Feel free to click on the image and print out more SMILE cards... let's try to spread a little kindness one person at a time! And keep Maxine's memory alive.
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Maxine Urbanczyk
About Me
- Maxine's Family
- Our mother Maxine was murdered at KFC in Merrillville, Indiana on December 10th, 2007. To keep her memory alive, and to have something positive come out of a negative event, we have started SMILE. Because our Mother always was willing to help someone in need we encourage you to reach out to someone with an anonymous act of kindness and leave a SMILE card behind. Please take the time to share with our family how you reached out or have received a random act of kindness. You can do this by clicking on the word "comment" on the left.
63 comments:
Best Wishes in the New Year!
David Edders
thanks to the couple in a tan minivan in chesterton at the taco bell who paid for our meal it was most appreciated and my family will pass on this act of kindness for the memory of Maxine!
Your so welcome to the Taco Bell eater... we are glad to serve God by passing it on... God bless you and your family!!! I hope the person you help appreciates it as much as you did!!
Thanks to Maxines family for the inspiration!! love you guys
This is a beautiful way to honor your mother. We get an outburst of joy each time we give. Words cannot say how thankful we are that you've enabled us to share with others unconditionally. Keep inspiring!
Kathy, this is a wonderful way to honor your mother! A couple of people at McDonalds ate free this morning in memory of her. Her light shines in you, that's for sure!
Campagna Academy thanks you for sharing your act of kindness with our kids at our Hope Center. The pizzas brought smiles to their faces and your story inspired them to also reach out and spread kindness. Thanks again for sharing SMILE with us!
Someone paid for my supper at a fast food drive-up. I had just finished a 12 hour shift and then a 2 hour meeting, and was tired and hungry. This made my day. What a cool thing to do.
We were blessed at the new McDonalds on US 30 by the mall last night. We will be paying it forward today.
Hello, I was looking for information on the trial of Ronnie Rice for killing your mother Maxine. I knew both the victim and the accused. I knew Ronnie when he was a child and yes I was shocked to hear of the killing, but you never know how a person will be. I knew your mother from going to KFC. I pray there will be a trial and he gets the justice he deserves. I pray that your heart heals and the goodness is passed on, I will pass it on. If you ever have any questions please contact shecat211@yahoo.com
God give you strength as you live through a 3rd difficult time of the year for you. Random acts of kindness are a part of my life, too. Sometimes it is the smallest thing that makes someone's day. Due to our many travels, we often share little gifts with those in other countries - world peace, one person at a time...Thank you Kathy & Corlin for your many acts of kindness in so many ways!
Yesterday, my lunch was paid for at Wendy's in Valpo. It brightened my day and put a smile on my face. I shared my story with coworkers, and we are adopting a family for Christmas. In addition, I will be paying it forward on my own. Thank you for finding such a wonderful way to honor your mother. God bless.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord help you through this very difficult time of the year.
My dear beautiful child of God, Kathy -
I am so very blessed to know you. Sharing random acts of kindness are part of my life and I am so grateful you honor your loving mother in this way. God is smiling and so is she. This holiday season celebrate the amazing woman she was and the amazing woman you are! May the Holy Spirit fill your heart with renewed strength and the reality that your mother is held closely in God's arms. I love you, Kathy, and I know your mother is so very proud of you!
I love to do random acts of kindness! What a wonderful way to remember your mom! Going to pass your smile cards on. Praying you find peace from God through all this.
What a wonderful feeling to do something kind for someone and see the joy it brings to them! Thanks for this nudge in the right direction-it's impacted me and my co-workers in such a positive way! God bless you on your journey!
Dear Kathy and Corlin,
Several years ago I attended a funeral with my mom for an aunt that had passed. Her children all talked about their mom and how much she ment to them. After I returned home, I wrote what I will say at my own mother's funeral. It was very hard to do, and a lot of tears were shed. I then went to my mom's house and told her what I had done. I asked her not to read it until I left. I also asked her to never tell anyone about the letter. She called me a short time later and told me how much it ment to her to read it. When I visit her now, she will tell me that she read it again just the other day. It means so much to her. It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. You hit it out of the park when you said tell them now. I can tell you that you do need to do this. It will mean the world to who ever you tell it to.
