Main Street Vegan Academy graduate Ilse Singer wrote this to me this morning. It made my day. I worked to get the spacing right and can’t devote any more time to that (fantasy: assistant…full-time…from my keyboard to God’s ears…), but you get the gist. This is so moving.
I wanted to share this with you, because you, and MSVA, are the catalyst that has aligned me with purpose ..and I finally know, no matter the current challenges, that this IS what I am meant to do, in one capacity or another. Being a vehicle for the message is what will guide my life.
Last week I randomly walked into a deli (that I never go into)in my Harlem neighborhood, and there was woman — older, poor, with a dog, a cocker spaniel, that was so horrifically matted she couldn’t walk properly. She was encased in a hard shell — a cruelty case by virtue of neglect. So, I gave the woman my number, delicately explained that this was causing her dog a great deal of pain and suffering, and asked if she would please let me help, and take the dog to my vet. At first I bitched (to myself) because I cannot take on one more rescue and don’t have money to spare, didn’t need this today, blah, blah. And then I got grateful: for being put in that place, at that time, and given the opportunity to be of service, and alleviate suffering in another being.
The picnic table consists of: Wonder bread, mac and cheese, SWEET drinks, ribs, burgers — you know the deal. And the woman who invited me is diabetic — she just had 2 toes amputated — and all of her friends are sick in one way or another and on multiple meds. One of her grandkids is having surgery for an issue that is 100 percent caused by dairy ..and here I am trying to, I don’t know, not say anything, but I did. And they listened. We talked about dairy, and refined carbohydrates, and animal protein/too much protein. And we then talked about beans, and quinoa, and salads and kale and veg sources of protein! And my host — her name is Norma — got excited!
She committed to starting 2 nights a week, subbing for her usual meat and white rice a big salad with all of her fave veggies, with beans, and some nuts, and some grain she likes, and lemon and olive oil. She is totally into it, and so is one of her friends. And we will stay in touch, I’ll work with her. And out of the most unlikely crossing of paths, and very unlikely crossing of people and worlds, a wonderful lesson was given to me: I AM a coach. And I am passionate about it, and about sharing the truth. Something in me has the ability to reach people. And this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
If you care to donate few dollars to help Ilse pay the vet bills for Norma’s dog, Honey, her PayPal account is [email protected]
Wow, what a moving story and experience. Ilse lives her truth. Beautifully written and totally inspiring. I’m sure she’s going to have a lasting impact on these people (and of course Honey) whose lives she touched so deeply. Victoria, thank you for sharing & for all you do. You are beyond inspiring that you’ve created this Academy and are inspiring and empowering others to go for what’s in their hearts to do.
I couldn’t have said it better than Sharon. How wonderful of Ilsa to be so open hearted. Thank you for sharing Victoria!
My thanks and deepest gratitude to you Victoria, for the beautiful and inspiring example you set of a life lived with compassion and passion and purpose, for making MSVA possible for me, and for the wonderful conversation this morning. And for your support <3 <3
Ilse made a difference for an animal and a person because she chose to step out of her comfort zone and take the time. Would that we would all “take the time” rather than rushing on to our next destination/task; many lives could be changed. Beautiful.
So good. There is hope.
Ilse, I feel SO BLESSED to know you.