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# The ReesSpecht Life Foundation

Making the world kinder and safer, one "Rees'" piece at a time...

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/blog/)
- [If Only I Had 1/62nd of a Banana, I Could Stop Drowning Now](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/if-only-i-had-1-62nd-of-a-banana-i-could-stop-drowning-now/) - By Rich Specht, Co-Founder of the ReesSpecht Life Foundation Today, I stumbled upon an astonishing headline: Justin Sun, a cryptocurrency mogul, spent $6.2 million on a banana duct-taped to a wall. Yes, you read that right. A banana. Duct-taped. To a wall. This absurd purchase, labeled as art, has been touted as a "statement."
- [2024 Toy Drive is Live(click for locations)!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/2024-toy-drive-locations/) - Our 2024 Toy Drive is up and running! Please head to one of our over 30 drop off locations to donate a toy to a family in need this holiday season. Please help us help those who would otherwise go without a gift this holiday season <3.
- [Eleven Years - and Yesterday...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/eleven-years-and-yesterday/) - I hate that October 27th is THAT date on the calendar I can't avoid. It's a day that stands out, stark and unforgiving, etched in the darkest ink. Year after year, it approaches, unwelcome and unrelenting. Every year, as this date looms, the pain, sadness, and loss build to a crescendo, threatening to engulf everything
- [And we got scammed...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/and-we-got-scammed/) - This one hurts and I've got a mix of emotions swirling inside. As you know, the ReesSpecht Life Foundation has always been about spreading kindness and positively impacting the world. Life threw me a curveball recently, and it turns out - I have trouble with the curve... As such, I felt it's important to open
- [Sometimes "Thank You" is all you need...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sometimes-thank-you-is-all-you-need/) - Today, I spoke at Longwood Junior High School, sharing the story of my son Rees and the mission we’ve embarked upon to spread kindness and compassion. After the assembly, a young man named Steven approached me and thanked me for coming to his school and sharing our story again. His words touched me, but
- [2022 Toy Drive is on!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/2022-toy-drive-is-on/) - Our 2022 Toy Drive is Officially on! We have over 40 dropoff locations throughout Long Island - but if you can't make it to one of our locations, click on this link to send us a Toy Directly through Amazon. Even better, make sure to add ReesSpecht Life as your charity on Amazon, and every
- [Support our book - become a character!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/support-our-book-become-a-character/) - While there are lots of great perks available in our crowdfunding campaign to get "A Little Rees Specht Stops a Bully " published, our favorites, by far, are the "You are a character" and "Get Animated!" Perks. These perks let you put your child (or yourself!) in our next book or our upcoming animated pilot
- [Buy our new book and get a chance to win an Occulus Quest 2!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/buy-our-new-book-and-get-a-chance-to-win-an-occulus-quest-2/) - For a limited time - and only through our website, we are offering a special perk in our crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds to bring our newest book to life. Click the link below to get a signed copy of the book (with a custom message of your choice from author Rich Specht), 20
- [A Little Rees Specht Stops a Bully](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/a-little-rees-specht-stops-a-bully/) - The time is here! We are thrilled to announce that our crowdfunding campaign to illustrate and print the sequel to "A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness" is now live! We have 33 days from the date of this post to raise $20,000 to cover all the expenses to self-publish and distribute the book. If we
- [A Mets KIND of day...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/a-mets-kind-of-day/) - Anyone who knows me or follows us closely knows what the NY Mets mean to me. Rees' nursery was literally decked from top to bottom in orange and blue and Mets memorabilia. From the moment my girls could speak some of their first words were "Let's go Mets". It's a known fact that I live
- [Introducing: ReesSpecht Life Saver!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/introducing-reesspecht-life-saver/) - We are thrilled to announce the ReesSpecht Life Foundation's new partner and National Program Sponsor: Life Saver Pool Fence Systems! Our Partnership (officially dubbed: ReesSpecht Life Saver) will help grow our reach nationally and expand our programs like "ReesSpecht the Water" and "Cultivate Kindness" school assembly programs, as well as help us get our
- [Now booking School Assembly Programs for 2022-2023 School Year!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/now-booking-school-assembly-programs-for-2022-2023-school-year/) - Our Schools need kindness now, more than ever. The ReesSpecht Life Foundation proudly announces we are booking school assembly programs for the 2022-2023 school year. Join our co-founder Rich Specht as he inspires your students to see a new perspective on the power of their kind acts. Our grade specific programs (k-2, 3-5, Middle and
- [The Grump is coming!!!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-grump-is-coming/) - The long-awaited sequel to our first book "A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness" is (*hopefully* with your support) on its way soon! Stay tuned as we announce the details for our crowd-funding campaign to raise the funds to illustrate and print "A Little Rees Specht Stops a Bully". Join our hero and his friends as
- [2021 Toy Drive is Underway!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/2021-toy-drive-is-underway/) - Our 2021 Toy Drive is officially underway! With over 50 drop-off locations (see below) we are poised to make this our biggest year yet. If you can't make it to any of the locations but still wish to contribute we have made it as easy as a tap on your screen or a click of
- [Be Kind to yourself.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/bekind/) - If time "flies" when you are having fun, it enters warp-speed when you are grieving the loss of a child. It's hard to believe that we are now in the fourth year of our mission to spread kindness in our late son's name. It's even harder to reconcile the fact that my little boy's laughter
- [It's about more than a game...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/its-about-more-than-a-game/) - The sentimentality of baseball is very deeply rooted in the American baseball fan. It is the one sport that has top athletes some of which train using the best testosterone booster permitted in sports to keep up with their stats. -Michael Lewis If there exists something called destiny then I was destined to be a
- [Calling all Businesses! 2021 Toy Drive](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/calling-all-businesses-2021-toy-drive/) - The ReesSpecht Life foundation is looking for businesses located on Long Island that would be interested in being a dropoff location for our annual toy drive this year. If you, or someone you know owns a business that might be interested please email us at info@reesspechtlife.com
- [There's no such thing as Kindness*](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/theres-no-such-thing-as-kindness/) - Congratulations to all of you who didn’t nod in agreement and move on from the title. The irony of you choosing to read a piece with this title on a blog called “Cultivate Kindness” isn’t lost on me; it is, in fact, very much intended. You are the one I wanted to reach. The person,
- [Fall](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fall/) - There was a time in my life where fall was by far my favorite season of the year. From the almost daily receding of temperatures from the extremes of summer, to the imperceptible bleeding of the orange, yellow and red hues from a verdant sea, the majesty of fall and its dynamic changes always left
- [It's that time of year again...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/its-that-time-of-year-again/) - Fall (Revised and updated from original post) There was a time in my life where fall was by far my favorite season of the year. From the almost daily receding of temperatures from the extremes of summer, to the imperceptible bleeding of the orange, yellow and red hues from a verdant sea, the majesty of
- [My Love.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/my-love/) - Everything that I have written since Rees' passing shares one thing in common: it's from my perspective - the grieving father who lost his only boy. The pages of text I have placed out into cyberspace have documented my struggles and doubts, my ups and my downs. In return, countless people who I do not
- [I know he's still here... More Signs (revised)](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/moresigns/) - editor's note: This post was originally published in July of 2014 but has been updated to include recent events. The first few weeks of grief after losing a child are a mixture of rage, sadness, helplessness and fear: An unstable concoction that can react and explode at any given moment. As someone who can now
- [2020 Contactless Toy Drive](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/2020-contactless-toy-drive/) - Families in our community need our help now, perhaps more than ever before... Sadly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of our drop-off locations are unable to physically collect toys this year. In a year where we expect the need for donations to increase exponentially this could be potentially devastating. Fortunately we have a solution
