What have you given? It’s very easy at this time of year to find ways to give back to others. Just this week I was grocery shopping and noticed the “bell ringer” from the Salvation Army. Because I was in a hurry, I ran past her while trying to hide in my coat hood. Upon entering the store, I noticed a pile of toys being collected for a toy drive. Then, I started to think. Why run past these opportunities? Suddenly the irony hit me. Here I was buying food for myself, knowing that others don’t have any. And, I was in the perfect situation to fix that problem by just dropping some change into the “bell ringers” red kettle.
I continued with my shopping -- thinking more and more about the holidays, the crowded store, the sold out pumpkin filling. Naturally, I started thinking more about Chloe’s family and their deep sadness, how it must be intensified when her chair at the Thanksgiving table is empty. How every good moment in their life is different now because she’s not there. I walked out of the store and this time, when I passed the bell ringer, I looked at her big smile, dropped in some change and smiled back thinking about the frozen peas that will now warm a hungry belly. But, a more meaningful gift was waiting for me at my door step when I arrived home.
In an attempt to do our best to remind Chloe’s family how deeply grateful we are for their gift and for Chloe’s life, together with our friends, we donated 14 roses to represent her 14 years of life to the Donate Life Float that has been talked about on this blog in Light bulb, Light bulb, pearls, pearls, Stars of Life Twinkle Part I and Part II, Who are They.
They will be lovingly placed, each with a personal message, in the Family Circle Rose Garden - a living memorial atop the float. Steve, if you see the roses when you are there, blow them kisses from Chicago. The package had a certificate acknowledging the rose dedication and some other items in it, which I will forward onto her family. I can never heal their pain but hope that this gesture will in some VERY small way, help them through this time of year. Maybe it will give them peace that the life she gave me is worthy of her memory.
Everyone asks what they can do to help me and I simply say, Just Remember. Remember Chloe. Remember to register to be an Organ Donor. Remember to act on the Spirit of Giving. It’s so easy.
Salvation Army: Donations provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Financial assistance also helps with basic necessities, along with seasonal aid.
Donate Life Float Family Circle: The Family Circle reserves donated funds to create exciting feature projects dedicated to support and honor families touched by donation.
