Day 53-My Nephew

Day 53-On day fifty three in my journey of kindness I started a project that will culminate in another act of kindness on another day. Today, however as part of that project I completed a token for my nephew, Devon. As you know (if you are reading my blog on a regular basis) that I crochet and knit. Tonight I completed a green hat for my little nephew. I have been promising his mommy for some time that I would give him something made with love by me but had not carved out the time to complete it. After all, I am a working mother and don't have lots of free time to do all of the crafts that I would like to do. I love to make things. Doing so feeds my creativity and the feminine. I try to be kind to the environment and make my own detergent and dish washer detergent as well. There's a satisfaction I feel in doing this and I know it's not for everyone. So tonight, I completed the hat and alerted my sister in law that it is ready for delivery the next time that they come into town. I hope he will like it and every time he wears it will know it also holds a "hug" from his aunt Bailey! 212 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 52-Medical Care

Day 52-Today is day fifty two in my journey of kindness. This morning I started off my day at my primary care physician's office to get my lab work completed for a routine physical that I will have in a few weeks. As I sat in the waiting room I was struck with gratitude. I am grateful that my family and I can afford good medical care. While medical care is still expensive these days, even with good insurance, I reflected on the care that my family is able to receive and participate in and realize that others may not have the opportunity or the means to afford wellness visits or other necessary treatments. Many in today's society have difficulty accessing quality health care options. As the technician drew my blood I resolved to myself that I would make a donation today that would provide and help others access medical care in the United States. Some donations that I have made thus far in my journey have benefited those around the world, but today I wanted to target other Americans who may be in need of healthcare services. It saddens me that those who need care the most often have the most difficult time getting the level of care or the quality of service that they need. I hope that the donation that I made today will make a difference in someone's life. I hope that somehow through their own journey and struggle they will feel the warmth that someone out there is thinking of them and supporting them in their struggle. I am grateful for the medical professionals who have made a difference in my life and the life of my family. I am fortunate that my family has been treated with kindness and compassion and whole hearted care, especially in times of our fragility and when we were frightened and uncertain of the outcomes. Thank you to all of those who are out there, who read my blog and are healthcare professionals. Never forget that your interactions with others can make a profound impact. I will never forget the nursing home staff who were with me when my granny started her journey into passing over, who were compassionate and gave me the courage to be fully present with her though that process. I will never forget the emergency room physician who calmly and compassionately encouraged me to continue to breastfeed my seven week old son who had H1N1 (though we didn't know it at the time) while he ran every test known to man to find out what was going on with him because he knew that my son felt comforted while he was being nurtured. I will never forget the nurse who stood by my side and advocated for me to be in constant touch with my sick son while everyone bustled around the room, basically standing on their heads so that my son could be as comforted as possible during the scariest night of our lives. I will never forget the physician, who was teary eyed, in ICU who sat in a chair across from my husband and me, held our hands and gave us the statistics in the survival game we faced with our son. I will never forget the nurses who hug and play with my son when we go to the pediatrician. I will never forget the nurse who took my son after an ENT surgery and brought him back to me with the longest roll of stickers I have ever seen because "he was so snuggly." Believe me, your kindness makes a difference. The time you take to make a child feel like he is your only patient for the day...matters. Thank you from a grateful and humbled heart. 213 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 51-Extra Tip and The Muffin Man

Day 51-Today is day fifty one in my journey of kindness. By now, you may have noticed that I am a slight coffee fiend. I love coffee, enjoy coffee and have a cup every day. In fact, I usually have a large cup every day. I am not an avid cash carrier and am at times, therefore, unable to leave a tip for the friendly baristas who make my coffee on a regular basis. Today happened not to be one of my non cash carrying days. As a result, when I pulled up to the coffee stand I put a substantial tip into the jar. I told them that I do not always carry cash and wanted to leave a substantial tip to make up for all the times I was unable to put a little extra in their jar. They smiled, thanked me and told me to have a great day. Today I also received a letter from the dear man that I wrote to who is serving time in jail as a result of a tragic accident. He thanked me and shared some stories with me regarding his grandchildren. He thanked me for the art that Owen drew for him and told me it lifted his spirits. He also asked me to pass along his gratitude to my mother for her card that she sent to him as well. I, of course, called her immediately to share his kind words with her. Of note, a co-worker returned an act of kindness to me today and brought me a delicious and heart healthy muffin. When she came into my office the morning with the treat I couldn't help but smile and give her a big hug. She shared with me that she made the muffins for a neighbor who had been experiencing some recent health problems and her youngest son got in on the act of kindness. They sang "Do you know the muffin man?", made a mess and memories in the kitchen together. Her story was so sweet that I got teary eyed thinking of what a sweet and empathic young man she is raising. I am grateful to know that such a sweet young man will go out into the world one day to make a difference. Today the word was...hope. I have hope for the world, for the manner in which others may treat one another and hope that the world doesn't have to be such a scary place for my own son to grow up. Mister Rogers once said something to the effect of..."when I would see bad things on the news my mother would say to me...look for the helpers...when bad things happen look for those who are helping...there are always people doing good." (paraphrased of course) Again, I find hope, afterall...it springs eternal. 214 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 50-Cancer is a Four Letter Word Con't

