bless and Happy Holidays.

Brenda

I am so excited about Because of Heller. I think that this is a great way to honor the memory of Heller. From the stories that your mom has told me I know that he was a special person and I think its only fitting that he continues to touch lives.

I had the opportunity to give giving back at my church last weekend (giving back is a part of our service when someone speaks of some way that God has worked in their life). When your mom told me about Because of Heller I knew this was a perfect opportunity to share about Heller.

I was able to speak about how Heller had touched lives throughout his life and how he continues to. At the end of service people were coming to me asking for cards and were really inspired to spread the word about Because of Heller. I truly believe that Heller had a special mission in his life one that continues to be revealed. Your mother has touched my life from the moment I started working here by her constant joy and strength from the Lord through all the hardships of life. I love your family and pray for you all daily and am so thankful that you all are in my life.

Love,
Annie

We had no idea how many people would help us to forward Heller's message of kindness prior to December 22nd. Thanks to your blog posts and icons, MySpace recognitions, Email distributions, flier postings, and general discussions with work and church friends, Heller's message is even larger than we could ever have imagined!

Thank you!

I received a call this morning from Andrea Carver, Heller's guidance counselor at Alafia Elementary School. She wanted to tell me that the students at Alafia have been working on their acts of random kindness in the past week. Ms. Carver has been making an effort to go into the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms to discuss random acts of kindness and how the children can perform these acts for others.

The children have been making snowflakes to hang in the school lunch room to display their kindnesses. I will be stopping by today to deliver kindness cards to Ms. Carver for several people at the school, and hopefully to see their hard work in progress! I can't wait!

Thank you, Alafia Elementary School!

The Bible says, ‘Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains but a seed.’ I’m sure Heller’s life has developed into a whole garden of glory for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

My intentional act of kindness to submit: Scrape the ice and snow off a neighbor’s car so that when they come out to drive, it’s ready.

Patricia
Fellow Follower of Jesus

From Heller's Mom - Heller always had a passion for the color red. I imagine the red flowers flooding Heaven's garden!

I will continue to spread the word about your request, My husband sent the following email to his many coworkers today.

"Hi guys,

My son went to school with a boy named Heller Koch who passed way suddenly and unexpectedly last year at the age of 9. Heller left behind an important lesson: Be kind to others and go out of your way to make them feel special. Now his family is asking the community to remember Heller on the first anniversary of his death by doing simple, random acts of kindness...

...I haven't decided yet what I am going to do. I have a few ideas that I am kicking around. Maybe 1 or 2 of you will also do something. "

I hope that in some small way, we will be able to make a difference on behalf of Heller. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Pam

A very special thank you to The St. Petersburg Times/Brandon & South Shore Times for their kindnesses! In November of this year, I placed a call to the newspaper to inquire about purchasing an advertisement that would ask people to join us in our celebration of Heller on December 22nd. Mr. Tony Del Castillo, Tampa Advertising Sales Manager listened to my story and offered guidance, but most importantly, he took our conversation to heart and invited us into his office to discuss our mission with members of the staff that could help to further deliver Heller’s story.

There, Mr. Doug Bennett, Bureau Chief, and Ms. Aubrey Primrose, Advertising Account Executive, took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and further our mission. We were overjoyed. As we listened to their ideas about growing our story, we knew that Random Acts of Kindness Because of Heller would be a huge success. Because of their kindnesses, today, when the paper is delivered to its readers, Heller’s kindness will inspire more people than we ever imagined!

Heller’s family is grateful to Ms. Belinda Kramer of the
St. Pete/Brandon Times for the beautiful article she wrote about Heller that will deliver our family’s requests for kindness on December 22nd, to more than 50,000 people in the Tampa area. We could not have asked for a more generous spirit in handling something so precious to us. Ms. Kramer’s dedication to our goals, and to Heller’s memory, was extraordinary and we will never forget the kindness she delivered to us.

To read Ms. Kramer's article, click here.

Many of the Starbucks locations in our area were so kind as to post fliers for their customers to ask them to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day Because of Heller. A very special Barista, Deseree, went above and beyond with her joyful words and actions. Her kindness will always be remembered. Thank you!

Thank You! That was such a beautiful web site about your son! What a great inspiration for all of us! Your story is what makes the world go around, it’s about LOVE!

I am in the process of helping a single mother and her daughter for Christmas this year, and each time I send her a gift I am going to do it in Honor of Heller and our Heavenly Father!!

I will continue to forward your email. This is something we need to do each and ever day in our lives. Thank you again for your encouragement, love, and most of all sharing your son. He would be very proud! May God Bless you and your family.

Kimber

We will be so glad to honor your sweet boy on this. My youngest is hosting a Christmas celebration for her friends at our home, after some cookies and cocoa they are going to go caroling in the neighborhood in Heller's honor.

Mrs. Carver spoke with me about honoring him at the school as well, I know that it will mean a lot to the school to do this for him and I am glad that it has come to fruition.

I was also so happy to see all your beautiful decorations as I drive by your street, I know that anyone as full of joy as your son was would be so happy to see that too.

Thinking of you and your family,
Tracey