- [Make America Kind Again](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/make-america-kind-again/) - We are doing a limited run of our Make America Kind Again sweatshirts just in time for the holiday season! After a crushing 2020, your support will help us raise the funds to continue our programs in 2021. Orders will arrive on or around 12/16/20.gn-embed-v1">
- [Virtual Fundraiser - We Spin, you win!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fbfundraiser/) - Covid-19 has limited our ability to have in-person fundraisers so this is the next best thing! Please invite your friends to join our Facebook Fundraiser Group. We need as many people as possible to join the page to create an active online community and get word out! (This is the only place you can get
- [Preparing for the storm...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/superstorm/) - October 25th, 2012, 2 days before the moment that would change my life forever, is a date that I remember for only one thing: It was the day which forecasters confirmed that Long Island, NY would be struck by Hurricane Sandy. I recall constantly checking various weather sites to confirm other's predictions - and the
- [Facemasks are here!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/facemasks-are-here/) - Spread some kindness (not germs!) with our fabric facemasks. Each order includes 25 of our "Pay it Forward" cards to help you spread some kindness (but no germs!) right now. Order HERE
- [I thought he was with you...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/friendship/) - It has been a while since I have written anything, I think mostly because I really do not find myself with enough time lately. ReesSpecht Life's incredible growth in the past few months comes with the consequence of Sam and I having very little down time away from either our Daughters, our careers or the
- [ReesSpecht the Water](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-the-water/) - Join Little Rees Specht as he learns the most important aspects of water safety from his friend Splash. For information on booking a ReesSpecht the Water Assembly for your school/community head here or call us at 631-353-9924
- [I'm not ok, and that's okay.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/im-not-ok-and-thats-okay/) - I haven't written a blog post here in over two years. It's not out of a lack of will, or time - it was out of a lack of necessity... After I lost my son Rees in October of 2012 I started writing right away (well as soon as our power was restored after the
- [Book a Cultivate Kindness Assembly for your School.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/book-a-cultivate-kindness-assembly-for-your-school-2/) - Book a Cultivate Kindness Assembly for your school today. Programs specifically developed for k-2, 3-5, Middle and HS levels. For more information go to www.cultivatekindness.org
- [2019 T-Shirt Fundraiser!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/2019-t-shirt-fundraiser/) - Order your t-shirt/hoodie/sweatshirt today! These shirts are limited time only and are only available to order until October 1st. The funds we raise from this sale will help support: Scholarships Our "Cultivate Kindness™" School assemblies Our ReesSpecht the Water School assemblies Our "Pay it Foodward™" program Get yours today here: httpss://www.customink.com/fundraising/make-america-kind-again-2019
- [A Little Rees Specht for Water Safety](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/a-little-rees-specht-for-water-safety/) - Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death of children under 5. Watch as Little Rees Specht learns the importance of being safer in and around the water. Please invite your children to watch this with you and share it with as many people as you can. With your help, we can help educate
- [Book a Cultivate Kindness Assembly for your school](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/book-a-cultivate-kindness-assembly-for-your-school/) - The ReesSpecht Life Foundation is now booking assemblies (K-2, 3-5, Middle, and HS) for the 2019-2020 school year. Call us at (631)-353-9924 or email us at info@reesspechtlife.com today to book your assembly. If you have budget concerns, we will work with you to find a price that works for your school's needs. See more in
- [Coming soon...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/coming-soon/) - Enjoy this short teaser of our upcoming "A Little Rees Specht for Water Safety" animated water safety video! Stay tuned for the release date!!!
- [Toy Drive 2018](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/toy-drive-2018/) - Our Toy Drive begins tomorrow! Over 49 Locations all over Long Island. Help us make a difference in a child's life this holiday season!
- [Last Chance to to get Tickets for our Fundraiser this Friday.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/last-chance-to-to-get-tickets-for-our-fundraiser-this-friday/) - Please consider joining the ReesSpecht Life Foundation and our Sponsor and partner in Drowning Prevention, Saf-T-Swim at our first annual "ReesSpecht the Water Gala" This Friday, October 26th at 6:30 pm at the Sea Star Ballroom adjacent to the LI Aquarium. Enjoy a night of dancing, great food and wine and beer as you bid
- [Basket Donations Needed](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/basket-donations-needed/) - We are currently accepting donations of baskets for our October 26th, 2018 Fundraiser at the Sea Star Ballroom next to the LI Aquarium. No item is too small! Please help us in our quest to educate Long Island's youth about the necessity of being safe around the water. This is such an important mission and
- [Tickets now on Sale for our Fundraiser on 10/26!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/tickets-now-on-sale-for-our-fundraiser-on-10-26/) - Join our ReesSpecht the Water Gala on October 26, 2018 at the Sea Star Ballroom next to the Long Island Aquarium to benefit ReesSpecht Life's Water Safety program: "ReesSpecht the Water" Summer isn't over yet! Cocktail hour, beer and wine, dinner & dancing with our DJ & live steel drum music in your Resort Casual attire! Photo ops, live
- [Sponsorship Opportunities!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sponsorship-opportunities/) - The ReesSpecht Life Foundation is looking for sponsors for our "ReesSpecht the Water Gala" at the Sea Star Ballroom adjacent to the Long Island Aquarium on October 26th, 2018. Listed below are the levels of sponsorship and what you(or your business) will receive for generosity. The money we raise from this fundraiser will go directly
- [Save the Date!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/save-the-date/) - Join us on Friday, October 26th 2018 as we host our first annual "ReesSpecht the Water Gala". Help support our mission to End Drowning Now as you enjoy a night of great food, dancing, and raffles at the Sea Star Ballroom next to the Long Island Aquarium! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon! Check back
- [Thank you KIND Snacks!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/thank-you-kind-snacks/) - We are so excited to announce that we have won the Grand Prize from KIND Snacks #Morekind "Nice" Vs. Kind video contest! Watch the video to see what we plan to do with the winnings - and the wonderful surprise we got from KIND Snacks founder and CEO Daniel Lubetzky. We can't thank KIND snacks
- [Lessons for Life](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/lessons-for-life/) - Our son Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht (Rees) drowned in 18 inches of water. A simple miscommunication between my friend and I meant that one of the most crucial layers of protection from drowning had broken down. Had Rees started swim lessons as an infant (like his younger sister, Melina has) he would probably be here today.
- [500,001 Kindness Cards and counting...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/500000cards/) - Five years ago today we did our first of 500 random acts of kindness in Rees' name. We just wanted to pay back the kindness of those that helped us through the darkest moment of our lives. Armed with the card pictured to the left, I took my two daughters to our local Dunkin' Donuts
- [What's the difference between "Nice" and "Kind"?](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/whats-difference-nice-kind/) - They say that actions speak louder than words. These words couldn't be more true...
- [Help make Rees' 7th birthday extra special this year](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/help-make-rees-7th-birthday-extra-special-year/) - You can help us make "Rees Specht Kindness Day" (12/19 in New York State) extra special for our foundation and our family. Just click here: httpss://poll.fbapp.io/nefcu-seasons-of-giving/xnzLS8xO 2) Choose Cultivate Kindness 3) Hit Submit Your vote will help us continue spreading the seeds of kindness in Rees' name and make what would have been his 7th
- [Help us win $2500 with a simple click!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/help-us-win-2500-simple-click/) - One single click on the following link and choosing ReesSpecht Life will help us win $2500 from NEFCU this year! Last year we won a similar contest from them and proceeded to donate our winnings AND match the same for the two charities that finished in second and third place (that contest only paid the
- [Limited time T-Shirt Fundraiser!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/limited-time-t-shirt-fundraiser/) - Help support the ReesSpecht Life Foundation with this year's t-shirt fundraiser! These shirts are only available for purchase until 12/6/17 and will not be available after. Our goal is to sell 150 to meet our fundraising goal for 2017. Your donations to the foundation are tax-deductible as well! Help us continue to spread the seeds
- [Toy Drive 2017](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/toy-drive-2017/) - Our 2017 Toy Drive is in full swing! Stop by any of our 46+ Drop-off locations with an unwrapped gift for children ages 0-16. We are especially appreciative of any and all Teen gift donations! Thank you for helping make the Holidays brighter for those in need.