Day 50-Today is another one of those milestone dates. This is day fifty in my journey of kindness. I have been doing acts of kindness on a daily basis for fifty days now. Over 2,000 people have viewed my blog in ten different countries. I am awed and humbled by these statistics. Imagine if each person who read my blog completed an act of kindness with the challenge to keep the ripple going what a profound impact could be made. Each day I complete an act of kindness I know I am making a difference. Today I continued my acts of kindness towards those suffering or impacted by cancer. Today I made a donation to the American Cancer Society. I made a donation to continue the research for a cure against this disease that has impacted so many in my own life. While today was a simple task I hope that it will make a difference. I would like to challenge all of those who read my blog to make their own contribution to whatever charity touches their being. On a side note, I dropped off the pumpkin bread that I made yesterday to its intended recipient this afternoon. 215 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 49-Cancer is a Four Letter Word

Day 49-On day forty nine in my journey of kindness I had a plan. I have several people in my life who are close to me that are battling, have recently battled and continue to fight cancer. Not only that, but I have several family members who are survivors of cancer as well. I imagine there are few of us on the planet who could boast to know no one who has been touched in some sort of way by the diagnosis of cancer. Whether a family family member, friend, co-worker, or spouse the "C" word is not one that anyone wants to hear. As far as I'm concerned, it's a four letter word. Not only do we not want to hear it...if we have heard it...we certainly don't want to hear it again. Unfortunately, there are many who have to battle this disease over and over again, and in my family we have a current family member who has been diagnosed for the third time. It certainly seems unfair and what astounds me is that in this area of the world many people will try to provide comfort by saying "there's a purpose" or "a reason." There could possibly be no purpose or reason for such a devastating diagnosis. Sure, I believe one can make a purpose and become stronger and live life in a carpe diem fashion due to being diagnosed with cancer, but to say there is a purpose or a reason feels inappropriate at a minimum and downright unempathic and hurtful at a maximum (now I'll get off my soap box). So, today I decided to provide comfort and some immune boosting substance by putting together a healthy pumpkin and flax bread that contains yogurt as well. It is an antioxidant rich loaf that can help support immunity and give the energy needed to help stave off the nasty cells making the person their host. It's my way of punching cancer in the nose. Really that's what it needs, a good old fashioned punch in the nose. It needs an army of people who say, "Nope...not gonna happen here. We are here to fight! We are not here to accept you and you are not welcome here...so move on!" It may not be delivered by tonight, but it is on my counter wrapped and ready to go. My act of kindness today is to fight and if you agree...reach out to someone you know who has cancer or make a donation to the American Cancer Association. 216 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 48-A Gift and a Sad Anniversary

Day 48-On the forty eighth day of my journey of kindness I got to spend time with my family. Not only did my sister and brother-in-law come to visit with my adorable niece and nephew, but my father, my son's beloved Doodah came to spend the night with us as well. In addition, my mother came over during the day while everyone played together. I should probably tell you that my parents are divorced, about 14 years divorced at this point, and I am incredibly fortunate that they spared us the fussing, arguing and not getting along part of that process. Apparently they could remain friends and civil in order for all of us to have a relationship, spend time together and continue to be a family in an unconventional sort of way. Believe me, I know this is not an easy feat and am grateful that they could do this for all of our sake. This was an extra special day to be with my father as today marked the anniversary of the death of his father and my PawPaw. We spent time this evening reflecting on family and the impact my grandfather had on our own development. On day forty eight I decided to do an act of kindness for another family member who has a birthday coming up this next week. I remember how when my grandfather died it happened that he was buried on his youngest daughter's birthday. In honor of both her and my grandfather I decided to make and give my aunt a scarf with a yarn that I knew she would love. I must tell you that while gifts are a love language, it is not one I can always afford, so I am not in the regular habit of getting birthday gifts for my extended family. In other words, since this is not something I usually do, I decided it would be my act of kindness for the day. I spent the afternoon lovingly crafting the item and then made the packaging in which it would be delivered. I texted her before going to bed to make sure she would be home in the morning for me to deliver it to her. When we are faced with painful and sad occasions it is nice to know that we can find comfort in family and support in one another. Where there is sadness, there is also hope. There is a challenge to seize every day and make the most of every moment we have with one another. I love my family and am grateful every day that I got to grow up with them. I am fortunate that so many of them live close by to help with my son's experience of growing up as well. 217 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 47-Orange Cranberry Bread

Day 47-Today is day 47 in my journey of kindness. I decided that today would be a targeted act of kindness. Last night after eating supper with my family, and after Owen helped wash the dishes, we set out to make a special breakfast treat. He got a bowl from inside a low cabinet and brought it over to me to place on the counter. I pulled the stool up to the counter and let him put the ingredients in the bowl. I explained to him that we were making an orange cranberry breakfast bread. He looked at me smiled, licked his lips and said "Nom nom nom!" He helped me stir the ingredients and pour the batter into a prepared pan. We stuck it in the oven and then went upstairs to read a night night story and to get him ready for bed. I set the timer and asked my husband to check on the treat when the timer dinged. When I came back downstairs to the cooling bread I put it on a rack and then set about to do some chores. After it cooled I wrapped it gingerly in plastic wrap to take to it's recipient on Friday morning (today). When I got to work I went right to the peron's desk for whom the bread was intended. She is a dear person who always has a full plate at work. She is friendly and warm and always very helpful. Not only that, but she has recently had some family stressors going on and I wanted to give her the bread as a treat that she could use for her family on Saturday morning. I hope she will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and have the bread with her family and won't have to rush to make a special breakfast for the morning. I wrote a note with the bread expressing my appreciation for all that she does and to offer her some encouragement as she continues to be such a helper to others. There is a quote that I read often on others' social media pages that talks about being kinder than necessary with whom we interact as we never know what kind of struggle others are facing. This is so true. Sometimes we fail to recognize that just a smile or kind encouraging word could make the difference in someone's day. Today I made an overt showing of support for a co-worker. 218 more days of kindness...are you in?