Today your Mom came to Canada,via the "Smile" campaign. Rather than a "random" act of kindness, I opted for a "planned" act. In recognition of the fact that it has been three years since you lost her, and in memory of December 10th, I purchased three $10 gift cards at Walmart and went around the store looking for people to give them to, along with the "Smile" message. It was a moving and uplifting experience that left me thankful for the motivation to get involved. You and your family are surely in my thoughts.
I shared this story with Corlin personally, but didn't think it was what you are looking for here. However, he encouraged me to post it as further encouragement to reach out to those you may now be in "battle" with and make every effort to forgive and forget while you still have the opportunity. My sister died on a Saturday night (early Sunday morning). We were fighting at the time and hadn't spoken in weeks....maybe months. I have always regretted that. We never had a chance to make amends. Although we were two completely different people, she was still my sister. She has been gone now for almost 33 years. I'm sure by now we would have made amends. There are so many things that have happened in my life in the past 33 years that I would have loved to share with my sister, i.e. my wedding, the birth of my children, the struggles throughout 33 years of marriage, etc. I never even had a mom to share these things with. I still miss her to this day and wish things had been settled between us before she went to be with her Lord. I know that I will be with her again one day, but I still miss her here on earth...someone to share my ups and downs with. As the song goes "I just wish I would have told her, in the living years.
Kathy & Corlin, I wish you a Blessed Christmas season and hope that you find the peace of the Lord in this difficult time.
Love,
Ang
Today I tagged (SMILE campaign) a young man at Wiseway grocery store who got in line behind me when I paid for his groceries. He was purchasing a case of bottled water and a Zagnut candy bar. He told me that no one had ever done anything like that for him before.
Last week I tagged a man in a truck behind me at the Crown Point Taco Bell drive-thru. Didn't get a chance to talk to him, but the employees at Taco Bell thought the SMILE campaign was awesome.
Tagged 3 women in Crown Point with goody bag gifts and will keep on tagging!
Come on, everyone, making people smile is awesome. Tag, you're it!!
I'm always on the lookout for a "kindness recipient." In fact, I carry around with me in my car and in my jacket pocket the SMILE tags. That way, when I run across someone who seems to need some kindness, I'm there to help!
Last week I was doing a bit of late night (11pm) shopping at Stracks. As I went to check out, a woman in front of me was working with the woman at the register to identify prices of items on sale and determine which items she needed to "take off" the bill. I reached into my pocket and grabbed a $20 bill and a Smile tag. I handed both to her and stepped back. The surprised and shocked look on her face was worth way more than the $20. She thanked me and I asked her to please pass it forward. "Not the $20, just the act of kindness." She thanked me again and said she would. It made my day better and I hope her day as well!
Corlin and Kathy,
I wish I had thought to include the SMILE TAG yesterday as we did the Angel Tree shopping. Our 17-year-old we shopped for had some expensive items on his Christmas wish list. We had $80 to shop with. We purchased nearly everything on his list and spent just over $100 on the gifts. I also purchased a Christmas card and asked each of the boys who shopped to write him a short message. We all signed the card and then included a $50 bill inside as well. Merry Christmas Randy, I hope you pay it forward!
Telling your parents, or anyone you care about, just what you think of them is a very important thing to do. Five years ago, my parents had their 45th wedding anniversary. I wanted to do something special for them just in case anything happened before they had their 50th anniversary. I took out a full page ad in their local newspaper and when they returned from their trip, a copy of the paper was on their doorstep. They said it was the best present they could have ever received. To see the ad, please click on my name above.
always pass your cart on for free at aldi....it will make the next person smile....and hopefully they will also give their card to the next person free as well....
