2013 - Microsoft MVP, Pay it Forward, #WWFD

How well I remember the January 2006 e-mail congratulating me on being presented with the Microsoft® MVP Award.  I knew that I had been nominated but, at the time, had no idea how the award cycle worked so the award came as a complete shock.

Recalling that first award, it arrived following a particularly difficult time in "real life", resulting in a sort of personal renewal to dig in and continue with renewed enthusiasm.

Once again, I have been faced with a troublesome time -- this an event that had a profound effect on our local community, the Christmas Eve shooting of four volunteer firefighters from the neighboring West Webster Fire District (#WWFD) when volunteer firefighters Mike (Chip) Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka lost their lives and Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter were seriously injured.

Since the Christmas Eve tragedy, one thing aside from the coming together of the "Brotherhood" that stood out was the support of people not only in the local community but also across the U.S. and Canada.  There was a resounding repetition locally and throughout the U.S. and Canada of unselfish occurrences of "Pay it forward" as people attempted to demonstrate appreciation to local and visiting firefighters, first responders, police and others in public service.  Hundreds upon hundreds of people volunteered their time to the community during this trying time.

What I continued to reflect on as the end of 2012 approached was not only those who volunteer in our community but also how many people volunteer time and expertise to help others in both life-threatening situations and in every day life.  I couldn't help but feel that I wasn't doing my part.

When I received the e-mail this morning recognizing my volunteer efforts in Consumer Security, helping people with infected computers, it slowly dawned on me.  Perhaps I am doing some good, freely helping others.

Although I don't put my life on the line, it is an incredible honor that my volunteer contributions have again been recognized by Microsoft® with the award as 2013 Microsoft MVP:

"Dear Corrine Chorney,

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2013 Microsoft® MVP Award! This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others. We appreciate your outstanding contributions in Consumer Security technical communities during the past year."

Let the heroes of West Webster and around the world, the "random acts of kindness" serve as inspiration and challenge to you to Pay it Forward in 2013, volunteering or helping others in some small way.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...