Sorrow Can Be Devastating. What Can You Do

You tell yourself to hold your tongue, to buck up, and keep your eyes on the prize. But you can’t, not like this. Why, of all people did it have to be you? You’re not too bad of a person, so as soon as you have silently told yourself not to; you start to cry.

It’s unfair really, you have looked back, checked and rechecked the past and nothing you did deserves this. The pain is something you haven’t felt before, the tears have come and gone, and yet the emptiness it still there, like a gaping hole in a water balloon. The feeble attempts you exert to patch the hole, the bigger it seems to get. No comforting word, not an action of love can end it. What you have lost is bigger than you, bigger than anyone. What can you do? Stay in this barren wasteland of eternal sadness?

You have two options here, and what you do, will not only change you, but the others around you. You may not know, but you are always watched, thinking you act for yourself, and your sadness it unfelt by loved ones and neighbors is a selfish thought. Back to your choices, you can drop yourself and let this sadness destroy you from the inside out, or breathe.

Let me tell you this, friend, brother, neighbor, it’s not too late, by locking arms and marching to a common goal you shall survive. Humans are civil creatures and to leave a brother behind is not something to be taken lightly. So, it is time to stand and fight the sorrow that has held your heart in clamped, wrinkled hands. Whether you have lost a loved one, hope, or Jerry your dog the world can be one to kick you when you’re down and yet the people of this world will be standing, waiting, for your eyes to lift up, and you hands to extend, and your voice to call out for help.

The goodness in people is like the wind, you can’t see it, but you feel it, and you see the effects of the wind, and but the time you have opened you eyes to see the people surrounding you, you’ll understand, they have bathed you in their love by the gifts of sympathy,  physical and not. A gift given in love is something more precious than any amount to glamour and allure sent by the unfeeling.

Let yourself be loved, and lift up your face.

What To Give a Grieving Friend?

Flowers have traditionally been the most common sympathy gifts people have given to those who are hurting or mourning.  And granted, flowers are beautiful but they do not last, in fact they will shrivel up and die.  Furthermore, many people are allergic to flowers and or have small children or animals and have to be careful of falling petals. 

While a note is an always welcomed sympathy gift the traditional card carries sadness about it.  So if flowers and cards seem gloomy what can a person do for someone who is hurting? Here are some creative ideas to let someone know you care about them but in a positive encouraging way.

The first thing you can do is pray for that person.  This costs nothing and yet means everything.   Do not be afraid to let the person you know you care.  One of the biggest mistakes people make when a loved one or friend are going through a time of grieving is staying away.  It is hard to know what to do when a person is experiencing a tough difficult season or has experienced a tragedy in their lives but keep be persistent in your care and love for that person.

Find the good in the bad.  Find something about the person that has passed away people remember.  For instance, if your grandpa passed away and everyone knew he loved dark chocolate, fill a basket full of a variety of dark chocolates.  Choose different brands, different varieties, and shapes.   You can’t go wrong with chocolate and food will be welcomed by those who are grieving.  We all need fuel and energy during hard times.

When I think of apple pie I can’t help but think of my grandmother.  So when she died we bought apple trees for each of the children.  It made all of us feel better and even happier years later when the trees began producing fruit. 

Giving the family a personalized sympathy gift may be one of the best gifts ever to give.  A blanket with a special photo on it, a stuffed animal with a message, a Bible verse with the name of the person who died, and the list goes on of ideas.

Instead of a card give a poem or a letter sharing memories you have of the person who died.  It will be much appreciated and mean a lot to the family and friends left behind.

Take these ideas and expand on them, be creative and share in the hurt for then you will add some joy in the midst of a storm.

