My Favorite Quote
Hélène Campbell Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 10:31AM “Success” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
I keep thinking back to that quote. I love it. I was volunteering in a kitchen at a summer camp and there were twins who were selective mutes. She and her sister would not talk to anyone but their siblings and other girls their age. In the real world, they chose who they spoke to. But at camp, they began to speak with counselors and others; it was so cool for me to see that at the age of 15. At the end of the week, one of the girls gave me a bookmark. The bookmark (apparently she found it and wanted to give it to me) had that quote on it. She smiled and said, “This is for you”. I remember reading that quote and thinking wow. This is my favorite.
When I read it I still feel the same way I felt reading it for the very first time in 2007.
just a little something I wanted to share,
Helene
Reader Comments (10)
Dear Helene,
We are following you through your website and we just want to let you know that we are in your corner rooting for you!! We can not wait to have you come back home to Ottawa and we can not wait to have you over for a much needed get together.
With all of our love,
Dora, Skylor & Byron
Prayers are with you Helene. My husband had a bi-lateral transplant at Duke University Hospital 2 years ago due to IPF. I know what you and your family are going through.
Helene you are such an inspiration to so many! Your selflessness and giving spirit shines through in everything you do...and your smile is infectious! Seeing you today brought tears of joy to my eyes! I am so happy that your dream was fulfilled...and then some!! You made this happen and you are making a difference for so many by sharing your story and opening yourself up to the world!
...You succeeded.
Lots of love and <BIG HUGS> to you!
B xo
Helene, I saw you and your story on Ellen today, I am so happy for you that you were able to get the word out about your cause in such a public forum - you must feel so proud! I live in Los Angeles, and I am proud to be an organ donor, which I have been ever since I was legally allowed to do so! I want you to know that I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and I wish you the best of luck with your transplant! I look forward to seeing you dance with Ellen on her show soon! xoxo, Kira
Congratulations! I'm sure you are over the moon after your interview with Ellen! Keep up the fantastic outlook and rest when you can. You are truly an inspiration!
Lots of hugs,
Tamara H. 6 obs
Hey Helene,
Just saw your video on The Ellen Show. I really admire your courage, and your compassion towards others. You'll be in my prayers Helene! And your inspiration has even reached here!
Rest well and take care :)
-Natania, Singapore
I pray that the Grace of God will continue to be with you and help you through this time. Keep smiling and remain a blessing.
xoxoxo
Grace
Keep up your beautiful spirit Hélène! I stumbled upon your blog tonight, and its inspiring to see young people, in their own time of need, trying to do so much for others. Tu es une championne! I'm an organ donor, and so are my kids and husband. I also have a friend waiting for a kidney transplant and I can see how stressful and tiring it is to wait for that one call to change your life. Will spread the word to my facebook page for organ donation. Sending you plenty of positive vibes! ;) Keep it up home girl!
Helene, You are such an inspiration to so many. Your positive outlook and courage will get you thru this. My husband was diagnosed with IPF a little over a year ago. We are working with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Chicago, IL, USA to promote awareness of this disease. Many of our family members have become organ donors as a result. Keep us posted as to your progress.
You are in my prayers! God bless
I saw your story on Ellen and she recently tweeted that you'd received your lungs. YAY!! Congrats!! Many people are praying for your recovery.
I have a little girl who turns one this month and, when I see people like you, I pray that she can have your positive, smiling attitude about life. It is because of that -- and the quote you mentioned in this post -- that I named my daughter Emerson. It is a beautiful quote (I actually have a poster of it hanging in my classroom, as I am an English teacher).
Thank you for inspiring people. I have always been an organ donor, and I will teach her to be one as well!! Much love to you.