August Happiness Challenge – Day 11

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: We done good. Tonight was the volunteer appreciation dinner for the library book sale. We made more money than ever before, with a net of just over $50,000! Much of it is earmarked for:

 

•  The Creative Studio, where folks can use inkjet printers, laminators, button makers, sewing machines and heat presses to produce their own projects

•  The Media Lab. I knew this is beloved by kids who like to make their own podcasts. I was unaware how popular it is with those who are digitizing photos and VHS tapes.

 

I am happy that my mad box making and book sorting skills contributed.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Maybe it was only weird for me

Most everything in my neighborhood that matters to me is on one street and within blocks. My bank, the movie theaters, the card shop where I work, two Italian restaurants and one Chinese, my grocery store. It's all there. So that's where I spend most of my life, walking west on that street. If I turn and walk east, I'm at my church. It's right there. But unless I'm headed to church or the post office, I don't walk that way.

Last fall, my church sent up a little "honor system" pantry on the porch of the rectory. There's an old refrigerator and a free standing cabinet available 24/7. It's unfortunately necessary because the "official" food pantry – which does great work that I also support* – requires clients present ID confirming residency and fill out paperwork. Many homeless people do not have mailing addresses, and many others who fear ICE don't want to be found on the food distribution days where they can be "rounded up." It's important to note that ICE is prohibited from stepping onto our porch because it's church property ... and because they totally suck.

Anyway, this week as I dropped food off in the cabinet on the porch, I ran into two homeless gentlemen eating lunch at the picnic table placed there for that purpose. It was the first time I ever saw anyone seated at the table, enjoying the food available to them. They were eating what I assume was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but I didn't look too closely because I was embarrassed.

 

I don't know why I was uncomfortable. They were pleasant and friendly as I added a couple pouches of "tuna to go," a packet of Ramen and a tin of those little Armour sausages to the cabinet. I guess it was weird to feel like Lady Bountiful.

When I was done with my business at the post office, I walked past the rectory porch again and again saw someone. This time an elderly woman, accompanied by two little kids. She represents another group the "official" food pantry can't help. To qualify for food there, your income has to fall below a certain level. What frequently happens is that seniors have trouble making ends meet on their Social Security but they still receive too much for the free food. So they end up on my church's rectory porch.

She had a small Target shopping bag filled with food, but I don't know what she took. Mac and cheese, probably. Kids like it and there's always multiple boxes of mac and cheese in that cabinet. Anyway, I didn't want to stare. I didn't want her to feel she was on display in anyway.

Now that I've seen the picnic table in use, I have gone back with the ketchup and salt packets and disposable plasticware that was cluttering my kitchen drawer. If people are making sandwiches there, these items might come in handy.

So I'm glad I walked east. I need to see who my neighbors are. I feel fortunate to be able to help them. I just wish encountering those in need didn't make me feel so awkward. I think perhaps because it's uncomfortable to confront how we're letting one another down. 

*I'm more careful about the nutrition content of the non-perishables I donate to the "official" food pantry. Usually I go with pasta, soup or canned beans and tuna, because people who receive free food from there have homes with kitchens. Since so many who visit the rectory porch are homeless, it's a little trickier.  

Sunday Stealing

The $80,000 Meme

Premise: A philanthropist awards you $80,000 with the stipulation that you must spend half on yourself and half for the benefit of others. 

1. Of the $40,000 you must spend on yourself: 

a. First you throw yourself a lavish birthday party. Tell us about it. This is hard because it's not something I can imagine myself doing. Also, my friends tend to be in factions. For example, my friends Nancy and Paul have never met my friend Elaine. So I think what I would rather do is plan a getaway with just one friend and do New York right. Starting with first class airfare to and fro. We'll each have our own room at The Four Seasons, have spa treatments right there in the hotel, then go to a Broadway show. Dinner at Sardi's because that just sounds so glam. I'd love to see a game at Yankee Stadium, too.

b. Then you take off on a cruise. Where are you headed? I'm not really attracted to the idea of a cruise, either. But I know I'd enjoy the TCM Classic Cruise because it's all about the movies. Because money is no object, I'm booking a deluxe oceanview stateroom all to myself.