Six Year Old Elaina Touchs The Hearts Of Many

Sarah Phillips Leaves Her Mom With A Tribute

Sarah, while grieving for the loss of her mom, sang this simple song into her phone. What a beautiful tribute.




sarahoephillips | March 02, 2010

NOW AVAILABLE ON ITUNES FOR 79p ALL PROCEEDS TO DEBBIE PHILLIPS CERVICAL CANCER FUND
*CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO DONATE*
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancertrust/debb...
I recorded this into my mobile phone in my bedroom on the 10th February 2010, the evening my mother, Debbie Phillips, died of cervical cancer. Family friend, Charlie Mole, subsequently added the musical accompaniment. This was played as a tribute at her funeral on 25th February. Cervical cancer has for a long time been the 'poor relation' of other cancers. The Debbie Phillips Cervical Cancer Research Fund has been set up as part of the UCL Cancer Research Trust to fund research into the detection and treatment of cervical cancer. The link will take you to a site which will enable you to make a donation to the fund. If you like my song please make a donation.

Click on this link to donate: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancertrust/debb...

Click to join campaign to make it a single: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=w...

Click to join the mailing list: http://sarahphillips.fanbridge.com/

Mom Dying Of Cancer Leaves Memories For Twins

CBS's story about Liz Dustin really touched my heart today. As a mom of twins, who also went through a cancer scare after my twins were born, it hit me hard. While my tumor turned out to be very benign, our family struggled for a few months before we found out. My heart goes out to the Dustin family, and I hope that this story will touch you too. We should regard every day as precious.

 

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In her final days of life, a young Minnesota mother sat down with WCCO-TV's Liz Collin to talk candidly about her battle with cancer and the memories she wanted to leave behind for her 9-month-old twin daughters.

"Today's a really good day for me. I'm able to sit up on the couch and enjoy time with my little girls," said 29-year-old Liz Dustin, of St. Cloud, Minn.

That was on Friday. Wednesday morning, Liz lost her battle with cancer, but her family still wants to share her story of courage.

Nine months have passed since the two days in May that changed the Dustin family's lives. Liz and her husband, Shaw Dustin, were getting ready to be parents. After two miscarriages, Liz was pregnant with twins that were due in a month.

Something wasn't right with her legs, so she went into the doctor to get them checked out.

"I was in so much pain, I had to sit downstairs on the couch," she said.

"We thought it was just from the pregnancy until they gave us the actual diagnosis," said Shaw. "That was the hardest part."

Doctors diagnosed Liz with sarcoma, a tissue cancer. Two days after her diagnosis, doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section at St. Cloud Hospital and her daughters were born more than a month early.

Even though they were premature, the twins are now healthy, though they wear helmets to reshape their heads.

Right after the twins were born, doctors removed a tumor the size of a football from Liz's upper thigh. The cancer had also spread to her lungs. Chemotherapy and radiation haven't helped.

Doctors said there's nothing more they can do. Over Christmas they told her she wouldn't make it, but she fought for six more weeks, enjoying the time that she had.

"That's what I'm doing right now, enjoying every minute of it," she said last Friday.

She scrapbooked, wrote letters to the twins and has told her family what she wants her daughters to hear.

"Tell them about me, how I enjoyed life, you know, that I was a great mom who fought this, who wanted to be here for you girls," Liz said.

---------

Liz's sister wrote this poem for her sister:

Remember Me

Remembrance is important to the human soul
We all want to be remembered when we are gone
Please remember me as the way I am
A beautiful strong soul who did not give in
Who did not give up the battle when the fight got tough
My spirit is forever resilient
Although my body is not as I wished it was
It can only endure so much pain before it gives up the struggle to survive it
Remember me for my radiance
As it rays down on you like sunshine warms the soul
Remember me for how much I cherish life
Embracing how lovely and delicate life truly is
As life is a precious gift to us all
We only have this one life to live
Be inspired to be the best person you can be
Tell my children they are loved and adored
How truly resilient I am for life and all it's beauty
As I face death with grace
As I watch over them from heaven
As an Angel with wings
Bathing them with love from heaven above
I'll always be within your hearts and souls
To be remembered and kept safe as a keepsake
As I know I am truly beloved
My final wish is to be truly remembered and not forgotten

Please Remember Me

To my sister.