This has blessed me more than the persons I have passed this too!! Thank you for such a great loving gift to promote. Your mom must've been an awesome Mother, you are an awesome daughter to send this on in her memory!!
Dear Kathy & Corlin,
Thank you for the motivation to get me involved in the "SMILE" campaign. I can't wait to get started on random acts of kindness in memory of your mom! You two have been very kind to me for many years and I want to thank you for that. May God be with you and your family at this difficult time.
I didn't know if this was what you wanted so I akse dCorlin and he said to post it so here goes....my daughter Cheyenne has this friend who doesn't believe in Jesus. But I knew she liked Skillet(the band). Cheyenne had been working on her for some time begining with telling her Skillet is a Christian band and then buying her a Skillet cd(Awake) at a Skillet conert (Summer with Creed)for her birthday. I knew Skillet and Toby Mac were coming to Hoffman Estates but I didn't get tickets. I had Bunco on the night of the concert, it was too far, coudn't afford it etc. were all the excuses I gave myself for not getting them. Weeks later, I was driving on Wednesday night after Cheyenne's handchimes rehearsal at Church(the concert was in two days, that Friday) I heard one of my favorite Skillet Songs on the radio (Forgiven) and suddenly Alexis was in my head. "Cheyenne we have to go to the Skillet concert and we have to bring Alexis. Call her and see if she can go,she doesn't have to pay I want her to come; I will try and get a sub for bunco." I had to wait to find out if I could get a sub at that point I was saying "If God wants me to do this there will be somone available." I found out in a mere hour that there was somone willing to sub for me. I went on-line to get the tickets which were showing a 75$ price I was a little worried about that as I had plans for that money. I got the tickets and there were exactly three seats in a row. ANd they were only 35$ each. I thought they must be very far away for that price, but hoped the Holy Spirit would still reach her way up in the rafters. We got there and the seats were CLOSE! We could see the bands faces AND had room to stand up and dance the entire time. Skillet was awesome as always delivering a message that seemed to speak directly to tweens and teens alike. Then came Toby -enought said he's Toby Mac-He rolls out with "Oh come Let us Adore Him" and we ALL sing. Alexis bought the "Savior" Skillet CD and we listened to the TobyMac "Tonight" CD all the way home. The next day she told Cheyenne"If all those people believe in Jesus ,he must be real. I believe in him too!" Praise the Lord! She is willing to come to Church with us and Cheyenne plans on bringing her to some of the youth events.
May the Lord continue to give you strength and peace not only through the Christmas Season, but throughout the year.
Anonymous
I was at a networking lunch for business people. The waitress randomly handed out these cards to three people there. It was really cool made our day. I'm not sure who paid for my lunch (the waitress wouldn't tell) but it was so nice. As a small business owner you have to watch the bottom line so closely that sometimes you forget to pay it forward. It was nice that someone did that for us. Thank you. Now I get to try and do the same thing for someone else. Glad to see we can print the cards on here. Mine looks like its been handed to a couple of people.
my mom and i were surprised to find two presents our doorstep the other day. how sweet of the gift giver to do so, esp. in honor of such a beautiful woman like maxine. in response, i collected two large bags of non-perishable food items to give to the local food bank that our firefighters were collecting. peace be with you.
well this is the first year we've done this and it is pretty awesome! In honor of your mom we are giving Christmas gifts to all the men at the shelter - they wake up on Christmas morning at the church and we are going to put the smile tag on each package. We are so sorry for your loss but how great that your moms memory can live on in such a great way!
God bless you - you and your family will be in our prayers.
