Courtesy of Reptile Kingdom
We always talk about reaching out to the reptile community. As you probably already know I belong to several groups in various social networks and today in one of those groups Region Reptiles & Exotics a mom asked if the members would wish her son a happy birthday.
I had no clue who this mom or her son was other than they were group members. So wanting to encourage her son in his reptile pursuits I sent them a link to download the latest issue of Herpetoculture House Magazine. Within minutes I got a reply about how ecstatic he would be when he saw his gift. I thought that was just great, so I decided then and there why not take it one step further. I asked if he owned Leopard Geckos, his mom replied that in fact he did own a Leopard Gecko so I teasingly wrote back “Well then ONLY because it’s his birthday” and sent the new Leopard Gecko eBook (that link is a preview for you) over for him that we just published requesting that after his homework and chores were done that he give us a review. What happened next still gives me chills and a lump in my throat.
“John, you rock! You likely don’t realize how much this means to my son. He has struggled with overcoming developmental and mental disabilities and we have found his outlet to be reptiles. He looks up to the reptile community for guidance and acceptance. You have given him a gift that is more than just reading material. You have given him hope and guidance”
I immediately thought of Chris Brogan a very well known blogger who is always telling people just do nice things for people. Well Chris, your advice was a big hit today. People are always talking about how segregated the reptile community is and while this is true we can all make a difference by simply taking a moment and just doing something nice. Not because we want the reward or expect something in return but just to be nice to a fellow reptile enthusiast. So here’s a challenge for all my readers, do something nice right now, just because you want to encourage someone in our community. Trust me the end result may just blow you off your chair. Enjoy your day, I know I am going to enjoy my week after that one!
As a side note: I asked if I could share their story and this was the reply
“I like that the community can help, because we all have the heart to help. And people reach out not even knowing how amazing their little bit of guidance helps an individual.”
P.S. Thanks to Region Reptiles & Exotics for such an inspirational story!