When I think of friends who truly exemplify the ideals of Big-Hearted People, Doug and Mary are the first ones who come to mind. Having known them for over 37 years, I have seen them regularly display the Big-Hearted attributes of kindness, compassion unconditional love, selfless giving and sensitivity to people’s needs. They are people who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Had it not been for the unconditional love and acceptance they showed to me when I was a headstrong rebellious teenager, I might have continued on the road to ruin and met an untimely death. It was Doug who reached out to me at the place where we worked and shared God’s love and forgiveness and led me in a prayer to accept Jesus Christ into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior.  As an additional tribute to them, I share examples of their Big-Heartedness in my book, Big-Hearted People, Make a difference by Living Simply, Giving Freely and Loving Deeply.

Randy J. Schum