Sharon Yvone Hoffarth

Ash Pendants Make Wonderful Sympathy Gifts

Sympathy Gifts and Memorial Jewelry

More Sympathy Jewelry

In the last several years memorial jewelry has become one of the best selling gifts you can give to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. This Lens is dedicated to finding ways and gifts that are touching, unique and will bring great comfort to those who are suffering.

Town in Iowa Comes Together for University Senior

Press Citizion reported this story a month ago. It is wonderful to see how a town can come together to help those in need.

In February, University of Iowa senior and 2006 Mid-Prairie High graduate Addison Powell began to feel like he had a sinus infection.

The condition worsened and by Easter weekend, it was discovered he had a tumor on his brain that would grow from the size of a golf ball to a baseball by the time it was removed April 28. The 13-hour operation caused doctors to remove his left eye after the tumor was found to have moved into his eye muscles. He now is recovering, three weeks shy of receiving his degree in computer science from UI.
On Saturday, his family and hometown of Wellman will host a day-long benefit to help Powell, 22, and his family handle the bills from the medical treatments and travel to St. Louis and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The benefit will include a four-person best show golf tournament at 9 a.m. at the Wellman Golf Course followed by a free-will dinner and a silent auction from 4 to 7 p.m. and a live auction at the Parkside Activity Center in Wellman, all to help Powell.
"This is going to be his battle for the rest of his life," said Melissa Rediger, his aunt and one of the organizers of the benefit.
The live auction, scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. at the Parkside Activity Center, will include four nights at a condo at Lazy Days at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri for six people, a solid oak rocker, glider rocker, gift certificates, a meal for 12 people by Clara Bontrager, a power washer, a load of rock and trucking from Terra, several gift certificates and a theme basket. There also will be a football signed by Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz, Rediger said.
She said she expects 800 to 1,000 people to attend the benefit.
"I think it's going to be pretty big," she said. "The Powell family is pretty well known down here."
Powell said he expects to undergo radiation treatment to get rid of whatever was left of the tumor during the coming months. He said he was hopeful to finish his degree and complete his internship at Rockwell Collins. In the meantime, he said he is grateful for the support from the community.
"I think it's really great," he said. "I can't believe people in this community came together like this."

Outpouring of Love

I thought I would follow up on a recent post below. Two weeks ago I posted about my friends baby who was in the hospital with seizures. It was such a helpless feeling to be so far away. With the help of many, her older children were provided for, her needs while at the hospital were met and more then anything a sense of community coming together was felt. People all over the nation sent help.
What touches me more then anything, is a complete stranger to us, yet a sister in Christ, was able to go be with our friend at the hospital. A much needed shoulder to cry on, and arm to hold up. My heart was filled knowing that kindness and compassion are not dead.
The baby is doing much better now after 11 days in the hospital. Mom, Dad and baby are being reunited with their family today. I feel so blessed to have been a part in helping.

On a side note, while the families kids were here it became quite apparent they had not packed to be away from home for more then a day. Families from our group stepped up to purchase clothing for these kids. A simple way to show we loved them. Two boys I know took their own money and their own clothes to these kids. When I asked why they wanted to give, the reply was, " they really needed it and I have it to give."

Offering Hope When A Family is Dealing With a Sick Child

I don't know what is worse. Getting a call that your child is ill, or getting the call that your friends child is very ill. I think my heart hurts just as much for them as it would if it was just for me.

My friend called this morning to tell me that our mutual friends baby was having seizures. What makes this hit even harder is that the baby is 4 days old and they are at least 6 hours away. How can you offer help when your so far away? What can you possibly do except pray? It's hard to hug through a phone, hold up your friend as she struggles with how to cope. It really gives you a helpless feeling. I have tried putting myself in her shoes. What would I want my friends to do for me? Help with my kids, provide some meals, pray. Yes, I would love to do all of those immediately. However, from 500 miles away how is it possible? I've spent the afternoon making calls, trying to get other families gathering to pray. Trying to make connections with families near her. Asking them to be my hands. Reminding myself that I would do it for someone else if I were asked.

