I love challenge coins. They are almost always given for a reason. And this time, I got one for a Reason I would have never thought deserved a Challenge Coin. Sometimes Habitat for Humanity will ask me to speak. For example: I spoke to a large group of Volunteers and Habitat Workers when President Carter Passed.
So last year, when the Anniversary of 9/11 rolled around, they asked if I would speak.
I told them that I could be a back up. But that so many people have a truly solid connection to that day...that it would be better to have someone speak who had ...well, skin in the game. I suggested someone who was a survivor, or joined the Military because of that day. Or a Family member of one of the Fallen. For their stories would carry more weight...and I felt, more Honor.
So today the Veteran who organized that event dropped off a Challenge Coin. He told me:
"Kevin after talking with you to come speak. I realized you were right. And I started looking for folks with "skin in the game." I found two. One woman in our Office was actually one of the few who got out of the Towers that morning. And another guy Enlisted one week after the Tragedy. And those two gave powerful speeches. But if you hadn't declined and gave me a suggestion of where to look for someone who could "talk from their heart."
I would have never found them. So here you go. We kept one for you."
Isn't it amazing that sometimes by refusing to do something, you cause the right things to happen?