2. Of the $40,000 you must spend for the benefit of others: 

a. Who would be on your gift list? What would buy them? I'd love to help my oldest friend find a new living arrangement and get her healthcare ironed out. Her life is a mess, and it would be great if my money could help her find her way out.

b. Which charities would you support? Oh, wouldn't this be fun? I think what I would like to do is sponsor shelter animals. So many organizations have dogs and cats that have been there forever and are, let's face it, not going to be adopted. They're too old, they aren't cute, they have chronic medical issues ... I would find tremendous satisfaction in providing these animals with safety and comfort for life, and enabling the shelters to use their resources to helping more dogs and cats.

 

 

Book Fair in Review

I clocked 8 volunteer hours leading up to this year's annual library book sale. I built boxes for the book sorters to sort into – I am an artist with a tape gun – and then I packed up two boxes of children's books for sale up on the third floor. 

 

Thinking of those labors makes me smile because I actually got into an argument over A Separate Peace. Someone had slipped it in with the children's books. Obviously I thought this was a mistake and asked everyone – the room of volunteers, no one in particular – where it belonged. One of the sorters who took her sorting very seriously insisted that since it was a Young Adult book, it was in the right place. I couldn't help it, putting this tale of disability, war and death in the same box as as Horrible Harry and The Green Slime and Llama Llama Loves to Read just struck me as funny. So now I've not only questioned her, I have laughed. It was a little tense. (I still think it's funny.) 

My efforts earned me the right to peruse the books that were left after the sale and just take whatever I want. I took two books for my aunt and two for Little Violet. I'm especially excited for Cinco Monitos Leen en la Cama (5 Little Monkeys Read in Bed). Her biological grandfather is Mexican born and likes spending time with her. I hope they'll enjoy sharing this book. I also grabbed a humorous retrospective on Beatlemania for my oldest friend. She's putting effort into our relationship and I want to respond in kind.

 

And now for my annual observation.  Every year there's a book donated in bigger numbers than any other; a book many of my neighbors bought and then decided not to keep. I suspect it's a tome chosen by local book clubs. This year's "winner" seems remarkably random, as it was originally published back in 2003, but I found multiple copies not only on the Humor table but also in Politics and Current Affairs. Its primacy cannot be denied.

2026: Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken 

2025: Living History by Hillary Clinton 

2024: Water for Elephants

2023: My Life by Bill Clinton

2022, 2019, 2018 and 2017: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2016: The Help

2015: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

2014: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2013: The DaVinci Code

2012: Sixkill (a Spenser Mystery)

2011: The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

2010: Scarlett, the Sequel to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind

2009: My Life by Bill Clinton

2008: The DaVinci Code

2007: The Nanny Diaries

2006: The Corrections

 

Gratitude Challenge: Day 20

I first took this challenge in November 2014 and I think now is a good time to revisit it. Click here for a list of the Gratitude Challenge prompts.

Day 20: Something I accomplished today I took 13 books over to the library for the book sale. 4 hardcover, 9 paperbacks. I didn't volunteer today,* but I did on two previous Saturdays, and each time I went I donated CDs (32 in all). While I was there, I perused the donations and the work that had been done since my last stint. So many board games and jigsaw puzzles had arrived and this made me happy. They are a new addition to the book sale and I'm happy to see our community responded.