With all the new technology and up to the second updates thanks to facebook and twitter, nothing can replace the arms of a friend. I guess my thought today, is if you were called upon, in your town to reach out to a stranger because a friend has asked you to for her, would you? I know that after today, my answer is yes. I will offer my arms and my means if someone ever asks me too. Would you?

The Rag Quilt

A story called The Rag Coat inspired my friends to make a quilt for one of our friends who lost her grandfather. This friend of our was very close to her grandfather and when he died she was out of town. He was like a father to her and you can imagine how difficult it was for her to not be there to say goodbye. A week later the children had gone through the house taking what they wanted and discarding everything else outside with a free sign. The hurt ran deep within my friend and her family. No thought was given as to if others in the family may want or need something to remember him by.
After hearing the pain in our friends heart, it was decided that we should go and get some of her grandfathers clothes out of the free pile and make her a rag quilt. This was done in secret. We met together the next day with sewing machines in hand and cut and sewed her grandfathers memories into a blanket that would bring her comfort. Here are her words after she received our small gift :
                   

The ones I LOVE gathered my grandfathers clothes. The clothes that were left discarded for free as if they had no value. They gathered them with love and prayers and created a quilt. A quilt to comfort my heart and wrap me in love. A quilt of memories. Even the little ironed creases my grandma made in my grandpas jeans are on the patches. I love you friends and I cannot thank you enough.

 A simple expression between friends to help heal the pain. Friends can bring us down and friends can lift us up.      

Email or Sympathy Card ?

With more and more people communicating via email, facebook or IM's, the subject of sympathy etiquette has come up many times. When should I send a sympathy email vs. a sympathy card?

If you communicate with your friend or colleague by email and do not meet with them in person ever, sending an email acknowledging the death of a family member or loved one is acceptable. However it is advised  that you always follow up your email with a personal hand written card.

If you know your friend or colleague well you should send a card as soon as you hear of their loved ones death. Card etiquette suggests you hand write the card in black ink. Always follow up your card with a phone call to show your sincere sympathies.

Giving a Gift to Someone Who Lost a Baby

This week we remembered little Hosanna and her mom who was so kind to share her story with us and help us get a glimpse of what it is like to lose a baby so little. Today we look at a few gifts that can be sent to those who are grieving the loss of their child.


This book Little Footprints written by Dorothy Ferguson makes a truly wonderful gift for the grieving parents. This special memory book is made for parents with a stillborn child or who have experienced a newborn death. This special booklet preserves tiny keepsakes and memories. Photos and keepsakes can be kept inside the pockets.


The book Where's Jess is a perfect book to give to a family who has older children. They are sure to be experiencing their own grief at the loss of a sibling. This beautifully illustrated book will help them to have a better understanding of death.

Together these books will be a treasured thoughtful gift to a family who is grieving their loss.

The birth of Hosanna from Pinkpeas

My friend shared this story with me from her midwife. It is her hope that through her story people may begin to understand those who have gone through a miscarriage. I know for me it has really touched my heart to hear the details so that I may in turn comfort another in time. Because of the length of this post, I will attach the link to her blog here.

I am grateful to Maggie for sharing her story so that we may be able to offer sympathy and not shy away from those who have experience the death of unborn child, or newborn. It shows us, that even if you do not feel you have any comforting words to offer, your kind acts can give so much comfort.

