We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. ~ Mother Theresa.
Back in early September we moved into a new neighborhood. It was very close to our old hood so the transition wasn't too bad for the kids, but it still was "new" and different, and we weren't sure how we'd fit in. And then I decided to post on Facebook about my interest in collecting for Operation Christmas Child, and was so touched by the generosity of my friends, along with people I was just beginning to know in our new neighborhood. All of us coming together to carry on Jack Donaldson's love of Operation Christmas Child. I am so proud to count these people as my friends.
Today the boys and I dropped 23 boxes off at an area church serving as a collection point. The staff working to pack all the donated boxes into larger boxes for shipping were so touched by the delivery, and asked where the boxes came from and if I had ever donated before. I stared at them, not sure what (or how much) to say. I told them I had never heard of Operation Christmas Child until this September.
I also told them the donations came from friends, neighbors, and strangers, all wanting to help the memory of a dear young boy live on through his favorite charity. I told them his name was Jack Donaldson, and as soon as I said his name out loud I started crying. These strangers all hugged me. They all knew who Jack was from the news about the accident. They couldn't have been nicer. They fed the boys brownies. They were so grateful for the donation.
23 boxes.
23 drops in the ocean.
23 children who will smile at Christmas.
I know Jack is proud.
Miles run since last post: 11
Total miles run so far this year: 133
Miles left to go: 232
(as of 11/19/11)
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I Have a Dream...
So Alex comes home not too long ago, very excited to tell me about a new project in his class called "Heroes of History." Each student in the 3rd grade has been assigned a famous historical figure to represent in a wax museum of sorts, where they will "dress like the hero in clothing resembling the time period" and recite a speech about their hero and their contribution to history. This all sounds awesome, super educational, and fun.
However, I must admit, that all I can think of when Alex comes home *absolutely beaming* to tell me he has been assigned none other than Martin Luther King, Jr., is "what on earth am I going to do for a costume?" I am so happy that he is excited, but seriously? My blonde haired, green eyed boy acting as a wax figure of Martin Luther King, Jr.? Honestly, my first reaction is that this just seems wrong and disrespectful somehow - and almost out of a script from Modern Family. How do I make Alex appear like Martin Luther King, Jr. without crossing some line, offending someone, or becoming a story on the nightly news?
Time to brainstorm. Okay, when I think of Martin Luther King, Jr. I think classy, dark 60's style suit. Problem is, my son is 8 and there isn't anything remotely close to a suit in his closet (please don't judge). And to be honest, this option sorta irritated me, because it meant we'd have to either borrow or buy one and I am frankly too lazy and cheap.
And then it hits me. A t-shirt. All it should say is: "I HAVE A DREAM." One quick Google search later and I am in business:
I am excited, Alex is excited, his teacher loves the idea, and best of all we won't end up on the news. Okay, costume problem solved.
Now on to the project itself - researching and writing a speech about your hero. Alex is home sick this week and we decide to take advantage of the quiet time at home to get started. I am nervous about how to explain what Martin Luther King, Jr. went through, what he fought for, and what ultimately happened to him. I know it will make Alex very sad, so we start at the beginning and talk about how brave he was. I am re-learning history myself, and I am amazed at what I either didn't know, or had forgotten, including the fact that Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35. The youngest recipient ever.
We talk about the Civil Rights Movement and I gently explain how it wasn't too long ago that black children were not allowed to go to the same schools as white children, that they had to sit in different parts of restaurants, use different water fountains, and couldn't even sit together on a bus. Alex's mouth literally drops open in disbelief at these statements before he pretty much sums it up: "Are you kidding me? Who's crazy idea was that?"
Exactly, Alex. Exactly. "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." The fact that an 8 year old white child is representing him at an event like this is JUST the kind of dream Dr. King was talking about. And I know Alex, my son of real character, will make him proud.
T-shirt and all.
Miles run since last post: 16
Total miles run so far this year: 122
Miles left to go: 243
(as of 11/2/11)
However, I must admit, that all I can think of when Alex comes home *absolutely beaming* to tell me he has been assigned none other than Martin Luther King, Jr., is "what on earth am I going to do for a costume?" I am so happy that he is excited, but seriously? My blonde haired, green eyed boy acting as a wax figure of Martin Luther King, Jr.? Honestly, my first reaction is that this just seems wrong and disrespectful somehow - and almost out of a script from Modern Family. How do I make Alex appear like Martin Luther King, Jr. without crossing some line, offending someone, or becoming a story on the nightly news?
Time to brainstorm. Okay, when I think of Martin Luther King, Jr. I think classy, dark 60's style suit. Problem is, my son is 8 and there isn't anything remotely close to a suit in his closet (please don't judge). And to be honest, this option sorta irritated me, because it meant we'd have to either borrow or buy one and I am frankly too lazy and cheap.
And then it hits me. A t-shirt. All it should say is: "I HAVE A DREAM." One quick Google search later and I am in business:
I am excited, Alex is excited, his teacher loves the idea, and best of all we won't end up on the news. Okay, costume problem solved.
Now on to the project itself - researching and writing a speech about your hero. Alex is home sick this week and we decide to take advantage of the quiet time at home to get started. I am nervous about how to explain what Martin Luther King, Jr. went through, what he fought for, and what ultimately happened to him. I know it will make Alex very sad, so we start at the beginning and talk about how brave he was. I am re-learning history myself, and I am amazed at what I either didn't know, or had forgotten, including the fact that Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35. The youngest recipient ever.
We talk about the Civil Rights Movement and I gently explain how it wasn't too long ago that black children were not allowed to go to the same schools as white children, that they had to sit in different parts of restaurants, use different water fountains, and couldn't even sit together on a bus. Alex's mouth literally drops open in disbelief at these statements before he pretty much sums it up: "Are you kidding me? Who's crazy idea was that?"
Exactly, Alex. Exactly. "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." The fact that an 8 year old white child is representing him at an event like this is JUST the kind of dream Dr. King was talking about. And I know Alex, my son of real character, will make him proud.
T-shirt and all.
Miles run since last post: 16
Total miles run so far this year: 122
Miles left to go: 243
(as of 11/2/11)
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