I've done something right

Okay - so I've been watching, as most of you have, the devastation in Haiti. The whole situation breaks my heart, but when they show the children, well, I don't think I've cried this much since my mother's death or when I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. Watching a mother finding out that her eight year old has to have her lower leg amputated, falling apart, then the child crying because the mom is crying, it killed me and it haunts me as a parent and human. I've thought - could I adopt one of these precious orphans and handle another child? What I wouldn't give to be able to give a consoling hug. So instead I do what I can right now, I grab my kids and squish them until they say, "enough!" Now that we have the TV in the kitchen, I've found myself watching more news throughout the day. So while preparing dinner, I had NBC on and Jon was at the kitchen. I screen some things from my children, but I'm a bit of realist and try not to hide too much. Of course there was a segment about Haiti and donating. Jon, who really has a heart of gold, tells me - "mom we need to donate, do you see those people they don't have food or water or even a house." I agree and tell him we'll do it after dinner.

We're kind of suckers in this house for donations - it's kind of embarrassing when I fill out our taxes at the end of the year. Not because of the amount because I wish we could do more and never think we do enough, but we run the gamut from cancer societies, Indiana police funds, Best Friends, Salvation Army - you name it we donate to it. I can't say no, once in a while, but not usually. At Christmas time we adopt a family at our school and buy presents for them - I bring the kids along to help so they understand what exactly we're doing. I also have them donate to the red buckets - which is an immediate, visual, tangible type of donation.

So today, Jon said, "Mom, we haven't donated! We need to do it now." So we did and I asked him how much we should donate and he came up with a reasonable amount and we donated. And he was happy. He said, "see now they can have water and food." And that was that. I know it isn't as simple as all that, but I am comforted that my son of 7 and 3/4 years old found such an urgency and sense of satisfaction in giving. In this moment, I think I might be doing this mom thing right.

If you haven't donated and think you might like to here are some opportunities:

WZPL & Hoosiers Helping Haitians

Salvation Army

Save the Children

Embrace your children, be grateful for your life and everything that is in it, it can change in an instant. Thanks!