Dave and Sandy Mangel
Kathy, I just wanted to let you know that 3 years later, I still think about your mom, and you. I will never forget that day, and I will never forget how you got through that time with grace. I hope this year and future years get easier for your, and don't ever think that your mom will be forgotten. She had many friends and family that loved her, and when you are loved, you are never forgotten............Rhonda
Thank you Denise and Al, for your act of kindness in the memory of Mrs.Maxine.Denise and Al offer me money to fix my van so i could go to work and provide for my kids. My family appreicate this act of kindness and we will pass this act to the next family.God bless you and your family,you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
With love, Agnes
You are so right about letting family members know we love them. My father-in-law returned from a 2-month stay in Florida today. So last night we surprised him by putting up his Christmas tree and decorating it so it was all ready when he got home. His wife died in 2005, and this was her special tree with blue lights and crystal ornaments. Every year we are so busy putting up our own decorations and trees and he's too old to do his tree himself, and it's time-consuming for us to do his too for him. Shame on us for doing so grudgingly. Well, this year we did it before he even had a chance to ask. And he was delighted and surprised when he came home to find it all ready for him.
An act of kindness in memory of his late wife and your mother.
A smile is a beautiful thing. This year our Girl Scout troop volunteered to take a day ringing the Salvation Army bells. It struck me that the smiles the girls gave and received were as valuable as the money raised that got passed on to those in need. Rock on Maxine.
Our congregation reads a book together each lent and meets together in small groups to discuss it. Although the book was initially offered at no cost to all who wished to participate, during the last several years, we have been asked to help pay for the books. One delightful woman, on a fixed income, cannot afford the book, so last year I sent her one with a note anonymously. A copy of the book for Lent in 2011 is set aside with a “Smile” card to send her when we begin forming small groups next year. Your mother’s memory will continue to bring smiles to people well into 2011. My prayer for you, Kathy, is that as we prepare to prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, you will find peace and comfort in knowing your blessed mother is with him.
My sons, ages 6 and 4, began asking me about the emails that I had received from Corlin and the subsequent discussions with my wife about what we could do to remember Maxine. I explained to them the best that I could that we wanted to do something nice for Kathy and her family to let her know we were thinking of her. It was my 4 year old, Logan, who came up with the idea of giving toys. His original intent was to give the toys to Kathy (since toys would make anybody happy), but we decided to find a charity that we could give toys. Logan and his brother Charlie then set upon the task of going through all of their toys and filling a huge box. After talking to Corlin, we decided to take the toys to Saint Jude House in Crown Point. I helped Logan carry/drag the box to the building, where Logan was invited inside and given a huge 'thank you' from the staff. He was very excited and wanted to explain why he was giving the toys. He said that he wanted kids to have toys and he did it for Mrs. Stein's Mom. God's blessing to you and your family, Kathy, we will always remember Maxine.
Dear Kathy & Corlin
Tonight I will be taking a dear friend of mine of 23 years to the Valparaiso University Advent Christmas Vespers.
She recently lost her job and has a close family member in serious trouble. With all of the stress in her life I hope that during this time she will feel Christ's presence of Peace, Comfort & Joy. And may those feelings stay with all those who are attending throughout the holiday season.
Kathy, I know first hand what it is like to miss your mom and other loved ones during the holidays. My wish for you is that with each passing year your heavy heart is lifted a bit more.
Love & Peace,
Dawn Kasprzak
My Prayers and thoughts are with you both today it is my birthday and your memory of your mother just makes this date even more special to me and I will never forget your mom and your family ever. I know she is looking down and with such love and I know you will feel it thru-out the day. Have a blessed day. Your are in my heart. Pam Stan
Kathy,
As one of your Holy Shepherd Sisters-in-Christ, I too have lost my mother. The hole in my heart is still there; however, I know God is not only with her but with me also. And God is with you too, especially today, as you remember her. I didn't know your mom but knowing you and the woman you've become through her nuturing, I'm sure she was a wonderful person to all that knew her. My prayer today is that God blanket you, Corlin and your family with peace forever so that you may always feel His never-ending love.
In memory of Maxine I went to the store today, bought some apple juice and a beautiful poinsettia. After checking out, I told the cashier that the plant was now hers and gave her the smile card. I hope she passes it on.
I think this is a great way to honor your mother.