While I was wandering about, a very tall bearded man stuck his head in and asked what this room was. I explained and gave him one of the book sale flyers. I'm glad I was there for him. He's a schoolteacher from a nearby suburb and asked if he could participate. Of course! He said he has some of his own books to donate and was excited to buy games for his classroom. I showed him that on July 12, the last day of the sale, everything is free to schoolteachers as well as hospital and nursing home workers. I was going to show him the drop-off for donations after library hours, but he explained that since he was a school teacher and in summer, his time is all his own now, he can easily make the two trips – one before June 30 to drop off books and another on July 12 to pick up free games for next fall's students.

I'm grateful I was there for him. It gives me pleasure to help out my neighborhood library branch.

 

 *My chief contribution has always been to build boxes. We need countless boxes for sorting the books, and I am an artist with the tape gun.

Thursday Thirteen #467

 My typical Target run. There's a Target store just around the corner and up the block. I stop there several times a week. This does not reflect my shopping list. These are the impulse purchases and what I grab when I run out.  Here are the 13 things they tell me I pick up most often.

1. Goldfish Crackers. I do mix it up, however. Sometimes I go with Original, sometimes Flavor Blast, and I've just discovered Pizza flavor. 

2. Raisins. I'm trying to snack on these more often than cookies or the aforementioned crackers. 

 

3. Tuna in a pouch. This is not for me. Last fall, my church opened a pantry on the porch of the rectory. It is available 24/7 for neighbors who are homeless or don't wish to go to the "official" local food pantry, likely because they are undocumented and ICE sucks. I like to leave this because it works whether or not you have your own kitchen. 

 

4. Green beans. This is for the "official" local food pantry. Whereas for my church's porch pantry I go for convenience, I select more nutritious foods for the "official" food pantry, whose clients are able to cook at home. Also, I try to grab something for the food pantry every time I go to Target. That way I can gradually accumulate a bag of non-perishables without noticing any impact on my budget.

 

5. Sweet peas. These are for me. Love 'em.

  

6. Coca Cola. I prefer the 7.5 oz. mini cans.

 

7. Skim milk. In the 52-oz. bottle. If I buy the gallon, I end up pouring milk down the sink and that makes me sad.

 

8. Post Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch. I go through phases with my cereal. I believe I'm transitioning to my Apple Cinnamon Cheerios era.

 

9. 4-oz baby food tub of peas. Again for the food pantry. Since I don't have a car, I like to buy things that are easy for me to both get home from the store and then carry to the donation spot. And maybe I'm trying to inspire a new generation of pea lovers.

 

10. Fragrance-free skin baby wipes. These are for me, but you can see why Target sends me notifications whenever they have "baby stuff" on sale.

 

11. 100% pure canned pumpkin. For my cats. They love it, and it helps keep them regular.

 

12. Nilla Vanilla Wafers. Because I am weak and often tempted by something less nutritious than raisins.

 

13. Batteries. I lumped the AAs (TV remotes) in with the AAAs (shower radio). It would probably be more economical if, instead of packages of 4 or 6, I just bought the big 20+ packs. (Note to self: Add batteries to grocery list.) 

How about you? What do you run out of?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Thursday Thirteen #452

What I value. President Joe Biden said, "Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget and I'll tell you what you value." That quote is top of mind for me because I recently sat down with my accountant to discuss tax deductions for my 2025 return. This list of the 13 organizations I gave the most to (listed highest to lowest) does say something about me.

1. My church.

2. My local food pantry. Because these are my neighbors. In addition to monthly cash contributions, I also throw a non-perishable ($1.25 or less) into my cart every time I go grocery shopping. Today it was a can of corn (89¢). Anyway, by doing that, I'm able to bring a bag of food over to the pantry in person every month without even feeling a pinch. 

3. Doctors without Borders. If you're like me, you see stories about Ukraine or the international impact of DOGE cuts and you wonder, "What can I do?" Through my monthly donation to DWB, I am helping provide aid. 

4. Feeding America. This national organization supports food pantries and meal programs all across the country. 

5. Harmony House for Cats. Chicago has many animal shelters. I've chosen to give monthly to this one. They do great work, but they don't get a lot of publicity.

