My name is Braxton.  Tom Braxton.

I am a widower; lost my sweet, precious Bessie two years ago, and up until a little while ago, I had been wallerin' in self pity.  But then I had an epiphany, and I have been trying to help people out when they are down on their luck.

I have not only been helping them ... they have been helping ME.  I see that there are many people who have it far worse than I will ever have it and I realize just how blessed I truly am.

Helping others in need has given me a drastic attitude change and I have been feeling mighty grateful for what I DO have.  I may no longer have Bessie in my life, but she still lives on in me.  I have inherited her can-do, giving, caring spirit; it is because OF her that I do what I do.  I go to nursing homes to see sick or dying friends and I help out at the food bank every month.  I also give to my church and am busy in ministry (mainly the Seniors Ministry), where I visit shut-in or homebound senior citizens and try to give 'em some hope and the time they need.  They need to know that there are people out there who truly DO care about them and what they are going through in life.

Sure, I still have my own problems, but I have since given my cares to the Lord and am letting HIM handle things.  It's made a world of difference and because of that, I have been blessed.  Very much so.  I got to go to Alaska this past September, on Princess Cruises, with some buddies of mine, and we had the best time.  We met people from all over the world and saw some amazingly beautiful scenery.  We even got to see the northern lights, which has been a dream of mine since I was a wee boy back in northern Idaho, where I was born.  (I live in Texas now.)

I enjoyed Alaska so much, in fact, I've already booked a cruise for September of THIS year.  I figure, as long as I'm healthy enough, I am going to enjoy life and enjoy brightening the lives of others.  In fact, I have been so regular in my giving at church, people jokingly call me "Old Faithful".

And I am glad to do it.  Because of this, God has honored me with the trip to Alaska (and so much more), and I will continue TO honor God; He is my everything!  And I have Bessie to thank for that.  So, Bessie, wherevery you are, thank you; thank you for changing my heart and outlook!