Today I gave money to someone who needed help getting christmas for her sister. She is raising her sister on her own at the young age of 25 because her mother is an addict. So, we took up a collection for her and her sister to have christmas this year. I know she could see Jesus in our act of kindness and love. We do this in memory of maxine so that her memory and kind heart is not forgotten. Im sure if she was around she would have given to this struggling family and it is a great oppertunity to show her unconditional love which Christ wants us to show.
today at work i had a chance to anonymously donate to a charity providing christmas help to needy families. i don't know if i would have normally donated. but today, i was so happy to have the opportunity practically handed to me. i attached a smile card to my money and added it to the envelope. hopefully the young lady collecting the donations will pass it along!
Today I passed on the kindness and the memory of your mom to three families in Walmart via some gift cards and to one person in the line at McDonalds. The feeling of sharing and paying it forward is wonderful. May you find some peace in the memory of your mother, Maxine. I know I did today.
Thanks to the couple in the tan van who gave me this letter about Maxine while i carried out their groceries. I wanted to cry because it was so touching and unbelievably kind!! RIP Maxine. I will absolutely pass this on in your honor.
I new maxine for many years and loved her very much . Yesterday I thought about her and her family and how close they were and how they liked to laugh. You could talk to maxine about anything and she would not judge you she would give you comfort, advise,and any thing else she could do for you to help. Last night as i was checking out of the store I had to get milk the lady in front of me was looking for change in the bottom of her purse to finish paying for her purchases. I gave her the change that she needed she thanked me i told her to pass it on when someone else needed it. It was not a lot of money but it is what maxine would have done.
She will ALWAYS be remebered by myself and my family. NOT ONLY FOR WHO SHE WAS BUT FOR THE WOUNDERFUL AND SPECIAL THINGS SHE DID FOR OTHER PEOPLE. LOVE YA AND GOD BLESS
Was waiting for the perfect opportunity to use a Smile card & this morning at The Omelet Hose was it. I chose a father & his young daughter to anonymously treat to breakfast in hopes he could use the opportunity to teach her the value of kindness. It worked! The waitress informed me that he then paid it forward on the spot by treating someone else there to breakfast. Brought tears to my eyes to know that there ARE good people in the world. Thank you Kathy & Corlin for this wonderful opportunity. KMAZ
I just printed out several SMILE tags and intend on "paying it forward" in Maxine's honor. I've always done little things for others, but to put a name on it, in hope that others will follow, makes me more eager to 'pay it foward'. God bless you Corlin & Kathy...
Two Smiles tags went out today. One to the person behind me at McDonald's and the other with a meal for a homeless person. God is Good! Love ya!
In loveing memory of Maxine,Kathy's MOM,and for the love that Corlin radiates. That not only is the love reflected back,but that it is absorbed and utilizied like a plant in bright sunshine sewn in good soil.
Not to long ago my water heater failed and I needed a new one. While in the basement working on this project my Mother of 79-80 y.y., came down and asked if I needed any help. Knowing my mother the way I do I said:"yes mother,I could use your help". Also thinking that she wants to feel 'useful'. Long story short, We worked into the wee hours of the morning, my MOM had worked all day with my wife,went shopping,made dinner,cleaned the kitchen,then helped me til 5am the next day. I could not have done it without her. She ID-ed a gas leak and perserved life. Like all MOM's she is a SUPER HERO. Just like your MOM,Kathy. And here I was thinking I would be a blessing to my MOM letting her help me and all the while I was the one being blessed. Praise God Almighty! agc+
It was a cold winters night and I just got off work when off in the distance the figure of a person appeared through the blinding Chicago snow storm. It was a young man walking in the middle of the road. I rode passed him,he yelled and waved. I contienued going. I had to work late. (It is not required of us but I'm that kind of guy to take care of business. I was going to leave early but I felt that tug, that slowing of time, that sense of purpose, something that said "NOT YET". I finally came to a point in my work that felt like I could leave, and I did.) I was tired when I passed this guy and as I passed him and his figure began to shorten and fade in the distance, that tug returned and my focus was on a single flake of snow falling in the cold Chicago wind and a sense of purpose came over me as before. Once I can understand, twice,I begin to wonder. I was to far away to see this person,to far to hear him. Then time slowed down,I looked at my speedometer,I was going 50mph,but it seemed like I was traveling through a clear gealatious mass. I looked in my rear view mirror and I could see him and I heard him. Ok! Turn this thing around. Im no expert driver but I turned my car around in one fluid motion. (I knew then I was'nt driving.) I drove up to this figure,he was a young man, I rolled down my window " do you need a ride?". "Yes" he said, get in. We drove off. He was full of tears,his MOTHER had just passed away. He needed a ride to his house,he needed some money. I drove him to his house, I gave him all the money I had. I got his name and introduced myself. We shook hands,and he walked off as I drove off.