Thank you Maggie, for sharing little Hosanna with us.

http://pinkpeas.com/content/hosanna

Thinking of Others

You know the saying; until you've walked in my shoes don't judge me? Have you ever considered that everyone has a story. Even those beautifully made up women in the store at 5am while your standing there in your pajamas, slippers and a hat on, have a story. Just the other day a dear friend of mine was shopping in the underwear section. Did you realize it can be almost impossible to pick out underwear when your stress level is to the max? My friend had just learned her brother was going to be put on kidney dialysis. While she is surrounded with friends and family who are there to help her out during this time her emotions are still running high. She doesn't know why she was in the underwear section at that very moment but she was. Standing next to her was another lady with the seemingly same issue. Picking out underwear. While my friend made a comment about just giving up trying to find the right kind, this lady responded, "I can't give up, I just checked my brother into the hospital. His kidneys are failing." Amazed at what just took place my friend Lisa introduced herself. Out of her mouth poured encouragement, understanding and a sympathy no one else could share with this stranger at that moment.
My point is this. We all have burdens, heartaches and joys. You may not understand someones pushy way in the store, or their apparent lack of awareness around them. I myself have been guilty of judging those who seem to only lookout for themselves, or seem to have no thought of anyone else around them. Did I ever consider their hearts may be so full of grief they are walking and doing without thinking? Instead of feeling we should pay back insult for insult, or rudeness for rudeness, let us try on the hat of patience, understand and sympathy. We have not walked a mile in everyone shoes, and the lady who seemingly is rude and huffy, may be at Walmart trying to find some clothes to change into because her life is in upheaval.

The Hope Room

While cancer has not touched my life has it has many people I know, my heart was touched by this simple outreach here in town. The Hope Room. Here cancer patients can come in and get wigs, scarves, hand made colorful turbans and books. It is all donated and free to any cancer patient. This simple act of kindness is inspiring. I can not imagine the strength it takes to come to terms with cancer and the treatment it requires. Let alone trying to finance medical bills and medications. The Hope Room is the perfect name. When everything has a cost, The Hope Room gives you back a little bit of hope that all is not lost. Volunteers give of their time to support and comfort those who are at a loss. What a blessing to families that are going through the trials of cancer.

Blankets of Love

One year the kids and I read about a program called Blanket of Love. It was a non-profit organization that collected gently used blankets and shipped them to Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of blankets have made it into the arms of many who had nothing but a thin rag to cover themselves at night. My children almost instantly began gathering all the blankets that were not in use at that exact moment. I was worried that maybe we would give too many, that we may need some of those blankets for ourselves. When my children reminded me that each of our beds no only had a sheet, a blanket and a comforter, I realized they really were showing compassion. My eyes flooded with tears as we boxed up a huge box of blankets that will still in very good shape and kept the older ones for ourselves. Their idea, not mine. They were not going to wait even one day. It was off to the post office with our huge box of blankets. It was such a small price to pay to send these blankets to a U.S address where they would bag them up to be airlifted.
It's been four years and we still have more blankets then we use. While I'm not sure if Blankets of Love is still in operation, I know my local shelter could benefit from the donation as well.

Reality of Hunger

This past week we were able to experience one families deep need for food. This was a large family with 4 children who, like many in our nation, have run across hard times. This family is perfectly normal from the outside. Their children are so well mannered, dressed in nice clothing, happy and healthy. However, when you stepped into their kitchen one thing lacked. Food. They have benefited from the local gleaners, who deliver day old bread from the stores, veggies and fruit that may not be perfect but still edible and local food pantries. While this family had not asked for help, it was evident they needed it.

If you can take the time, donate to your local food pantry. I know many of us don't have much, but grabbing an extra bag of rice, or a few extra cans of veggies on sale at the store and donating them has a much bigger impact than we imagine sometimes. Just because a family is well put together, does not mean they are not struggling. If you know a neighbor or friend who needs a little help, consider making your own food basket and taking it to them. If your not sure what to buy, consider a gift card to your local supermarket.

Volunteering your time at your local pantry may give you just the push you need to step up your own donations. Realizing how many people out there are down right now will encourage you to give just a little more this time.