6. Greenpeace. I do this for my late mother. She often worried aloud about the impact of climate change on endangered species.

7. The Night Ministry. The homeless are our neighbors. The Night Ministry supports them with food, shelter, and medical care. 

8. The Carter Center.  I made the first of my 2025 contributions to this organization in memory of Kathleen's mother. Kathleen has a very big family with lots of siblings, so I was afraid any floral arrangement I sent to the funeral would be lost among amid a sea of FTD deliveries. I know Kathleen found Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter's post-White House work inspiring and thought this would be a nice way to comfort her. Anyway, now I'm on their mailing list and I support their efforts to promote peace and health across the globe. The Center refers to their efforts as "Waging Peace." Contrast that with the current POTUS, who insists on referring to the Department of Defense as the Department of War. I'm happy to support The Carter Center's work.

9. Fried's Cat Shelter. I do this for my late uncle. It was his favorite charity. It was started in the 1970s by the Frieds, Jewish immigrants who escaped the Nazis by coming to America in 1939. After they retired, they bought an abandoned motel in Michigan City, IN, and turned it into a no-kill shelter for homeless cats. Their time under Hitler taught them, "To save a life is more in conformity with God's law than to kill." Every cat who enters Fried's is guaranteed a home for life, whether with an adopter on in loving care at the shelter.

10. WTTW – Channel 11. It's Chicago's PBS station. The Trump Administration has been behind the defunding of public television, and it's up to those of us who care about local news to do our part to help make up the shortfall. 

11. Marine Toys for Tots. I worked in advertising for decades, and I began my career working at Sears, writing about toys for The Wish Book. I commercialized Christmas, and this is my penance. I don't want any wee one to be disappointed because they didn't get a toy from Santa.

12. Lincoln Presidential Foundation.  Kathleen has Jimmy Carter,  I've got Abe. People, especially children, need to learn more about him. Fortunately, since Mr. Lincoln was President before the 1950s when the formal system for Presidential libraries was established, it does not rely on Federal funding. The Trump Administration can't fuck with its staffing, like they did the JFK Presidential Library. Because it's state run, they can't fuck with the content, like they have with the Smithsonian. But that means it depends heavily on private donors.

13. World Wildlife Fund. I do this in my mother's memory, too. Polar bears, seals, elephants ... she often said she worried her great grandchildren wouldn't get to see these wonderful endangered animals. Whenever she was a little money ahead, she'd send $10 along to WWF. I like thinking how pleased she would be that I am expanding her good work, especially now that she has three great grandkids.

Before you give to any charity, make sure it's worthy of your money. Check it out at Give.org.

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Shecky is in the house!

The National Prayer Breakfast has been held in Washington DC every year since before I was born. Billy Graham was a force in its early days, helping to convince President Eisenhower to address religious, social, and business leaders from around the world. Christians, Muslims and Jews gather to talk about faith – in one another, in community and in a higher power. Mother Teresa used the National Prayer Breakfast to condemn abortion as "a war against children." Bono spoke about how his personal spiritual journey led him to Africa to fight disease and hunger.

Want to know what President Donald Trump spoke about on Thursday?

•  He mocked Joe Biden's cognitive abilities. When the response was awkward, he went on to joke that Biden "had no idea he was President so he doesn't take it personally." 

•  He dismissed Rep. Thomas Massie as "a moron." Massie is one of Congress' most vocal advocates for the victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

•  He repeated lies about the 2020 election being "rigged" and admitted he had to win the 2024 election to salve his "big ego."

This was a prayer breakfast, not Don Rickles at The Sands. There was nothing humble, compassionate or reflective about his remarks. (OK, he did joke about whether he would make it to Heaven.)

He didn't take this opportunity to share firmly held beliefs because he doesn't seem to have any, except that he deserves praise and his enemies deserve derision. 

Don't take my word for any of this. Here is a transcript of your President's self-aggrandizing remarks. 

