I've said before that the heartache and loss of August 18th will always be with us, but our goal has been to make that day something that would honor Ruth, Nick and Audrey and and the many lives that have touched ours through this loss. Thank you for helping us accomplish that!
Beginning with my first post about this day, I've shared stories of kindness that have touched our lives.
I can think of many, many, many others but on a day of kindness, I don't want to overlook the power of the seemingly small acts of kindness.
- I remember occasions where neighbors would call to invite Joie to play with friends, or call to take her on outings with their children. Those moments were priceless in helping her to just be a kid and enjoy life, and also in helping her connect to a new family and new community.
- I remember people listening to me while I cried about the upheaval of our lives and the things we dealt with on a daily basis with the adjustments Joie and all our children were making.
- I remember other adults patiently listening to Joie when she wanted to talk about her family.
- I remember a package that arrived in the mail long after packages had stopped arriving in the mail from one of my cousins and her children. It arrived at a really down moment on a really down day for Joie, and it helped to know someone cared and was thinking of her.
- I appreciated people who would remember our other children were also affected by this loss.
- I remember grandparents standing close enough to support, but far enough away to let us parent and connect with Joie in a way that would allow the parent-child bond to form. That was wisdom in action.
- I remember people taking time to share stories and memories about their time with Ruth, Nick or Audrey.
- I remember people who were understanding in school or church when our children were struggling.
Those small things made a huge difference.
On August 18th (and in the days that follow) we would love to hear about your experiences helping us pay it forward with random acts of kindness. Please share!
Side note: It's now almost August 18th and I'm starting with my first random act of kindness by staying up watching movies with Megan who just broke her nose playing night games...keeping her comfy and hydrated. Pass the ibuprofen please!
1 comment:
I'm a little late, but I heard about your random act of kindness day at "Living a Big Story". Anyhow, my girls were so excited to do something nice. They, of course, wanted to make cookies for everyone and themselves, but instead we decided we would try to be extra nice for a day, to each other. Seemingly simple--but no! My kids fight constantly. Anyhow they did great. No fighting for a good two hours--which may be a family record. :)
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