Today's giving included donating new toys given to Lucas by his school since there are other children in greater need -- we gave the toys to Toys for Tots at our neighborhood grocery, Publix. We also made our way tonight to the Enchanted Place, a full block of homes strewn with Christmas lights and as part of the occasion, made a donation to Care Resource, a service organization for Floridians with HIV/AIDS.Today's giving was part of my job -- as the marketing department for the University of Miami's cancer center, we helped coordinate a holiday lunch for more than 1,000 employees. By the end, my feet were throbbing (high heels were NOT a good call), my face partially paralyzed from smiling, and I was just worn out. What was most important and gratifying was that after a particularly trying financial year when morale has not been great, it was good to see employees smiling, enjoying themselves, and feeling acknowledged.
I was in Nashville until Monday and have been trying to come up for air since. I'll keep my giving report brief: I gave of my time by helping make my best friend's birthday party truly fabulous (running errands, helping setup, and serving as photographer) -- it was a beautiful night thanks to her husband and parents. We also gave in the traditional holiday way by purchasing gifts to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Lucas' teachers and therapists. The best part of the latter was using my $50 American Express "holiday bonus" toward gifts for these amazing women -- I know Lucas wouldn't be where he is now if it weren't for them.visiting my best friend and her family; celebrating her 40th with a party tonight. I'm welcoming a 50 degree change in temperature (those living through winter hate me for speaking such blasphemy, but seriously, heat and humidity are over-rated, especially this time of year...not festive).There was a Scholastic Book Fair at Lucas' school so giving was effortless (even if it cost me $34). I love supporting Scholastic and encouraging reading for Lucas and his peers. I picked up a few books for Lucas as well as one for Lucas' teacher to enjoy with his class.I'm now four days (or a third of the way) into my "12 Days of Giving" and it has felt different to be so aware of our giving. It's been eye opening because I do more giving than I imagined, in mostly small ways that add up...although we all want to affect real change in the world, small acts of kindness and generosity by many can lead to that change...and giving should start at home.
Today's giving was simple...the shirt off our back (Tom's actually). Our friend Alex borrowed Tom's t-shirt "When it rains, we pour" (so clever and so Seattle--purchased at Pike Place Market); but Alex brought it back and said he loved it, so we decided he needed to keep it. A great t-shirt needs good love.giving was two-fold. The first is a tradition: donating gifts to children or sponsoring a family/child, and this year was no different. Tom brought two unwrapped toys for the "Toys for Tots" program at Toys 'R Us.I'm taking Bethany (of Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika) up on her challenge to the blogging community...12 days of giving! Even though I'm behind (it's suppose to be for the first 12 days of December), I am catching up. It's not just about giving, but inspiring others to give too. Just today, in lieu of getting a few bucks for a Graco system (stroller and infant car seat) on Craigslist, we washed and cleaned it and gave it to our next door neighbor who has a huge family, knowing it would come in handy for one of his kids or nieces/nephews. It always feels good to give.