That was Thursday. But no one was talking about the Prayer Breakfast any more on Friday. Do you know why?

Trump's racist post about Obamas is deleted after backlash despite White House earlier defending it.

Isn't that a knee slapper?

Just to recap: He lies at a prayer breakfast where he celebrates his own ego and uses terms like "moron" to diminish others. He is unable to keep a civil tongue in his head for 30 minutes out of respect to religiosity. Then he shares a post where the Obamas are depicted as apes but insists he's done nothing wrong. That's just two days! I'm exhausted just watching him. I guess bile gives him stamina.

But at least he is cruel to people of color and the LGBTQ community. I guess as long as he hates who they hate, that's enough for 35% to 40% of our fellow Americans.

When are his "devout Christian" supporters finally going to have enough of this charlatan?

In the meantime, the rest of us have to stay alert and active. It's so easy to feel beaten down by all this hate. But we can't afford to. 

Combat Donald Trump with love. Let his supporters be motivated by fear and anger. I'm going to act out of positivity. I'm finding mid-term and special election candidates to support, giving money to organizations that protect the civil rights of those ensnared by ICE, and strengthening my ties to my own community.

My church has placed a refrigerator and a cabinet on the porch of the rectory. This is unrelated to the local food pantry. This is for those who can't/won't fill out the paperwork at the food pantry. They are either homeless or undocumented. Since ICE invaded Chicagoland, many have been afraid to go to their jobs and so food insecurity is a real issue. Now whenever I go to the grocery store, in addition to the beans or pasta I pick up for the food pantry,* I add ramen for the pantry on the porch. It feels good.

Don't let Donald Trump and MAGA beat you down. Live your faith. Find ways to respond that lift your spirits.

 

*Our food pantry serves people who are un- or under-employed and seniors for whom Social Security just isn't cutting it. This is important work and I'm happy to support it with cash and canned goods. But there's paperwork attached to getting the food. Clients need a photo ID with an address.

Dona Nobis Pacem

This year, Mimi challenges us to "Speak Love." To embrace and enhance and nurture love with "your families, yourselves, your communities, OUR WORLD."

So I'm taking this opportunity to give a shout out to Letters Against Isolation. This organization is all about the positive power of the handwritten word and how it can help alleviate loneliness. Every week I create little cards that will be tucked into a Meals on Wheels delivery or handed to a resident in a senior facility. I am sending a handwritten connection to a lonely person. 

Loneliness is a thief. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can rob you of your health – increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. According to Mental Health America, it can rob you of your happiness – often sparking anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

So I'm using the written word to Speak Love. LAI is not a pen pal program. I'm corresponding with people who will never know my full name or address. It's just a simple moment we share, beginning with me at my dining room table writing and culminating with an isolated senior opening and reading my card, hopefully when they need to know they are not forgotten.

 
Find other peace bloggers here.

 

Thursday Thirteen #398

The "joyful heart" edition. I'm working on my taxes, which is not the most fun I'm going to have this month. But I do enjoy this part: Reviewing my charitable giving. Every one of this contributions brought me joy. Giving grounds me and presents an opportunity to live my faith. Remember what we learned in Sunday School? "God loves a cheerful giver." 

So, without further ado, here are the 13 charities I donated to the most and most often during 2024. I've included links, if you're interested in giving.

1. My church

2. The local food pantry. To find a food pantry in your community, click here.

3. Harmony House for Cats. Chicagoland has many shelters, but for some reason this one doesn't get a lot of local buzz. That's why I've singled them out for attention and dollars.

4. Doctors without Borders. I'm grateful for this monthly donation because it stops me from being reactive. When I see a tragedy on foreign shores and I want to reach for my wallet, I pause and say to myself: DWB is there, so you've already helped.