Secret Valentines

There are many reasons to look forward to Valentines Day. Kids love giving cards to their classmates and the class parties that cut into the school day. Young lovers, enjoy giving gifts and cards that express their deep desires. Couples enjoy a night out together over a romantic dinner. Parents tuck valentine notes into their kids lunches or coat pockets. For many, Valentines is more than just chocolate, but a day to really show your appreciation for the one you spend your days and nights with.

For some, Valentines is another day that triggers heart ache. Those who have lost a loved one, friend or family member are the hardest hit. Single people who long to find someone special can feel saddened when love abounds in the air.

A wonderful way to take the sting out of being single, whether by choice or by chance, is to take this day and do something secretive and special for someone you know who may also be having an equally hard time. Send some roses signed, "from a friend who thinks your the best" or "thinking of you today". An elderly woman who has lost her spouse will be touched by the jester and it will help to brighten your day too knowing you were that secret someone who cared.

A Little Goes a Long Way

You know we are entering a new technological age when you can donate money via text message. You may have thought it couldn't work, but the Red Cross has received over 7 million dollars since the Haiti earth quake doing just that. Just before midnight two days after the quake the Red Cross tweeted: You can text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Since then over 700,000 people have done just that. Think you don't have time to research out a company, write out a check, or put it in the mail? Now you can pick up your phone and in less then 60 seconds donate money to a reputable charity. For the first time in years the Red Cross has used technology to connect to the young Americans that are so hard to reach, and they have responded.

If you are a U.S. cell phone users here is an easy way to donate $10. Text “HAITI” to 90999 and the money will be automatically billed in your next monthly statement.

How can I help the people in Haiti?

From Fox News these are legit organizations that have been tried and true to their call. Make sure that if you do help by sending money that the charity you have chosen is not a scam but one you use on a regular basis. Unfortunately scams run high in the aftermath of a devastating disaster because peoples emotions run high and they want to help right away. Check out these charities listed on the Fox News Website if you want to help.

Numerous organizations are mobilizing to lend a hand in the devastating aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti.
Authorities caution people to beware of online scammers. Click here to learn a couple of simple, safe ways to donate to the cause, or contact one of the following well-established charities that are collecting donations for relief efforts:

• Action Against Hunger: ACF International has mobilized an emergency response following the earthquake that devastated the city of Port-au-Prince. ACF teams on the ground have begun to carry out rapid evaluations across the city, while additional support, equipment, and materials — including water treatment supplies, emergency vehicles, and communications equipment — are en route from ACF’s bases in Gonaives.

• ActionAid: ActionAid asks for donations for its relief efforts. ActionAid has been working in Haiti since 1996 and is deploying an emergency team to deliver clean water, shelter and goods like blankets and soap.

• ADRA: ADRA is launching an initial response worth $85,000 to meet the immediate needs of survivors. According to an initial assessment, the immediate needs include water purification supplies, food, temporary shelter materials, hygiene kits, and medical assistance.

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by the earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.

• American Friends Service Committee: Accepting financial aid only at this time. Funds will go to immediate material needs and to help Haitians themselves rebuild their communities.

• AME-SADA: AME-SADA is currently assessing the situation in Haiti and will provide humanitarian relief and care on site through their system of local clinics and micro credit operations.

• Americares: Specializes in immediate disaster relief

• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee: The world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization is collecting funds for relief efforts and working with partners on the ground in Haiti.

• American Jewish World Service: Donations will enable AJWS's network of grantees in Haiti to meet the urgent needs of the population based on real-time, on-the-ground assessments.

• Catholic Relief Services: Donations will go to help Haiti victims, who are still recovering from the deadly 2008 hurricanes.

• CARE: CARE donations will go to deliver emergency aid to victims of the impoverished nation's capital city.

• CONCERN Worldwide: Concern Worlwide US calls on the public for urgent support to allow the agency to provide food, water, shelter and medicine as the immediate priority for those that have survived the catastrophe.