- [We are so close to our dream!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/we-are-so-close-to-our-dream/) - This past Thursday, September 14th, our producer Nick Byassee and Actor, Singer, Songwriter James Maslow pitched the idea for a children's animated series based on our children's book to NICK JR! The video below explains everything. We are asking that you like and share the video on Facebook and Youtube to help prove to Nick
- [Brothers and Sisters in Armbands.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/brothers-sisters-armbands/) - Imagining the "unimaginable" There are three words that every parent of an angel hears all too often: "I can't imagine". Whenever I hear those words from others my response is always the same... Yes, you can absolutely imagine losing your child. In fact, you most likely do it more than you are willing to admit. More often
- [What to do When Bullies "Grow Up".](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/when-bullies-grow-up/) - There are many statistics on childhood bullying that are readily available: According to the most recent studies from American SPCC Been Bullied 28% of U.S. students in grades 6–12 experienced bullying. 20% of U.S. students in grades 9–12 experienced bullying.10 Bullied Others Approximately 30% of young people admit to bullying others in surveys. Seen Bullying 70.6%
- [Toy Drive 2016](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/toy-drive-2016/) - Please consider supporting our 2016 Toy Drive! This year we have over 40 drop-off locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Over the past four years, the ReesSpecht Life Foundation has collected over 10,000 toys for family's in need. We hope to make this year our most successful ever. We cannot do it without your help.
- [Kindness and ReesSpecht are needed now more than ever...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/kindnessnow/) - Help us bring kindness front and center, where it belongs... The ReesSpecht Life Foundation is running a short fundraiser to help us raise the funds to grow our programs and continue spreading the seeds of kindness world-wide. We believe in the power of kindness to change the world for the better. This past year has
- [It's never as bad as you think it is...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/never-bad-think/) - This election brought out the worst in all of us and now it is (effectively) over. Half of the country is celebrating and the other half is full of apprehension and fear. As I write this my Facebook feed is blowing up with many of my friends and family lamenting the coming apocalypse. I for
- [This election is a reflection of who we are as a society...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/election-reflection-society/) - The end is nigh... Thankfully, mercifully, the U.S. election season ends this coming Tuesday, November 8th. I am almost certain that I speak for most of us that the date can't arrive soon enough. It seems like post after post on social media is about the election. Friends share stories with me about people judging
- [The time we tried to change the world with kindness...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/thecircle/) - Four years, 390,000 kindness cards and one promise. Tomorrow, October 27th, 2016 will mark four years since we lost our little boy to a drowning in our backyard pond. That figure seems incalculably large when contrasted against how long each day, hour, minute and second felt right after my son died. Back then, time seemed
- [Chasing the rainbow...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/chasing-the-rainbow/) - For 22 months and eight days I feared that my little girl would somehow not see this day. From the moment that our daughter, Melina Arya Specht, was born the date of 8/24/16 immediately stood out as a milestone that I would rather not think about. Yet, much like an onlooker to an accident scene,
- [The world as it should be...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-world-as-it-should-be/) - This past Father's day I was presented with a gift pictured to the left. Nothing brings more joy to my heart than to see my children together, smiling and enjoying each other's company. When I think of being a father, my mind's eye paints a picture very similar to this. The problem is this moment
- [When you wish upon a star.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/kindnessmatters/) - How does one turn inspiration into action? This is the problem I have been wrestling with for quite some time, and frankly I am still at a loss as to how to do it. I have recently found myself overwhelmed with the feeling that our movement, although inspirational, is not making a real change. I
- [Awesome Sauce!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/awesomesauce/) - Our foundation has seen a tremendous amount of support from so many individuals and companies in the past three years, but none have gone so far as to make the gesture that the Hell's Kitchen Hot Sauce Company has made... I am humbled to announce that they have decided to make a commemorative sauce in
- [Drops in the bucket...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/drops/) - The past twelve days since the Today show did a segment on our foundation movement has been an interesting lesson in cause and effect. In reality, everything my wife Samantha and I have done since Rees' passing continues to remind us of the elegant simplicity, yet profound power, of action and reaction. The effects of
- [Help Support our goal to raise money to Cultivate Kindness Worldwide!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/crowdfunder/) - The ReesSpecht Life Foundation is hoping to raise $100,000.00 to fund three very important programs. Please watch the video below and then click on the link to head over to our crowd-funder at generosity.com. We think you will agree that the donation perks we are offering are really great! To find out more about our
- [I'm giving up...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/im-giving-up/) - I am giving up. Throwing in the towel. The writing is, and has been, on the wall for a while now. Rees' story has been told and, in the end, people really don't care about kindness. Our movement is yesterday's news and its time has come. In reality, no real change ever actually happens. How
- [Smithtown Mile Race to Support ReesSpecht Life on 4/17/16](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/smithtownmile/) - Registration is NOW OPEN! Click HERE to register! Sunday, April 17th 2016 We are proud to announce that the ReesSpecht Life Foundation has been chosen to be the recipient of all funds for the first annual "Smithtown Mile". With your support we can make this event a great success and help raise money to fund
- [Kindness is the difference maker: So why aren't we making more of a difference?](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/difference/) - What was the worst day of your life? If you are like most, you likely responded with a date in which a close loved one was lost. In my experience most adults have lost more than one close person to them, so they usually lay claim to multiple days - not wanting to diminish the
- [The empty chair](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/it-never-gets-easier/) - Tomorrow, December 19th 2015, would have been Rees' fifth birthday. It will be the 4th birthday we will celebrate with a somber silence instead of laughter and joy. Instead of wrapping his presents, we are collecting toys to give to other families that are in need. In lieu of blowing out candles we will instead
- [Toy Drive 2015](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/toy-drive-2015/) - We are happy to announce that our 2015 Toy Drive is now in full swing! We have over 40 drop-off locations for you to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child that would greatly appreciate your kindness. The toys donated to our drive will go to the Family Service League of Long Island and
- [The stirring storm inside](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-stirring-storm-inside/) - When nature finds itself out of balance, a storm erupts to restore equilibrium. I always found it incredibly ironic that storms, in all of their destructive power, are actually about restoring balance. As a man of science I inherently understand the role that storms serve in maintaining this equilibrium. Sadly, understanding something and liking something are not
- [I believe in magic.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/i-believe-in-magic/) - My wife, also known as the Saint of Sound Beach (for putting up with me for more than 20 years now), reminds me often that I am a walking paradox. Apparently my ability to solve complex problems yet forget simple things like what days the garbage goes out is something that keeps her up
- [Guest Blog:  The ReesSpecht Life Story](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/guest-blog-the-reesspecht-life-story/) - The following is a piece written by my former student, Siobhan Becker, for her Journalism Class. She reached out to several news outlets to publish it, but they declined. Since we reach more people than many newspapers, I told her I would post it here. I added the pictures, but everything else is hers (with
- [Starting all over](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/endings/) - In my first 14,692 days of life I have asked many questions; some easily answered and others impossible. I certainly do not recall my first questions, but I imagine my first question as simply: "Why?". Why does Mommy smile at me when I laugh? Why does Daddy laugh when I make sounds that sound similar
- [Gift Basket List for our Fundraiser!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/baskets2015/) - Full List of Gift Baskets for our Fundraiser on 6/24 at Napper Tandy's
- [Fundraiser Tomorrow!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fundraiser-tomorrow/) - Don't miss out on our "A Little ReesSpecht for Education" fundraiser tomorrow at Napper Tandy's in MILLER PLACE NY from 3:00pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $25.00 at the door but are only $20.00 if you order them online right HERE. You can also gain free entry if you show up with a bag full of
- [A Little Rees Specht for Education Fundraiser](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/a-little-rees-specht-for-education-fundraiser/) - Click HERE to order tickets online
- [My Super Hero](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/superhero/) - The enduring pain of child loss is the daily realization that, even though the event happened in a singular point in time, the loss continues every day. There is no past tense when it comes to your child's death... You are always losing that child over time. Time robs the grieving parent, an imperceptibly small
- [A Challenge to help save lives...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/a-challenge-to-help-save-lives/) - In honor of this May's National Water Safety Month, ReesSpecht Life and the Long Island Drowning Prevention Task force are teaming up to issue you a challenge to help raise awareness for water safety... Here are the rules for challenge: Challenge your friends, co-workers, family to help promote Water Safety awareness! Option 1: Donate to
- [Hall of Fame](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/hall-of-fame/) - It would be an understatement to declare that the past few weeks have been a whirlwind for us... My wife and I are still trying to come to grips with the idea that people, literally all over the world, know about Rees and our movement due to the incredibly generous act of one of my
- [A T-Shirt to help make the world a kinder place...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/booster/) - Help us help to make this world a kinder place, one Rees' piece at a time... We have two weeks left on our booster campaign to raise funds to help us print our Pay it forward cards and fund our school scholarships as well as our other charitable endeavours such as teacher grants and
- [Signs](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/signs/) - editor's note: This post was originally published in July of 2014 but has been updated to include recent events. The first few weeks of grief after losing a child are a mixture of rage, sadness, helplessness and fear: An unstable concoction that can react and explode at any given moment. As someone who can now
- [Hope](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/hope/) - "...hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies." - Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption. Tonight as I sat through a viewing of my favorite film, I was reminded of this quote. I have literally watched this movie an innumerable number of times and that quote never really
- [What if?](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/whatif/) - I often hear from people who have heard our story the following words: "I cannot imagine what you are going through." I understand where that statement comes from: Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare. This fear is shared by every parent from the moment their first bundle of joy enters the world.
