Today's Run: 5 miles
Donations raised to date: $2,540 (halfway there and less than a month until the run!)
There is nothing as amazing, wonderful and humbling as the kindness of strangers. I have learned the hard way that life is short ... we can make such a difference in our experience on Earth and the experience of others by being kind and compassionate to each other. From the moment that we found out that Reese had died, Roger and I were overcome, again and again, by the acts of caring and kindness from complete strangers. We will never forget these and we are forever grateful.
It started with the nurses in the hospital who created a memory box of items (pictures, footprints, a lock of Reese's hair, her measurement and weight) for us without even asking if we wanted or needed them. Even the memory box itself was lovingly made and donated by complete strangers who knew how much we would treasure these few things we have of Reese.
A couple of days later, the funeral director told us that he would not charge us for any of his services because he said he knew that what we were going through was already hard enough.
Then there were the support group facilitators who spent time listening to us and sharing their love and advice. Completely voluntarily, they spent time with us, listening to our pains and our concerns and providing us with compassionate support.
I was also amazed at how many friends of friends - people we had never met before - sent us cards, emails and said prayers for us. Other angel moms who didn't know me reached out to me to share their support and advice or just to offer to be there to listen.
The list of people who have showed us their love and kindness without any hesitation or expectations goes on and on. It is because of all of these people that we have been able to navigate this painful journey with hope, love and even some peace. I have met so many people who have offered to help us in different ways - a true testament to the potential of the human spirit.
It is this kindness of strangers that has continued to amaze me and inspired me to pay this forward. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to and would need to give back ... help others who have lost babies and need words of encouragement, a gesture of compassion, anything to show that I am here to support them in a time that could otherwise be so lonely.
All I can do is hope that I am able to make a difference for someone the way others made a difference for us. Roger and I both thank everyone who has helped us, shared their compassion with us, or even just listened to us when we needed to talk. From the bottom of our hearts, we also thank everyone who has donated, or plans on donating, to Molly Bears in honor of Reese. I realize that you are giving to complete strangers but please know that your kindness will make such a difference in someone's life. In time you may forget about your kindness but, believe me, they never will.
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