06/08/2026
Today I was able to join amazing, talented individuals at Ellsworth Pride, and something so special was said to me by a very prominent individual in our community.
I spent the day talking with people about The Maine Kindness Catch, sharing the mission, meeting new faces, and connecting with members of our community. But one conversation in particular was one that I will never forget.
I had the opportunity to talk with Tom Murphy, (and if you were lucky enough, you got a tattoo or two or three by him) as well as another incredible member of our community. During our conversation, Tom shared something with me:
“One grain. Ten thousand grains.”
He told me someone had once shared those words with him, and he felt called to share them with me.
We talked about community, about growth, about the work I’m doing, and he congratulated me on my recent induction into the UMA Honors Society for Psychology and encouraged me to keep doing the work that I am doing.
I don’t know if he realizes how much that moment meant to me.
There are people in our communities who leave a lasting impact simply by believing in others. Today, I was fortunate enough to experience that.
As I stood there listening, I had one of those rare moments where you realize that all of the late nights, the hard work, the self-doubt, the fundraising, the miles traveled, the bags packed, and the kindness shared are creating something bigger than yourself.
The Maine Kindness Catch started with one little idea.
One grain.
And little by little, through all of you, it has grown into something I never could have imagined.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by today. Thank you to Ellsworth Pride for creating such an incredible event, even in the rain and wind! Thank you to every person who offered encouragement, shared a story, donated, sponsored a bag, or simply reminded me why this work matters.
Today was a gigantic reminder that kindness grows.
One grain. Ten thousand grains. 💜🌈 🫶
