It has been several days since writing a new post and in that time quite a few things have been going on in my home. I wanted to write about the craziness of supporting children in multiple activities, the scheduling and how we make it work. I wanted to write about my wife recently returning to the workforce after being a homemaker for quite some time and all that comes with that. But for some reason tonight, after already laying down to bed, I was compelled to write about something more broad that is coming near. Easter.
This post isn’t about the meaning of the holiday, or the Religion of it. I’m not writing to give spiritual advice or guidance. Instead I’m writing about something that’s closer to me, personally. And it’s about baskets. Yes. baskets. Specifically, the number of children who will not be getting one this year.
I grew up in Pennsylvania as a small child being raised by a single mother who struggled everyday to keep a roof over our head and food in our bellies. And she did an amazing job at it! Not without her own personal suffering. There were a lot of things we didn’t have when I was young that friends had, but we always received gifts at Christmas and baskets on Easter. And many times it was because of the compassion of strangers we would never meet and never be able to thank.
As an adult now with a family of my own, I feel the economic struggle the entire nation is feeling. So I can relate to my mother’s struggle and be grateful for her devotion to her children even more. And as an adult now I think the best way I can give thanks to the faceless strangers who helped bring me and my siblings a bit of happiness each year is by promoting their kindness and encouraging others to do the same.
Easter is just a few days away and I am pleading with anyone who reads this to take a few dollars, it doesn’t have to be much more than what you’d spend on a meal out, and put together a basket for a child who would otherwise not be getting one this year. Candy is inexpensive. Small toys are as well. The feeling that someone thought of you is priceless.
There are too many charitable organizations for me to list, and I am writing this post “from the hip” without any editing or planning. I apologize for the lack of photos and fluff. I just felt it was important to say now. But I’m sure a stop in to any church, firehouse, police station, school office, rec center would be able to direct you to a family who could use your gift. You may even have a coworker who you know is struggling who has children or they may know someone. A neighbor possibly.
I speak from personal experience that this small gift now will leave a lasting impression on a child in his/her adult life. Kindness will be paid forward. It’s not about the chocolate or small toys, it’s about feeling thought of and included. Children don’t understand economic struggle now. They do understand the bunny never made it to their home.
Please share this message and more importantly act on it in anyway you are able. Thanks for reading.