So last year I pretty much decided to never have another birthday. This was shortly before I turned 29. I thought, "If you tell people you're 29, they look at you suspiciously, trying to figure out if you're ACTUALLY 29, or really 30 or more." So I decided I would just be 28. There's nothing suspicious about 28. Unless you have a teenager of course, at which point I would have suddenly become 34 until such time as it was absolutely necessary to admit more.
Not having another birthday wouldn't be a huge deal, because besides the barrage of facebook well wishing, I haven't really celebrated my birthday since 2004 (coincidentally, the last birthday I was single...hmmm). I've always had mixed feelings about my birthday anyway (the whole asking-but-not-really-asking-for-attention-because-that's-rude), and my 30th seemed like it would be almost painful.
But a month or two ago, as turning 30 became more of a reality and an inevitability, I started thinking about what I would want, if I were to actually get presents. And I realized what I really wanted for my birthday was for people to give something not to me, but to somebody who really needed it. My basic needs, and a good portion of my wants, are met. I have a loving husband and three healthy (albeit quirky) children.
(and now, on that note, a word from Amelia:) debeccadabrie (yes, that's my screen name)
A couple of years ago, one of my best friends and her husband began the process of adopting a child with special needs from a foreign country. I followed their emotional journey (complete with twists and turns) and occasionally contributed to their fundraising efforts. Though my contribution was small compared to what they needed, the end result of their friends and family working together was nothing short of a miracle-an orphan who was no longer an orphan. A heart surgery. A life literally saved.
Since then I have followed a few other adoptions and contributed occasionally. I have been feeling a need to do something bigger, even though I know that even my small amount helps. I guess what I'm feeling is a need and/or desire to try and coordinate many small efforts and see a larger result. So that finally brings me to WHAT I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. I am asking my friends and family, as a gift to me for my (gulp) big 3-0 to contribute to a charity or to a family in need. You can choose whatever you want, but I will be focusing on four things. I'll briefly list them here, but go into more detail on each later.
1-Reece's Rainbow. This is the adoption organization that my friends adopted through. You can contribute to the organization as a whole, a specific child or family, or you can go to a family's blog and participate in one of their fundraisers. http://reecesrainbow.org/
2.-Hurricane Sandy relief. I haven't figured out exactly how I want to contribute here. If anybody has any ideas, let me know.
3.-Newtown, Connecticut victims. My friend is a cousin to one of the victims, so I'll be focusing on her, but any way you can help with anybody effected by this would be appreciated. Emilie Parker Fund on facebook will give directions for contributing to the Parker family or any other family. I've also seen something going around called "26 acts of senseless kindness." Basically you commit to doing 26 good deeds. That might go a lot farther for helping the world then money would.
4.-If you've got long hair and are thinking about cutting it soon, Please please please donate it to Locks of Love!
You can contribute directly to any of these, but I also want to organize an online auction/sale of services, baked goods, crafts, items you have around the house in good condition you don't mind getting rid of, etc. Again, more details later, but please be thinking of a skill or talent or item you have that you could contribute to help me raise money.
Please join me in making a dreaded birthday a wonderful event!
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