• Direct Relief International: Direct Relief’s response efforts are fast, involve local partners, and are coordinated with other international organizations and governmental authorities to ensure the most efficient use of resources.

• Food for the Hungry: FH's operational focus in Haiti is HIV/AIDS and Child/Maternal health, and we will be looking to respond in these areas as well as other areas of need.

• Giving Children Hope: Giving Children Hope is talking with partners in Haiti, determining the greatest needs of the earthquake victims.

• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity International is addressing shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the earthquake. Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

• Hands On Disaster Response: Hands On Disaster Response (HODR) is returning to Haiti after a 2008-2009 hurricane response project, to determine how and where the organization's main resource of volunteers would be most effective in the response and recovery efforts.

• Handicap International: Already present in Haiti, Handicap International reacted rapidly to the earthquake, which hit the country Tuesday night. The association released $217,657 in funding Wednesday and will provide support for the team.

• International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is deploying an Emergency Response Team to Haiti.

• International Relief Teams: International Relief Teams (IRT) is appealing for cash donations to help the victims of the powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

• The International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee is deploying its Emergency Response Team to Haiti to deliver urgent assistance to earthquake survivors and help overwhelmed local aid. They’ll be focusing on critical medical, water and sanitation assistance.

• Islamic Relief: Islamic Relief USA has launched a $1 million appeal for the victims of the quake, and is coordinating a massive shipment of much-needed aid to the island nation.

• Lutheran World Relief: Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations to provide life-saving assistance in response to the earthquake in Haiti. Details of the emergency response will made available as the organization learns more about the immediate needs on the ground.

• Operation USA: Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles.

• Operation Blessing: Operation Blessing’s Haiti National Director, Eric Lotz, is on-the-ground making first responder assessments and disaster relief teams are mobilizing to bring emergency relief to victims.

• Oxfam: Oxfam has long experience in Haiti, and we're rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation where our assistance is most needed.

• PIH: Has had longstanding aid relationship with Haiti

• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is currently mobilizing personnel and supplies to assist in the relief effort in Haiti, following the severe earthquake that struck Tuesday. The Salvation Army has already dedicated $50,000 in direct aid to the country, and it is in need of additional donations.

• Samaritan's Purse: Samaritan’s Purse is responding to the earthquake that devastated Haiti by providing critically needed assistance, including water, temporary shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, medical aid, and other essentials.

• Save the Children: Donations to Save the Children will help the charity provide urgently needed medical attention, safe drinking water, and other necessities.

• Stop Hunger Now: Stop Hunger Now will be coordinating relief efforts to our partners in Haiti by organizing shipments of meals and financial support.

• UNICEF USA: Donations to UNICEF will go to children, the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster.

• United Way Worldwide: Gifts to the Fund support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.

• World Concern: Donate to Haiti relief efforts.

• World Food Programme: WFP is mobilising all available resources to bring urgently needed food assistance to thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquake which hit the Caribbean island of Haiti.

• World Vision:Your gift now will help distribute relief supplies — including food, clean water, blankets, and tents to children and families impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.

The Young can Give Something Too

During the holidays a group of friends and our kids visit a nursing home. We enjoy visiting with the residents and they are so thrilled with the little children. Many residents of the nursing home do not have family close by and some suffer from memory loss and do not remember when the last time was they were visited. We always prep our children before visiting to remind them that these people are just like their own Grandma or Grandpa and might like to hold their hand, or touch their face. We tell them to think of stories they can tell or questions they can ask and we always come prepared to sing a song. On many occasions we have taken pictures the kids have colored and handed them out. It's a great way to make the kids feel good and helps to keep our own refrigerator doors uncluttered. The more we visit the more often the kids remember who they talked to before and they begin to form bonds.

Teaching your children young that their time can be an amazing gift helps to set a pattern as they grow. It does not cost anything but a little bit of time, and a small place in your heart but the rewards can mount up and fill your heart to overflowing in no time.