- [Paintings](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/paintings/) - It is often stated that a picture is worth one thousand words. While I am not sure if the actual word count necessary to describe a picture is actually quantifiable, I suspect the number 1000 is used merely as a point of reference for comparison. In comparison to literary descriptions, pictures give the viewer an
- [ReesSpecht Life Scholarship Update](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-life-scholarship-update/) - We really do wish to make a difference in this world in Rees' name. The 40,000 ReesSpecht life Cards that are circulating around the globe are certainly helping us achieve that goal, but that is really only a small part of what we are all about. Our real goal is to get ReesSpecht Life Scholarships
- [Ozymandias](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/oz/) - I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand, Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on
- [Doubt](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/doubt/) - I miss my little boy. The fact that I write that should come as no surprise to anyone, but my reason for writing that may... You see there are times where I do not miss Rees. - now before you stop reading and turn off your computer in disgust, bear with me. - There are
- [Worries.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/worries/) - I am worried... Now for those of you reading who know me personally, you know that those words are almost alien to me. If there is one thing that served to define me for most of my life it would be the fact that I do not worry about pretty much anything. Bills? They will
- [Order ReesSpecht Life Car Magnets!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/order-reesspecht-life-car-magnets/) - We are pleased to announce the arrival of our ReesSpecht Life 6" x 6" weatherproof car magnets! Now you can let the world know you are one of Rees' pieces :) Below is a picture of the magnet on the back of our cars to give you a sense of scale:
- [Rees' Newest Piece...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-newest-piece/) - I am at a place now where I can mostly remember the happy times with Rees and smile in remembrance of him. My morning routine of looking at his collage of pictures is met with less sadness and more smiles on a daily basis. I can talk about Rees, openly, and fondly with others without
- [Time](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/time/) - Time... I seem to never have any of it anymore, which is in stark contrast to my perception of it before we lost Rees. It used to be that I felt I always had all the time in the world ahead of me. As a result, I never really worried at all about it. Now
- [Losing Rees Specht](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/losing/) - I feel that we are at a crossroads... On one hand I love what we are trying to do, and knowing that I am doing it to honor my little boy lights a fire inside me that vanquishes the darkness his death imposed upon us. On the other hand, trying to accomplish our goal of spreading
- [The Friend you never knew...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/friend/) - This past weekend was a microcosm of the emotions I have experienced over the past 19 months. Exuberant highs, followed by sullen lows, inconsistently oscillating back and forth in quick succession leaving me in an apprehensive state not knowing when the switch would occur. While my emotions seem to be leveling out as of late,
- [Please help us get word out...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/helpus/) - Well, we are 16 days into our attempt to raise the funds to self publish 2,000 copies of our book. So far we have raised just over $6,000.00! As of now we are 1/3 of the way to our goal, with a little less than 2/3 of our time remaining. At this rate making our
- [Spread a little Rees Specht to a teacher!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/spread-a-little-rees-specht-to-a-teacher/) - Click on the picture below to download a .pdf that you can give to your child's teacher to let them know you purchased a copy of "A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness" for them for next school year. You can purchase your copy and put the teacher's name and school address as the shipping destination.
- [Rees' story...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-story/) - We have had a lot of visitors to our site and we wanted to share this video done by Verizon 1 which sums up pretty much everything we are about. Samantha and I are both humbled and honored by the love and kindness being spread in Rees' memory. Please Keep Cultivating Kindness, always!!!
- [Hello little girl...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/hello-little-girl/) - To say the last 19 months has been a roller coaster ride would be the understatement of the century. The first 5 or 6 months after we lost Rees was nothing but a blur. I really can't recall much at all from that time period, including how I felt at the time. Thankfully I have
- [Here's how you can help](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/heres-how-you-can-help/)
- [A tip, a little boy and a teacher...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-specht/) - It is impossible to quantify kindness... This is a truth I have come to realize in the 2 plus years my family and I have been on this journey we call "ReesSpecht Life". Kindness cannot possibly be measured because it is something, like love, that exists in our hearts and not in our heads. There
- [Waking into the nightmare](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/waking/) - Recollection of my dreams often evades me, but rarely do I ever forget a nightmare. Last night was one of those moments in which I awoke from a nightmare so vivid, so intense, that even in those first few waking moments I was not certain of just what was "reality". In that dream my youngest
- [Real Men Grieve...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/grieve/) - "You need to suck it up" - words, spoken to me by one of my older cousins about a week after my son died, that rock me now as much as they did two years ago. Pain is weakness leaving your body! Real men rise above the pain! Men don't cry, they water their beards!
- [Facebook: Putting profits ahead of people.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/facebook/) - The ReesSpecht Life Foundation owes a great deal of its success to Facebook. Facebook's open platform and ease of use, combined with its almost universal appeal, gave our fledgling movement a chance to grow that would be impossible anywhere else. From our first "pay it forward" card experience, to our early fundraisers, Facebook was
- [Through the fire](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fire/) - Every parent I know would sacrifice all they are, all they have, to protect their children. It is an immutable instinct ingrained in everyone of us. From the moment our children come into this world we are both blessed with unending love and cursed with perpetual fear of losing that love. When your child dies,
- [We are now booking school shows for next year!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/schoolshows/) - ReesSpecht Life is proud to announce that we are booking school shows (and other institutions) for this summer and next school year (2015-2016). If you are interested in having Rich come and share our message of kindness and how a change in our perspectives can make the world a better place, contact the foundation at info@reesspechtlife.com
- [Help us Save some Lives](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/help-us-save-lives/) - Post by ReesSpecht Life.