5. Feeding America. While I prioritize my neighbors and neighborhood, I don't ignore the rest of the country.

6. Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. My favorite ballplayer is my hero. Anthony Rizzo is always giving back and his joy is undeniable. One baseball fan said he's so happy, she suspects "Anthony Rizzo is really a golden retriever turned into a man by a good witch."

7. Greenpeace. I like thinking that I've helped leave a better world for the next generation.

8. Hephzibah Children's Association. Provides foster care and daycare for families in need.

9. Marine Toys for Tots. This one is my penance. I worked in advertising for 43 years, which means I did my part in commercializing Christmas and teaching wee ones to expect glorious stuff from Santa. What about kids whose parents can't afford stuff?

10. Fried's Cat Shelter. I do this in my uncle's memory. He was a cat lover and more than that, deeply touched by the Frieds' story. This Indiana shelter was started by Hans and Lucille Fried, Jews who fled the Nazis and ended up here in the Midwest. When they retired, they sold their home and bought a roadside motel, turning it into a no-kill shelter. It was Hans' way of giving back, and often said, "To save a life is more in conformity with God's law than to kill." Between the cats, the Frieds, and my favorite uncle, how could helping them not bring me joy?

11. The Night Ministry. The homeless are my neighbors. I want to help, but I often don't know how. The Night Ministry provides food, health care and human connection.

12. Metropolitan Community Church of Key West. This was Henry's church. I worshiped there with him many times. How he loved his spiritual home! He died this past year and I felt it keenly that he didn't have a formal service. So I did this, and it brought me comfort.

13. World Wildlife Fund. I do this in my mom's memory. Penguins, seals, elephants ... she worried that her not-yet-born great grandchildren wouldn't get to see those wonderful creatures and every Christmas she donated $10 to WWF. That $10 was a big deal to her. I like to think of how proud she'd be that I'm trying to expand on her good works.

Lest you think I'm a wealthy philanthropist ... I see a receipt here for $3 donated to Petco's animal organization. Yes, I'm deducting it.

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

Well, that was a first

Today was the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day that I've ever worked. All my jobs since the 1980s were in offices so naturally we were closed on this federal holiday. Now I work in a card shop, and retail stores are open to accommodate all those school kids and office workers who were enjoying a long weekend. 

Except it was 9º today and no one was out and about. Not even the pre-teens who usually flock to our store and check out the scented candles and Jellycats. 

But I was busy. I was given the task of re-organizing our sale section and I did it! Since Halloween, when the store's busy season began, it's been an unorganized mess. It took me over 4 hours, but now it's neat, with separate sections for cards, gift tags/bags, mugs and gifts, office supplies, etc. I've never had responsibility for anything like this and I was quite proud of my efforts. Rose, the manager on duty, told me this was my area, with my decisions to make, and that I'd done well and she had no plans to change anything. 

YAY, ME!

It's funny. In my past life I was in charge of campaigns with six-figure budgets and I took 'em as they came. But the sale table at the card shop? I was nervous at first and now proud. So there you go.

We were also told by Corporate that today was the day we should "dispose of" all the holiday candy. So I stuffed my face with chocolate while I worked and stuffed my purse with more before I left. Hey, anything for the team. 

But now the day is almost over and I still haven't honored Dr. King. Bill Clinton described today's holiday as a time for "recognizing progress and supporting community service." I want to create some extra notes for Letters Against Isolation before bed so I can mail them on my way to the dentist tomorrow.

Learn more here

 

Because today is about more than a day off, or my small victory at the sale table, or chocolate or even Inauguration Day. It's for doing good in memory of a man who knew what he lived for and what he died for.

Rest in peace, Dr. King.

Grateful that I can

My Christmas shopping is done, and in this post I'm focusing on gifts for people I don't even know.

Harriet. She's 9 years old and either lives in, or attends daycare at, the local children's home. The kids there share their Christmas wishes, which are printed on ornaments hung on the tree at our neighborhood Whole Foods. I chose to deliver on Harriet's wish because while other little girls longed for Barbie, she asked for STEM. Now I was a Barbie girl and would never throw shade, but I admire Harriet for marching to her own drummer. So I got her this rock kit and a $10 Target gift card (because it was noted she also needs a new sweater).

Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. I read the story of a mom with a couple kids, one of whom was battling cancer. She explained that with between jobs and medical appointments, she and her husband were just spread too thin to provide a Merry Christmas for her family, and she was very grateful when my favorite ballplayer and his charity team stepped in and took over. Already wrapped gifts showed up for both her sick child and his sibling. Another parent reported that, even though they didn't have time to decorate their home, the Rizzo foundation contracted a local hardware store and outdoor lights were purchased and hung, enabling Santa to find their house on Christmas Eve. So when I saw their toy drive and this Nerf football was listed, it seemed quite literally like the least I could do to help. I am grateful that my favorite ballplayer has opened my eyes to the fact that when a child is battling cancer, his brothers and sisters are effected, too. If you're looking for a charity to support, you could do far worse than this one. 

Toys for Tots. Have you noticed that for the last few years, this venerable organization has been asking for books as well? I think that's awesome, and so I dropped a pair of books into the collection box at my local Walgreen's. (This is the only one I remember; the other one had stickers in the back.)

JFK said "God's work must be our own." That seems especially important this time of year. Giving is the best way to honor the spirit of the season, and I'm grateful I can do it.

This is why I bought a Nerf football

This originally appeared on the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Facebook page:

 

Sometimes, the greatest stress in childhood cancer is not the cancer itself. You see, beyond the heart-breaking reality of diagnosis and treatment, there are still many demands in the daily life of the rest of the family.

 

Imagine, if you would, for just a moment, that you’re a parent or caregiver in this kind of scenario. You are working hard to meet all of the family needs: you’re in the hospital and talking with the doctors. But you’re also making sure siblings have meals, clean clothes, and get their homework done. Perhaps you’re even working through the medical bills, the mortgage payment and the myriad other things that might keep you up at night.

 

But then you realize that it’s almost the holiday season and you’re out of everything: energy, time, and money. You're out of all of the things that a parent or caregiver needs to make the holidays different from all of the rest of the year. And oh, do your children need something to be different this year of all years! Your family (and you) need a deep breath of hope in the midst of chaos. But you have nothing left to give. 

 

Can you imagine it? I’m sure you can.

 

You see, this is a part of my story. I am a mom of four children, one of whom has had two different cancers and dozens of complications over a span of many years. And Chase, my fighter boy, had just made it through treatment for his second cancer, was struggling with troubling side effects, and was facing a scan that showed there was still cancer in his body when we turned the corner into the 2021 holiday season. We were still quarantined, completely overwhelmed, and with nothing left to give when we found out that our family was going to be given a holiday season by the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. I remember that I started to cry. 

 

On the wall of Chase’s oncology clinic is a quote of Anthony’s. In huge, block letters, it reads: “Stay Strong. Dream Big.” But sometimes, as a parent, I struggle to stay strong and need somebody else to dream for me because I’m just trying to hold everything together. This is where the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation meets me as a mom and hundreds of others like me too: not only do they encourage us to keep dreaming, but they help fulfill those dreams when we grow too weary to do so for ourselves. 

 

Walking through cancer and all its complications with Chase left our family surrounded by impossible things, but the Foundation did what my husband and I could not find a way to do - they spoke possibility and promise into our family that holiday season. Not only did they take the financial burden of purchasing gifts off our shoulders, but they also wrapped and delivered the gifts to us, so we didn’t have to go out into stores (with an immunosuppressed child in the house) and then find the time to wrap and prepare everything ourselves. 

 

When you donate to the Rizzo Grant-A-Wish-Spectacular, you’re giving a sick child the gift of a wonderful holiday with extra special presents, but you’re also affirming to siblings that they’re seen and remembered (as they get to open their own gifts alongside their warrior brother or sister), and you’re holding up weary parents who could not have put the holiday together themselves. 