This is not the first time this has happened to me. The tug ,the time thing,ok I get it. The thing that gets me is that each time I get this thing the guy-- the guy I help is always middle twenties,23,26. So far they have all been named Mike. My step son passed some years now, his name was Mike.He was 23 y.o. .Kathy, Corlin, God do work in mysterious ways. A line from my favorite move, Sargent York. Our Lord Loves you both.Peace be with you.
Thank you for the awesome idea that has impacted me and makes me want to do the same.
I was tagged this morning at a local restaurant while having breakfast with my family after church, I was very surprised and before leaving the tag wrote down the web site.
Well, you have inspired me today to print your tag and continue to do it, before leaving the restaurant we tag another table and now I will print your card and do more kindness. Thank you!!!! I'm sure your mom is smiling from heaven. Pray that more people will do the same.
We had a home fire and someone sent us giftcards with the smile card. It really meant alot when it was just what we needed. This is a beautiful honor in your mom's memory!
So happy to recieve this card with my paid mc donalds a few months ago. Great things will happen in your mother's name. You must be such blessings to your families and I am sure your mother is so proud of you.
Delivered a case of new pillows to St. Jude house
in Crown point. As soon as the receptionist saw
the flyer she remembered the whole story about SMILE
and Maxine. She was touched and very appreciative.
God Bless - David Edders
This is such a wonderful thing to do. My random act of kindness was to pay for the meal of the person behind me in the McDonald's line. The lady looked very unhappy so I hope it cheered her up a little. I gave the print-out page to the cashier to give to the lady.
In the spirit of Maxine.. my hubby, after a long day of work, saw a very elderly woman shoveling snow. He stopped and told her that it was too much for her.
He asked for her shovel and she said 'but I don't have any money to pay you'. He said, 'ma'am, I'm not asking for any' and shoveled her whole drive. He was late coming home but I cannot think of a better reason.
On behalf of ST. JUDE HOUSE INC. Clients, Associates, Volunteers and Board Members we thank Maxine for her dedication in helping others. Maxine and her loved always kept us in her thoughts. We appreciate all of the donations throughout the year. In her memory lives the SMILE and in our hearts lives the love. Thank you Maxine!
Hi Im a server at Buffalo Wild Wings in Canada I was serving the Olympic mens hockey game and one of my tables left me the smile card along with my tip It was super busy and the card indeed made me smile and appricatie the little things Ill be leaving my card behind sometime too thank you :)
I was walking down the hall at work and a student handed me one. it made me smile. Reading the story of the origins makes me both sad and happy. Sad because someone was murdered, but happy because a family decided to memorialise their mom by spreading happiness. It shows she left behind some kids with great character, no doubt learned from her.
Paid for a couple of meals for a car behind me in the drive through at Hardees and had the cashier give them a "SMILE" card. Hopefully the card gets used over and over!
Prayers and hugs to Maxine's family as you honor her memory in this way. It is wonderful to be out their doing good.
Thank you so much for making all of our kids "SMILE" by donating blankets in memory of Maxine for all of our kids at Campagna!
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