- [The River](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/river/) - "Time heals all wounds"... If I had a penny for every time someone has told me that I would most certainly be very wealthy right now. I certainly do not know who was the first to utter those words, but I would be willing to wager my unseen earnings that the person who coined that
- [I believe...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/i-believe/) - This has been a whirlwind couple of weeks. I really feel like I can't tell which end is up - mostly because I find myself oscillating between extreme highs and lows. It all started with our discovery of the baby's gender and it really has not slowed down since. We had our concert on June
- [My Life* Revisited...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/my-life-revisited/) - Just over a year ago I wrote a piece titled "My Life*". It was rather brief but it represented, pretty succinctly, my feelings at the time. The main point was that Rees' passing cast a shadow over everything I did and never seemed to fade. A couple of days ago I re-read the piece, wondering
- [22 months](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/22-months/) - October 27th, 2012 - July 27th 2014: Beginning of the 22nd month. December 19th, 2010 - October 27th, 2012: 22 months old. The length of time Rees was in our lives is now the length of time he was removed ripped from it. I never really realized just how short a span of time 22 months
- [An ounce of prevention...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/prevention/) - The picture you see to the left is a picture of my little boy, Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht. He will never grow up to experience any of life's great adventures. He will never kiss a girl. He will never ride a bike or fly a hang glider. My little boy will never throw a baseball or
- [One day...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/one-day/) - Today would have been Richie's fourth birthday. Instead of wrapping gifts, purchasing balloons and baking a cake, I find myself staring at the pictures of my little boy who will never grow up. Meanwhile, messages are pouring in from our website about all the acts of kindness people are performing on a day set aside
- [Verizon "Heroes on Our Island" Story ](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/heroes/)
- [kindness day](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/kindnessday/) - It's Official! We are proud to announce that Rees' birthday, December 19th, is now officially Richard "Rees" Specht Kindness Day in Suffolk County, NY. Samantha and I are honored that Legislators Anker and Muratore sponsored this proclamation making the birthday of our little boy "Kindness Day". It is our hope that others will be
- [Classroom Teacher Grant](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/grant/) - ReesSpecht Life is proud to announce the creation of a classroom teacher grant to enable selected teachers to implement A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness into their curriculum for the 2014-2015 school year. The grant is for a total of $750.00 ($350.00 worth of books and up to $400.00 for supplies). It is open to classroom teachers in grades
- [Tickled Pink](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/tickled-pink/) - I am in a good place. A great place, actually. After two years of pain I really did not think this place I am currently residing in was attainable again. I am happy. Truly, happy. Why am I so happy? Very simply; it's because a little girl repaired a hole in my heart... A signature
- [Right now.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rightnow/) - We spent 12 of the 14 days after Rees' death in darkness. Not a figurative darkness, a literal one. It took 12 days for the Long Island Power Authority to restore our power in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. For 12 days I sat in a dark, silent, house befitting my shattered and darkened soul.
- [How do you measure heart?](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/heart/) - What is a teacher? How do you measure the effect they have on the countless numbers of children whose live's that teacher touches? How can I look back on the career of my dearly departed friend, Arty Miller, and properly evaluate his role as a teacher in our community? Our government and pencil pushing bureaucrats
- [Lost](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/lost/) - As I sit to write this blog entry my best friend, Arty Miller, is dying has died in a hospital 50 miles away in New York City. I wrote the other day about our friendship (Click HERE to read) so I wont go into details, suffice to say he is the definition of a
- [Superfriends](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/superfriends/) - There is one thing that every parent who loses a child must absolutely have, almost above all else, in order to return to a sense of normalcy: Friends. I'm not talking your average friends, not even "good" friends, but Super Friends. The friends that drop everything in their lives to be with you - and
- [ReesSpecht Life Kindness Challenge!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/kindnesschallenge/) - After seeing the incredible success of the ALS Association's #Icebucketchallenge, we have been inspired to do something similar to promote kindness. The best part? It takes no money* and only takes a fraction of your time to complete. Here's how it works: It starts with a nomination. Just like in the #Icebucketchallenge, you will be nominated
- [A Spoonful of sugar...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/melina/) - There are no coincidences. I've written before about how I no longer believe that everything in life is random and has no greater meaning. The signs are all around me and are undeniable. There exists, somewhere, a greater reality that has a vested interest in the goings on here. I don't know what, or who,
- [Everything](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/everything/) - I have not written in a month. 1 month to the day. I can feel it. My footsteps are heavier. My heart aches a little more. My mind is in a fog. Happiness eludes me even when I am surrounded by everything and everyone who should make it tangible. I should not be feeling this
- [Let's make this world a little kinder...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/book1/) - There are many people who have messaged me that are confused about the availability of our book. I want to clarify everything and explain (as succinctly as possible) what the current status is and how you can order the book and/or help us make a wide distribution of it possible. As many of you are
- [Help us Publish our book <3](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/help-us-publish-our-book/) - Help us get our book published :) Please click on the link to our crowd funding page over at Indiegogo to see how we are trying to get our book published/printed. The fastest way to get a copy of the book is through a sponsorship in our crowd funder. Please help us realize our dream
- [Pay it forward day:  Newsday Article](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/pay-it-forward-day-newsday-article/) - https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/sound-beach-man-s-starbucks-kindness-honors-late-son-1.7813096 Long Island Now Sound Beach man's Starbucks kindness honors late son 12:08 PM By Brittany Wait As soon as Starbucks at the Stony Brook University Medical Center opened at 6:30 a.m., Rich Specht handed employees $500 in Starbucks gift cards to give out to customers. Thursday was international Pay It Forward Day, the perfect
- [The New York Islanders Night with ReesSpecht Life!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-new-york-islanders-night-with-reesspecht-life/) - The New York Islanders and ReesSpecht Life are proud to announce ReesSpecht Life Night with the Islanders! To Order Tickets online: www.newyorkislanders.com/reesspecht If you wish to order tickets by mail, you can click the "Ways to pay" image and print it. Let's Fill the Nassau Coliseum with Rees' Pieces!!! We look forward to
- [Super Heroes are real](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/super-heroes-are-real/) - When we get to a certain age we are told that the trappings of youth are nothing more than fantasy. The belief in magic, fairies, monsters and Super heroes - things every child believes in at some point, ebb away with the steady flow of reality each passing year. As we approach adulthood those innocent
- [Gifts sent from an Angel...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/gifts-sent-from-an-angel/) - There was a time when I was Santa Claus - or at least I played him, for six years... Back when I was in High School I was approached by my manager at the local drugstore I worked at and was asked to play Santa. At first I thought it was insulting, thinking that my
- [Rees' Pieces > Santa's Elves](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-pieces-santas-elves/) - Santa's elves have nothing on Rees' pieces. Tonight we dropped off hundreds and hundreds of toys to the Family Services League and filled up a room with toys that will make the Christmas of children who would have gone without this holiday season. December 19th would have been Rees' 3rd birthday, and many of the toys we
- [Binders full of Kindness.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/binders-full-of-kindness/) - This past summer I was privileged with the opportunity to speak on behalf of ReesSpecht Life in front of over 400 incoming freshmen to the humanities college at the State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNY Stony Brook). During the presentation I recounted the story of what happened to Rees and the acts
- [Sparkle](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sparkle/) - The following poem was written by a former student of mine. I read this and was lost in its beauty and I just had to share it. What a beautiful tribute to my little boy, and what we are trying to do. I challenge you to read this without tearing up... Sparkle It was not
- [Finding Rees' Pieces on Halloween.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reespieces/) - Since Rees' passing I have come to realize that there are no coincidences... Today was a really rough day for me personally, and I was just not feeling the Halloween Spirit. Normally, I go all out for Halloween. One of the many perks of being a Middle School Teacher is that I get to dress
- [Perhaps I was you...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/perhaps-i-was-you/) - A year ago this time perhaps I was you. I had everything I could ever need in life, yet the feeling that I wanted more tugged on my brain like a child incessantly pulling their parent's pant-leg to get their attention. I deserved more pay for my job. I needed a bigger home and a
- [Detours](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/detours/) - In many ways life's journey is much like traveling down an unknown highway complete with detours, speed traps, hazards, unexpected sights, sounds and smells. Each of us starts our trek as an unwitting passenger in our parent's own journey. At first our own path is indistinguishable for that of our Mother's and Father's as we
- [What we do...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/what-we-do/)
- [The hidden me](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-hidden-me/) - There is a hidden me that no one sees. He is right next to you in the theater, watching with you but feeling something different. While you are laughing the hidden me is holding back tears condensed from a fleeting glimpse of something that reminded him of Richie. The hidden me fakes a laugh so
- [Changing our perspective](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/changing-our-perspective/) - Here is the Speech I gave at my Middle School's 8th grade "Moving Up" ceremony. It is all about perspective - and how easy it is to change it.
