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Be Kind 365

Louis LaBella Sr.    January 27 

 Last week, I bumped into a classmate and friend of Louie Jr.,… He took the time to tell me that he and Louie shared the same birth date and he reads the posts on Facebook of our community efforts… As he choked up with heartfelt emotions, he went on to offer kind words of encouragement, support and expressed a strong commitment to be part of what we are doing with Peace Together Project… 

As I tried to hold back the tears, I conveyed my deepest appreciation and mentioned that the mission is ‘Finding peace, by piecing together lives’… Little did he know, by taking the time to reach out to me, his simple act of kindness helped ‘piece together my life’… You see, I was in a difficult mindset missing Louie and struggling with posting these stories on Facebook;… thinking we should keep these things private… My thoughts throughout the day were lay low and not mention our next initiative… and then by chance, we ran into each other. It will be remembered as a significant milestone in my life, not only in remembering and sharing stories of Louie Jr.,… but, to stay on course with the direction of Peace Together Project, in hope that we may provide some positive inspiration to others… 

We believe ‘every day is the right time to do something good’, so Peace Together Project is launching a simple act of kindness initiative called Be Kind 365…
Our Be Kind 365 project is planned for Friday, February 1st, 2019 and is poised to connect family and friends together to inspire others to reach out and do something kind for someone else.

Never underestimate a random act of kindness… Even the simplest things such as a smile, a friendly gesture or running into someone and taking the time to offer some kind words can make a difference in their life…. Believe me when I say, “It has made a difference in mine”… 

Perhaps, we can inspire you to provide one simple act of kindness this Friday, February 1st, 2019… For more information: messenger me on Facebook
email me: info@PeaceTogetherProject.org 
or visit: http://www.PeaceTogetherProject.org/be-kind-365

As a simple act of kindness, please share this post … 
In Peace, Louis Sr.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted…” 
….Aesop

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Homeless Survival Kit

I would like to share a story of one winter night when Louie Jr. came home and woke me up all excited to tell me of his night’s events. He said “Dad don’t get mad at me; but, I gave my new coat to a homeless guy outside of the Auburn tonight. It was freezing out and I saw him with no coat on, so I gave him my coat.”  I replied, “Louie, I’m so proud of you and of course I’m not mad…. But I’m pretty sure you wore your brother’s coat tonight!” True story…

In staying with how many times both my boys, Chris and Louie, did so many wonderful and spontaneous acts of kindness, Peace Together Project donated winter #Warm knit hats and gloves to the Homeless coalition survival kits for this winter… With temperatures falling below zero, please consider providing #warm items and support to homeless shelters and missions… In Peace, Louis Sr.

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Peace Wreath

 



Thank you to my son Chris for taking on the holiday wreaths for Peace Together Project in memory of Louie, Jr.. Chris hand crafted and is donating fresh balsam wreaths to wonderful organizations such as Veteran Outreach Center, Heritage Health Care, Homeless Coalition, Abraham House, Hope House and my friends David and Jacob (in the photo) with UCP Aspire program that work with me at Habitat for Humanity. It is presented with a simple wish: “May this wreath remind you of warm memories of the past, bring a smile on your face today and offer peace for tomorrow…

In Peace, The LaBella Family

We give a special thank you and our deepest gratitude to AT Bianco and family for donating the machinery, rings, knowledge, support and patience working with me to make this first year wreath project possible…

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Veterans Day 2018

I would like to thank all the Peace Together Project volunteers for working today (Saturday, November 10, 2018) at The Veteran Outreach Center. Our Campus recruits from Hamilton College and Colgate University painted the stairwell railings for the new veteran housing project which will provide proper shelter and housing for our homeless vets…

Today’s group of college volunteers were headed up by the hard work of our crew leaders Fran Pugliese, Rich Venezio and my Son Christopher…

Today’s efforts by The Peace Together Project, in memory of my son Louie Jr., were sponsored by the support of ADK Property Management… The benevolence of outstanding volunteers, great organizations and love of friends and family coming together for the good of our community… Thank you everyone… Peace Out

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Syracuse Orange Game Tickets

Best Seats In The House

Me and Chris having a great day at the Dome… Syracuse won in double overtime… Plus we gave 50 yard line seats to (2) kids from Marcellus HS as a random act-of-kindness of The Peace Together Project in memory of Louie Jr.

