The sun is setting on another day in Haiti, and I can't get my mind off the people who are suffering there. At this moment. Now. Children, moms, dads trapped under pieces of concrete that won't budge. Families sleeping outside because they're afraid the earth will move again. Orphans--Oh, God the orphans--with less than before. I want to scoop them up, hold them tight and bring them home with me.
There are many reputable charities that can help, but a friend in the know advised giving to Doctors Without Borders, so we've done that.
But I need to do one little thing more.
One of the pieces of motherhood I treasure most is reading books to my children at nap time and bedtime. J and I have tried taking turns, but the girls won't have it. Mommy reads the books. Really, I'm more than happy to oblige. (Except when Bo chooses the old Curious George stories. Good golly, those drag on.)
At this young age, I think it's as much about the book as it is about the cuddle time. My heart breaks knowing there are scores of kids out there who miss out on this--for various reasons.
The needs in Haiti go beyond books right now, but if you love story time with your kids as much as I do, I think there's a way we can help a bit more. Together.
Up for grabs is one of my custom book slings:
You can read more about how it's constructed here.
The highest bidder gets to choose the fabric. It will come with the brackets and dowels.
Send me an e-mail with the amount you're willing to pay for it ([email protected]). FYI: I normally sell them on Etsy for $52.
The bidding closes Wednesday at noon Pacific Time. I'll post updates here between now and then, letting folks know where the bidding stands (without naming who has made bids) in case anyone wants to go higher.
We'll do the transaction over PayPal, and then I'll donate the money in the winner's name to either Doctors Without Borders or the charity of your choice that's helping in Haiti.
This is legal, right? It's all I can think to do. I look at my family and see how blessed we are and think about how in a blink it can all disappear.
My grandchildren would love to have one of your wonderful book slings -- a great idea.
We have a World Vision sponsored child in Haiti and just found out yesterday that he is safe -- good news indeed!
Blessings,
G
Posted by: Georganna | January 16, 2010 at 10:45 AM
I'm so happy to hear that, G. As if Haiti didn't have enough on its hands already, huh? How wonderful that you sponsor a child there.
I honestly can't stop thinking about it all. I was up for three hours last night feeling claustrophobic, knowing that there are still people trapped inside buildings. I haven't checked the news yet today, but hopefully they've been able to make some progress.
Take care.
Posted by: Megan | January 17, 2010 at 08:04 PM