- [Beach Glass](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/beach-glass/) - Yesterday my family and I decided to take a walk to the beach, something we have not done at all this summer even though we live within walking distance. Neither Samantha, nor I, are "beach people" - we like the idea of being near the water but find the annoyances; sand everywhere, the not quite
- [Impact](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/impact-2/) - Since the creation of ReesSpecht Life I find myself profoundly more aware of the impact we have on others' lives on a daily basis. Our mission to change the world, one piece at a time, will always be our charge and I believe we are accomplishing that goal every single day. What I forgot in
- [Rees' Angel wings lifting others up.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-angel-wings-lifting-others-up/) - The finality of death is never really truly comprehended until you face it and stare down its gaping maw. When I peer down the abyss I see that my little boy is gone forever from the mortal plane and will never, ever grace me with his physical presence ever again. When I look around my
- [Rees' Peaces](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-peaces/) - I have not written a thing in over two weeks, and counting my last post on the 24th of June, it has been almost a month and I have only posted 1 blog entry. My dearth of writing is attributable to two factors: 1) As a teacher the end of the school is the most
- [The Dark Side of the Moon](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-dark-side-of-the-moon/) - I cannot keep count of the number of times that people have approached me, or my wife Samantha, and commented on our "strength". People tell us over and over that what we have done in the wake of our tragic loss is something they themselves could never do given the same situation. My usual
- [A Super boy](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/a-super-boy/) - Those who know me personally are keenly aware that, at my core, I am nothing more than an overgrown child who refuses to let go of the fantasies and hopes that most people jettison long before adulthood. It is not an uncommon site in my home to see me watching a cartoon while simultaneously reading
- [Man of Steel Fundraiser @AMC Stony Brook, Friday June 14th!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/man-of-steel-fundraiser-amc-stony-brook-friday-june-14th/) - We are now accepting orders for our Man of Steel (new Superman movie) fundraiser on Friday, June 14th at 6:45 pm at AMC movies in Stony Brook. To guarantee a seat, all orders must be submitted by June 11th. If we get 80 tickets sold we will have our own, private screening just for Rees'
- [Goodbye.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/goodbye/) - Of all the words that I have written, and all of the feelings I have expressed, the one thing I have yet had the courage to say, (or write) is goodbye. I never liked saying goodbye. It always meant the end of something good, something positive. Goodbye's are often temporary, and sometimes forever. We rarely, if ever, say
- [My Little Boy will be in the hall of fame...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/my-little-boy-will-be-in-the-hall-of-fame/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udW2DFq-8Lg
- [Dreaming of a beautiful boy and waking into the nightmare](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/dreaming-of-a-beautiful-boy-and-waking-into-the-nightmare/) - Memories are like a dream. I know that for 22 months I dreamed about a little boy who took possession of a part of my soul that simply completed me in a way that words cannot adequately describe. In my memories, Rees, born with a true knot in his umbilical cord - a cord wrapped
- [My happy place](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/my-happy-place/) - Back in the 1960'w My father and 4 of his brothers purchased 76 acres of property in upstate NY, simply referred to as, "the hill", to provide a place for them to practice their mutual love of hunting. Though I never shared my father's fondness of hunting, the beauty of the property and the seemingly
- [Fear Factor](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fear-factor/) - Tonight I was reminded of yet another change wrought by the loss of my little boy. While out at our local deli with my girls, Abby and Lori, Lori accidentally closed the sliding door of the freezer on her sisters hand. Abby's immediate, and deafening response stopped me dead in my tracks. I instantly felt the same
- [What you can do to help](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/what-you-can-do-to-help/) - Over the past couple of months one of the most frequent questions I have been asked is "What can I do to help?". Well the answer is simple: Pay it forward. We have been sending out ReesSpecht Life cards all over the country (and internationally too) - with the hope that each card represents a reminder
- [Ebb and Flow.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/ebb-and-flow/) - I wrote the other day about what I am now labeling the hurricane effect: the creation of something beautiful from a devastating storm - and thought about how appropriate a metaphor a storm is concerning the loss of a child. Storms are intense, violent and destructive forces of nature that are indifferent to our seemingly
- [The Hurricane effect:](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-hurricane-effect/) - Edward Lorenz coined the term "the butterfly effect" when he tried to explain chaos theory and the consequences of small changes on an overall system. He rationed that in chaos, it was possible that the flapping of a butterfly's wings weeks before could set forth a chain reaction of events that eventually leads to a hurricane somewhere
- [ReesSpecht Life Card story of the day:](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-life-card-story-of-the-day/) - Nancy D. writes: "I had just returned from a Christian Conference in Georgia and I was on my way home from the airport when I saw a garage sale just closing up. I happened to see an item I needed as a prop for our Children’s Ministry Theater. When I asked the price the man
- [An angel on my shoulders](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/an-angel-on-my-shoulders/) - Since the day Rees died I have been carrying a great weight on my shoulders that I hoped to one day jettison for good. Today was the day I thought would mark that moment where I could discard this weight and move on to doing the things I want to do without having to overcome
- [Paying it forward to a special little boy...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/paying-it-forward-to-a-special-little-boy/) - Today ReesSpecht life had the opportunity to pay it forward to a kindred spirit. I have been following the blog of Kate Leong (www.kateleong.com) and her incredible story for a couple of weeks now. Sadly, her Son Gavin passed away from an as yet unidentified affliction that he bravely fought through for 5 and 1/2
- [PerSPECHTive](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/perspechtive/) - Life is a fickle friend that in one moment elicits joy, and in another utter dismay. One day you are living your ideal life, three kids, a home in the suburbs and a great job - and in the next instant it all changes. In place of your only son is a void, the embodiment
- [My Life*](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/my-life/) - Every day in the record of my life since October 27th, 2012 has an asterisk next to it. There is not a evening that passes where I do not think about what that day would have been like if Rees were a part of it. I constantly find myself qualifying each day as "this is
- [Spreading our message, keeping his memory alive](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/spreading-our-message-keeping-his-memory-alive/) - It is a unique experience to devote your life to something that has the greatest meaning to you and, in many cases, merely catches the eye of other people. I believe that any parent can relate to this feeling as it is much like having a child... to you that child means the world -
- [ReesSpecht Life Around the World (and beyond)...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-life-around-the-world-and-beyond/)
- [The Man I will never know...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/the-man-i-will-never-know/) - To the Man that I will never know: Not a night passes in which I don't wonder what you would have done that day had your life not been taken from us. What would you be saying now? Would you sit on my lap and watch cartoons with me? Would you still smile and laugh
- [Apathy is our real enemy.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/apathy-is-our-real-enemy/) - “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” ― Elie Wiesel I would like to add to that quote: The opposite of good is not evil,
- [From a Child's perspective:  Seeing the world with a ReesSpecht for life...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/from-a-childs-perspective-seeing-the-world-with-a-reesspecht-for-life/) - Rees was an observer. He often watched me intently, seeing what I was doing, taking it all in and almost never uttering a word. A simple nod of his head, or a smile would confirm that he was assimilating his observations and forming a world view based on his perspective. Rees went to bed every
- [Rees' Favorite Things:  Tractors!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rees-favorite-things-tractors/) - Tractors were, by far and away, Rees' favorite thing. The week before he died we took him to a farm to go pumpkin picking and there were tractors everywhere. I remember commenting to Samantha that he was in tractor heaven. His eyes lit up with each new iteration of tractor he saw. At 22 months
- [We CAN change the world... one piece at a time.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/we-can-change-the-world-one-piece-at-a-time-3/) - We can all be one of Rees' pieces. One person, touching other lives can start a chain reaction of kindess that can change the world. ReesSpecht Life and make this a better place for all, one piece at a time...
