Sue Wood

What a day it has been! ❤️🙏🏾 This morning started with heartbreak, frustration, and uncertainty, but it’s ending with a reminder that there are still so many wonderful people in this world. I want to give a very special thank you to Sam of Auto Glass Mobile. With it being the weekend and most places closed, finding a replacement window wasn’t easy. But Sam went above and beyond! He located a driver’s side window all the way in New Orleans, drove there to pick it up, came back, and installed it for me. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a replacement for the back window, but he took the time to securely cover it with cardboard so I could make the drive home and have it repaired there. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Steven of Baton Rouge, who reached out after hearing what happened, came to see me , and while I was at the book festival, started making calls to find someone who could help. He’s the one who connected me with Sam. Two people who didn’t have to go out of their way for me, but chose to anyway. That means more than words can express. To each and every one of you who sent encouraging messages, offered prayers, made donations, or simply checked on me today, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! ❤️ What started as one of the most discouraging mornings I’ve had in a long time turned into a beautiful reminder of the kindness and compassion I try to spread through my own work every day. Two lawnmowers may have been stolen, and my van may have been damaged, but today I gained something far more valuable: another reminder that good people still exist and kindness always finds a way to shine through. I’ll drive part of the way home tonight, stop to rest, and finish the journey tomorrow. I’m tired, but my heart is full of gratitude. Thank you, Baton Rouge, and thank you all for turning a difficult day into one I’ll never forget. ❤️🙏🏾 Auto Glass Mobile

Sadly, I woke up to some heartbreaking news this morning here in Baton Rouge , Louisiana. Someone broke into my van overnight, shattered two windows, stole a lawnmower, and ransacked everything inside. It’s honestly heartbreaking and deflating, especially when you’re simply trying to do good and make a difference. I can’t understand why someone would do something like this. I’ve contacted the police, and I’m currently waiting for them to arrive and process the van for fingerprints. Unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to attend the Louisiana Book Festival today as planned. I was really looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing my books, but right now, I’m just trying to process everything that happened.

Did you know that snow shoveling counts toward the 50 Yard Challenge too? With so many places getting snow right now, this is the PERFECT time for kids to jump in, serve their community, and knock out yards — even in the winter months! 🧤⛄️ Kids can shovel driveways, sidewalks, and walkways for elderly neighbors, veterans, single parents, and those in need — all while earning credit toward their 50 yards and leveling up their shirts! Kindness doesn’t stop when the grass stops growing! If your child isn’t signed up yet, now is a great time to join and start making an impact — rain, shine, or snow! Let’s turn these snow days into service days Sign up : bit.ly/50yardsignup

These kids accepted The 50 Yard Challenge — and completed it by mowing 50 free lawns in their community for the elderly, disabled, single parents, first responders and veterans. They earned brand new mowers, weed eaters & blowers. What’s stopping your kids from doing the same? Our 50 Yard Challenge is open year-round for boys and girls nationwide. Along with mowing, kids also help by raking leaves, shoveling snow, and picking up litter in their neighborhoods — proving that kindness has no season. We have 6,000+ kids across the U.S. and in 8 other countries that signed up since 2016 making a difference — one yard at a time. Will your kids be next to accept the challenge? Learn more and sign up here: bit.ly/50yardsignup

Xavier & Logan of York,Pennsylvania have received their starter packs, Raising Men shirts, safety glasses, and ear protection and they’re officially ready to take on the 50 Yard Challenge! Let’s show this dream team some love! What words of advice would you give them as they begin their journey?

Earning the Black Jacket is about so much more than mowing 50 lawns, it represents commitment, character, service, and the determination to finish what you started. Every lawn mowed for someone in need is another step toward earning something that cannot simply be bought; it has to be earned through hard work and giving back to others. When a young person puts on that Black Jacket, I want them to remember every hot day, every challenge, every person they helped, and every moment they could have quit but chose to keep going. The jacket is a symbol that says, “I made a commitment, I served my community, I didn’t give up, and I finished what I started.” It is something they should wear with pride for the rest of their lives.

Some kids talk about making a difference, while others roll up their sleeves and get to work. Brian is definitely a young man of action! 💪🏾🔥 WOW! Brian has officially submitted his 100th lawn! 🎉🏡 Not only did he complete our original 50 Yard Challenge, but he decided that 50 lawns weren’t enough! He took on our special 100 Yard Challenge, mowing 50 additional lawns completely FREE for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans in his community. That’s 100 lawns, 100 acts of kindness, and countless lives touched by one incredible young man! ❤️ And here’s the part that really made me smile. Brian has already asked me if there’s a 150 Yard Challenge! 😂💪🏾 He’s not stopping at 100! He’s ready to keep going, serving his community and making a difference one lawn at a time. Brian, your dedication, kindness, and heart for helping others are truly inspiring. You’ve proven that when you have a passion for serving others, there’s no finish line to kindness. Family, please help me congratulate Brian on this incredible milestone! 👏🏾🎉💚

Brenton of Wichita, KS who is taking part in our 50 yard challenge mowed his 22nd lawn .

Grayson of Kalamazoo, MI who is taking part in our 50 yard challenge add another lawn to his name . He’s almost done !

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Gentry, whose breast cancer was discovered after a terrible car accident. Imagine recovering from a serious accident while being told you also have cancer. Mrs. Gentry underwent surgery and 26 radiation treatments, but she refused to let cancer break her spirit. Through faith, determination, and a positive attitude, she kept going. Her message to others is simple: Never give up, keep your faith, and don’t let cancer stop you from living. ❤️🎀 Be sure to check out their video in my next post.