Greetings Mr. Hartman,

I just saw a brief video about the wonderland you created for your daughter in your desire to give her and other children a safe space to enjoy and play together and to feel unconditionally loved and I was brought to tears.

I am so happy your family was blessed with a husband and a father like you! It was wonderful to see you use what could have been a tragedy that kept your daughter stuck and at a disadvantage in life as instead an opportunity to lift her up so others could see her light.

I was widowed ten years ago and am completing the raising of our now thirteen year old son on my own. He was and is an absolutely beautiful child. Seemingly flawless on the outside, almost angelic looking (his father too was a very handsome man) and receiving compliments about his appearance all the time.

Everyone wants to be his friend so you would think he’s got it all. Few people know his inner world or are able to see the hurts and wounds he carries inside from losing his father so young and from growing up with a mother who did her best but who was deeply grieving the loss of her spouse while trying to remain engaged with the process of raising him.

I hope and pray that someday I, too, can make the positive impact on my son and my community that you made on your daughter and community. People like you inspire me that with God’s help and a willing spirit, I can make a difference too.

Thank you again for your example! It was just what I needed to see today to encourage me.

Sincerely,

Carrie Dodson