- [The original Rees' piece...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reespiece/) - Those of you who know me know that I grew up in a home surrounded by women. As an adult, with a family of my own, I have 2 wonderful daughters and my beautiful wife. I have spent my life surrounded by women, so when the Doctor proclaimed "It's a boy!" - it made my
- [Subscribe to our Blog](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/subscribe-to-our-blog/)
- [Pay it forward day](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/pay-it-forward-day/) - Today is National "Pay it forward day". In honor of this day, ReesSpecht Life took our message to our local Dunkin' Donuts and left $100.00 to pay for the breakfasts of the people who came in after us. We left cards for them and hope that they pay it forward in Rees' name. One person
- [](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/383/) - Card Story of the day: "Brought your message to Cortland, NY this weekend. Gave a single mom with 2 kids something she wanted but could never allow herself the luxury to buy. She was overwhelmed and promised to pay it forward - two college students witnessed her joy and asked me about the card I
- [Thank you, Rees.  Tough day made better by you :)](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/thank-you-rees-tough-day-made-better-by-you/) - Wow ReesSpecht Life is really out there. While getting my vision tested today the nurse asked me some questions about stress and I mentioned Rees. She stopped cold and said "Are you ReesSpecht Life?" - when I confirmed she gave me a big hug, told me she had the chills and asked me for some
- [We are making a difference, one piece at a time...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/we-are-making-a-difference-one-piece-at-a-time/) - Hi Rich and Samantha, I just thought you would like to know that yesterday I used your business card to pay for the customer behind me at the drive-thru at Starbucks on 347. When I gave the card to the lady she informed me that they are receiving DOZENS of these cards a day and
- [Man of Steel (New Superman Movie) Fundraiser](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/man-of-steel-new-superman-movie-fundraiser-2/) - We have the opportunity to purchase 25 or more (25 minimum) tickets to Man of Steel that would include admission, a drink and a popcorn for $35.00 per person ($10.00 goes to foundation) at AMC Loews in Stony Brook. We are trying to gauge interest in doing this as a fundraiser and a really cool
- [Apathy is our Kryptonite...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/apathy-is-our-kryptonite/)
- [Newsday!!!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/newsday/) - Newsday Respects ReesSpecht Life :) We are so happy to have this opportunity to share Rees' spirit with so many. LINK
- [Good Day NY on Fox 5 NY](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fox/) - Link to Video: HERE Skip ahead to the 16:30 mark on the video for our segment
- [ReesSpecht Life Fundraiser!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-life-fundraiser/) - We had such a great turnout on Friday night! A heartfelt thank you to all who helped us. I would especially like to thank Jim Schiraldi, Kristine Como, Michelle Labuski, Katerina Siolos and the Smithtown Teacher's Association (Laura Spencer: President and Mary Mills). You all helped make it a night to be remembered! Thank you
- [Welcome to all New Rees' pieces :)](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/welcome-to-all-new-rees-pieces/) - On October 27th, 2012 our lives were shattered by the loss of our beautiful little boy, Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht (Rees). In order to help put back the pieces and ensure that his spirit endures perpetually, we have started ReesSpecht Life as a reminder to all that the simplest things done for others can have the
- [Editor of Long Island Press Recounts our story...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/editor-of-long-island-press-recounts-our-story/) - Samantha is formally inducted into the Fortune 52: a group honoring women who have made a positive impact on Long Island. Warning: the video recounts our story and is a tear jerker...
- [Channel 2 News!!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/channel-2-news/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKuEHlwlF2k
- [](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/249/) - Please click on the link (Picture and HERE) to share your stories and photos of Liam.
- [New Bracelets are in!  ](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/new-bracelets-are-in/)
- [Words of Support for community members who lost their son, Liam...](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/words-of-support-for-community-members-who-lost-their-son-liam/) - I was greeted with terrible news tonight. One of my former students was tragically killed in an accident in NYC this evening. My heart goes out to his family, but especially his Mother and Father. We know all too well the pain they are experiencing, and wish that we could take it away from them.
- [Fundraiser, April 5th.  Napper Tandy's in Smithtown.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/fundraiser-april-5th-napper-tandys-in-smithtown/)
- [Our Girls want 1 million Likes for Rees](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/our-girls-want-1-million-likes-for-rees/)
- [Sign up for Basket Donations For April 5th Fundraiser](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sign-up-for-basket-donations-for-april-5th-fundraiser/) - If you wish to donate a basket to our Fundraiser, please follow the link and fill out the form. Thank you! https://res.713creative.com/donation-basket-sign-up-for-april-5th-fundraiser/
- [Touchstone Jewelry Fundraiser to Support ReesSpecht Life!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/touchstone-jewelry-fundraiser-to-support-reesspecht-life/) - Please consider some of this wonderful jewelry and know that your purchases help support Reesspecht life. Commissions from Sales will go to the ReeS Specht memorial Scholarship fund. Thank you so much! *When Checking out with your order, put Samantha Specht as the Host Name. Thank you for your support! https://www.mytouchstonecrystal.com/pws/elainep/tabs/home.aspx
- [We are now International:](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/we-are-now-international/) - ReesSpecht Life cards in German! Vielen Dank, Melina :)
- [ReesSpecht Life Run!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-life-run/) - https://reesspechtliferun.tumblr.com/
- [Great Video Demonstrating what we wish to accomplish](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/great-video-demonstrating-what-we-wish-to-accomplish/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU
- [ReesSpecht Life Cards and Bracelets](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/reesspecht-life-cards-and-bracelets/) - Cards and Bracelets are much easier to order now! Just click on the store option on the menu and choose cards or bracelets!
- [We are here; ReesSpechtlife.com!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/hello-world/) - Dipping our toes into a wider world web ;)
- [Introducing:  ReesSpechtLife.com!](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/introducing-reesspechtlife-com/) - We are incredibly excited to announce that ReesSpecht Life is now up and running! Hopefully this site will give us a greater opportunity to grow and catalyze the change we are trying to make. You are all Rees' pieces! Thank you!