 

I could absolutely tell you that the look on Chase’s face when he opened his new video game console that 2021 holiday was the best thing I had seen all year. (It was) But it’s so much more than that moment. Because when you donate to the Rizzo Grant-A-Wish Spectacular, you’re finding a unique and precious way to let a family know they don’t fight alone… and dear friends, that is priceless.

 

HELP US BRING THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO MORE FAMILIES LIKE CHASE'S THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/6UZN8JJFGYLW...

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Gal's note: I know that this holiday season, everyone has plenty of options for giving. It just meant a great deal to me to learn that the Nerf football I bought for the toy drive not only will help make the cancer patient's holiday a little brighter, it will bring relief to his or her parents. I never thought of it that way before I read this. So I hope that wherever you donate this season, it brings you the heart happiness my Nerf football brought me. 

This is Chase. Read more about him here.

PS Dear Baseball Gods, you bastards! All Rizz wanted was a second World Series ring and you just couldn't let him have it, could you? I'll let you know if this ever stops hurting. Just so fucking unfair!

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Back to December (2010)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Taylor Swift sings that when her mind wanders, it usually returns to a specific day in December. How about you? Do you often daydream? Or do you focus on what's happening in the moment? My wanders all the freaking time. I wish I could harness it better.

2) She's looking back on December. We're going with a different take: As we enter November, what are you looking forward to this month? Thanksgiving and my birthday.

3) The lyrics recount a casual conversation between two former sweethearts. They talk about their families, their careers and the weather. Are you good at making small talk? Personally, no. But at work -- whether dealing with clients in my previous career or customers at the card shop -- I do just fine. It's my job.

4) This song was rumored to be about her break up with Taylor Lautner, the actor best known for playing a werewolf in the popular Twilight series. In acknowledgement of the Halloween season: Did you ever trick or treat as a werewolf, vampire, witch, ghost or other scary creature? No. My mom always chose my costumes, and she didn't like the scary stuff.

5) Taylor is currently involved with Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and naturally this is his busy time of year. How's your football team (NFL or NCAA) doing this season? I'm afraid I don't like football.

6) Taylor loves chicken tenders and says she'd eat them every day, if calories weren't a consideration. If you were to enjoy tenders right now, what dipping sauce would you prefer --sweet/sour, barbecue or honey mustard? I like them all. Lately I've been requesting honey mustard.

7) Thinking of food ... Taylor Swift recently donated $5 million to Feeding America with the funds earmarked for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Does it make you feel good to do good? If yes, what is something you've done recently to help others? (It may give other Sat-9ers ideas for something they can do.) I carry these blessing bags in my purse. Each zip-lock bag contains lip balm, a breakfast bar, a packet of tissues, some hand sanitizer, and a dollar bill. Since most of the items came from The Dollar Store, these bags cost me very little, and I am happy to share them with those in need. I think it's important to let people know you're thinking of them.

8) Back in 2010, when this week's song was a hit, the iPod Nano was also popular. Did you have an iPod? I'm sure I still have my iPod around here somewhere.

9) Random question: Did you more recently run the dishwasher or the clothes washer? Clothes washer. I don't have a dishwasher.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 22

 Today's happiness: A box of cards

My 2024 Happiness Icon

At my suggestion, the employees at card shop where I work agreed to create birthday cards (and get a headstart on Christmas cards) to include in the lunch deliveries for our local "meals on wheels." I got the idea from Letters Against Isolation. Ceecee, my boss, likes it that we are concentrating our efforts to our neighborhood. 

Thursday I discovered a shoebox under the counter filled with beautiful, handmade cards! The women I work with are so talented and willing to pitch in during the shop's slow times. It's good for business, too. When customers come in and see us making stickers or embossing, it promotes the crafting tools we sell. No wonder I came home happy.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.