It was a Win – Win – Win for everyone!  Except for North Carolina fans  🙁

#peacetogetherproject #bekind365

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Veteran Center

Tuesday October 9, 2018

Thank you to Hamilton College volunteers Claire, Amy and Austin, for helping  paint at the CNY Veteran Outreach Center last Tuesday evening as a Peace Together Project in memory of my son, Louie Jr..… We answered the ‘call-to-action’ to assist the CNYVOC help maintain their construction schedule to provide safe housing for our homeless veterans…

The Central New York Veterans Outreach Center was behind schedule to convert vacant space on the third & fourth floors of the Washington Street building into 18 housing units, including seven (7) units of permanent supportive housing, as well as ten (10) units of transitional housing, both for homeless veterans and their families.

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Thank you for your support

I am overwhelmed by the wonderful response regarding Louie’s 40th Birthday post last week… Friends, old and new, have shared kind words, prayers, stories, support and their love.
With hundreds of comments, texts, emails and calls, the following response is a thank you to everyone for taking the time to reach out and make Louie’s 40th birthday a day of celebration…
For Those Friends of Louie… He loves you all – and so do we.
For all those who miss him… He lives within your laughter.
For those who share stories of my Boys… I always love hearing about their escapades.
Those from my high school and college years… Time may pass – but, the bond has not weathered.
Those who still call me lumpy… Don’t stop – it brings back great memories.
Those who still call me coach… Thank you for such an honor and respect… but, you taught me more than I taught you.
Those who don’t know what to say… That’s ok; I too, am speechless – but, I will take a hug.
Those of you who make me laugh… Don’t stop
For those who wonder “what’s Habitat for Humanity”… Sign up to volunteer and I’ll explain it to you.
For those who wonder what #ProjectSemicolon means…It’s a viral movement that is bringing mental health awareness to the forefront. The ; tattoo is a symbol of hope, support and remembrance.
For those who ask why close with ’Peace out’ … That’s how Louie would say “see you later” – he would hit his chest twice and throw you the peace sign.
For those who shared their grief and loss of a child… No words can express my feelings for you; so I would like to share a text I received: “Thank you for being brave and sharing your story. You never know who is listening and whose life you made better… “
Peace out my friends;

 

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Louis Jr. 40th Birthday Project

It has been 5 years since the loss of my oldest son Louis, Jr. “One day at a time” continues to be my mantra to help piece together a puzzled tomorrow.
I am always amazed by parents that have created positive change while struggling with the tragic loss of a child. To those survivors, you are my heroes. While these type of goals and missions may not work for others that struggle with such grief, it has encouraged me to begin a journey of honoring Louie with positive energy.
Thank you to my friends and family who stand by my side; who allow me to speak of Louie open and freely, who have walked with me in silence without leaving me to walk alone.
I was given the quote “Grief never ends; but it changes… It’s a passage; not a place to stay… Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of fait; it is the price of love”…
The Price of love is what allows me to endure my grief while creating new memories and sharing the joys of life with my son Chris. Chris and I have adopted the motto: “We can accomplish the impossible; because we have lived through the unimaginable.”
Today, June 27, we celebrated Louie’s 40th birthday in a day of peace by assisting our neighbors in need. We adopted a day at Oneida County Habitat for Humanity helping seniors repair their homes.
Instead of sitting around with mixed emotions we forged ahead and mixed paint to renew the beauty of an aging home.
To help me find my step forward, we painted a porch with non-slip paint so a senior doesn’t lose her step backward.
To patch the empty space in my heart, we repaired the space of a weathered fence to provide safety for someone who lives alone.
Louie was a caring and loving person who was so interested in the wellbeing of our seniors, veterans and disabled he became a certified aging-in-place specialist to assist people with home repair projects. Today marks the day he entered our lives and we will continue to celebrate his life by improving the lives of others as the Peace Together Project.
Louie lives on the other side of the rainbow; but, he was by our side as we all worked together once again. Father, sons and brothers…
Happy 40th Birthday Lou…. Peace out…my son
Love Mon, Dad and Chris