## Pages

- [Cultivate Kindness](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/) - School Shows Water Safety Order Books Our National Sponsor Some of our favorite acts of Kindness... 750,000 Cards... Countless acts of Kindness. Annonymous -Former Student of Rees' Daddy -Gerald W. Our Team Our Core Team. Rich Specht Co-Founder, President and CEO Sam Specht Co-Founder and Vice-President Melina Ruck Treasurer and Original Rees' piece... Eric
- [ReesSpecht the Water Assembly Program](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/rsw/) - Our program, developed by certified educators, is designed to engage your students directly with all the aspects of water safety in an engaging and entertaining way. Interactive animation and music are used to help reinforce the key aspects of water safety to help teach your students (and staff!) how to "ReesSpecht the Water". The program
- [Why?](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/about/why/) - The following is something I wrote the night our power turned back on after Superstorm Sandy and almost exactly two weeks to the day after we lost Rees... Why? – The word that incessantly occupies my waking thoughts and consumes me in my solitude. Why? - A word my students can confirm that I often
- [Speaking Engagements](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/speaking-engagements/) - Kindness changes the brain by the experience of kindness. Children and adolescents do not learn kindness by only thinking about it and talking about it. Kindness is best learned by feeling it so that they can reproduce it. -Patty O'Grady, Phd. Click HERE for a copy of our program guide and pricing information. Book
- [Grants](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/grants/) - Grant opportunities Links: Proposal Pitch Deck About the Foundation Accomplishments
- [F*CK Drowning Registration](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/summit-registration/) - Loading…
- [About](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/about/) - On October 27th, 2012 the unimaginable happened to our family: we lost our little boy, Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht (Rees) to a drowning in our backyard pond. This page is dedicated to his memory, and our commitment to make the world a better place in his name. Help us help each other. Let's all work together and do the
- [When Bullies "Grow Up" - Long](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/bullies-long/) - When Bullies “Grow Up” I am a heavy man. I was an overweight child. Having been this way almost my entire life, I have had my fair share of up-close exposure to bullies. If you name it I can probably say that I have been called it... Fatty, fatso, fat-ass, lard-ass, blimp, wide-load, etc. I've
- [Card Stories](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/card-stories/) - There have been over 750,000 ReesSpecht Life cards distributed. If you are here because you received a card and a random act of kindness, please feel free to share your experience with us. We would love to hear the accounts of different acts of kindness being committed in Rees' name :) *Comment form located below
- [ReesSpecht the Water: North E.S.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/nesvirtual/) - LINK for virtual assembly: ReesSpecht the Water Brentwood North
- [Eugene Auer Elementary School Virtual Assembly](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/eavirtual/) - Links for assembly: Grades K-2 YouTube Link: httpss://youtu.be/_30aY945ZTA Grades 3-5 YouTube Link: httpss://youtu.be/zHka5q6TKBg Direct Download links: Grades K-2 Direct Download: httpss://drive.google.com/file/d/1mvEKUwp15mAcz234D7hqcDMPl8RBCz_H/view?usp=sharing Grades 3-5 Direct Download: httpss://drive.google.com/file/d/1DcpEHB1EDID5MbLcCgD0ArbdFkr9qjfI/view?usp=sharing
- [ReesSpecht Life Foundation Live Stream](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/livestream/) - Levittown Cultivate Kindness Assembly part 1: Day 1 Link Levittown Cultivate Kindess Assembly part 2: Day 2 Link
- [Contact](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/contact/) - Do you have suggestions? Do you wish to just leave a comment? We read all of the messages sent to ReesSpecht and value the thoughts of our readers. We hope that you are touched by our message and would love to hear about your thoughts and stories. If you've received a ReesSpecht Life card, please
- [The ReesSpecht Life Foundation, Inc.](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/donate-2/) - Thank you for considering a donation to the ReesSpecht Life Foundation! The ReesSpecht Life Foundation was officially founded in 2013 after the loss of our Son, Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht to a tragic drowning accident in our backyard pond in October of 2012. Our charitable mission includes the following: Providing $1000 scholarships to local High School
- [sponsor](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sponsorship/)
- [Basket Donation Submission Form](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/baskets2018/) - Do you have items that you wish to donate for a basket for our fundraiser? Please fill out the form below and register them with us. All Baskets must be delivered by Sunday, October 14th. We will contact you with delivery instructions. Thank you!!!
- [waterevent](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/waterevent/)
- [Foundation](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/foundation/) - The ReesSpecht Life Foundation was officially founded in 2013 after the loss of our Son, Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht to a tragic drowning accident in our backyard pond in October of 2012. Our charitable mission includes the following: Providing $1000 scholarships to local High School Seniors who demonstrate a commitment to community, compassion and respect. As
- [Home](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/home/)
- [Book](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/book-2/) - Written by Rees' Father, "A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness" follows the adventures of a young farmer named Little Rees Specht who discovers that kindness, like a seed, will only grow and spread if one takes the time to cultivate it. Little Rees Specht is a thoughtful and generous young boy who takes the time to
- [Pay it Foodward](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/payitfoodward/) - The ReesSpecht Life Foundation is proud to announce our new initiative: "Pay It Foodward™" What is it: Pay it Foodward™ is our new initiative to provide prepared meals for families in our immediate area (Suffolk County NY) suffering through a recent hardship such as the loss of a close loved one, severe illness or recent
- [Smithtown Mile](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/smithtown-mile/) - Registration is NOW OPEN! Click HERE to register! Sunday, April 17th 2016 We are proud to announce that the ReesSpecht Life Foundation has been chosen to be the recipient of all funds for the first annual "Smithtown Mile". With your support we can make this event a great success and help raise money to fund
- [Shop](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/shop/)
- [For Schools](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/schools/) - Book Purchasing Information for Schools If you are a school, preschool, daycare center or a similar institution, you can order our book at a discounted rates. Please inquire below and we will be happy to send you a quote :-) Also, Richard Specht (the author of "A little Rees Specht cultivates Kindness") is available
- [Products Page](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/products-page/) - [productspage]
- [Press](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/about/press/) - Check out the following articles/news stories written or produced about ReesSpecht Life: Long Island Press: https://www.longislandpress.com/2013/03/04/samantha-specht-reesspecht-life/ Rocky Point/Smithtown Patch: https://millerplace-rockypoint.patch.com/articles/nonprofit-organization-in-the-works-to-honor-local-family-s-lost-son Long Island.com: https://www.longisland.com/news/03-15-13/reesspecht-life-movement-urges-the-world-to-pay-it-forward.html Newsday: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/after-son-s-tragic-death-sound-beach-man-rich-specht-works-to-build-a-community-of-kindness-1.4976497?p=668966#disqus_thread Verizon Fios1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bA-iK-WG2s CBS 2 News NY: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/04/02/l-i-couple-who-lost-young-son-works-to-pay-others-generosity-forward/#.UVt3izpvFcE.twitter WPIX Channel 11 NY: https://landing.newsinc.com/wpix/video.html?freewheel=91044&sitesection=wpix_pix11newsvideo&VID=24700072 https://pix11.com/2015/04/29/student-leaves-3k-tip-to-honor-former-teacher-after-tragedy/ FOX Channel 5 NY: https://www.myfoxny.com/story/21878532/reesspecht-life#.UV2Qqy-_uM0.facebook (Skip to 16:30 minute mark) Patch(National): https://patch.com/new-york/millerplace-rockypoint/man-inspired-reesspecht-life-leaves-waitress-7000-percent-tip Yahoo! News: https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/student-leaves-3k-tip-to-honor-teacher-117528146512.html Good Morning America.com/abc news: https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/man-leaves-7000-percent-tip-waitress-middle-school/story?id=30622400 Daily Mail (UK): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1179291/Couple-set-pay-forward-foundation-honor-late-son.html
- [Gallery](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/about/gallery/)
- [Events](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/events/) - Join us for some fun at the Long Island Aquarium (Atlantis Marine World) on April 30th 2015! We will have a VIP hour at the aquarium, a buffet dinner, music, a cocktail hour & an open bar, raffles, photo stations, and much more! Also there will be a separate
- [sponsor](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/sponsor/)
- [Partners](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/partners/) - Thank you to the following schools for helping us plant the seeds of kindness Tackan Elementary School – Nesconset, NY • Branch Brook Elementary School – Smithtown, NY • Sunrise Drive Elementary School – Sayville, NY Thank you to the following families for helping to cultivate kindness in Rees' name The O'Leary Family
- [Store](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/store/) - The ReesSpecht Life Store is open! Commissions for sales go to the Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht Memorial Scholarship Fund.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [News](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/news/)
- [Updates](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/updates/)
- [Outreach](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/outreach/)
- [Fundraising](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/fundraising/)
- [Our boy](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/our-boy/)
- [musings](https://www.reesspechtlife.com/category/musings/)