Oh, cold weather, you've done it again! Yesterday morning we celebrated another day off from school due to the arctic chill. A pajama day indeed. Jumping on beds, crafty projects, and painting kept us busy most of the day. It was quite divine:)
The bracelets are another story. Ya, we've all seen them and yes... any mom you ask will say she's tired of finding these plastic bands ALL around the house. But I have a wonderful story to share. It all started when my fourth grader decided she wanted to be classroom president. Every student was required to run, complete with a presentation & speech about what he or she would do if they became class president. There were some great ideas inspired by books we've read & we couldn't believe how eager she was. Working on this at home for some time made a difference. We couldn't be happier when we found out the good news. She was classroom president! "Now, I want to do something really special mom. I want to make a fundraiser." (This past year, "fundraiser" became a common household word....) "Do you think I can sell those bracelets for the kids that are at St. Jude's?" To make sure we were talking about the same thing, I asked her which kids? Her brief reply referring to the commercials she's seen made me realize, she knew what and who she was talking about. I wanted to know why as well. What was it that she has seen or heard that made her want to help? She said it just didn't seem fair for them. "We're making all these bracelets and if we sold them, maybe the money could help them find a cure so they could get better & go home." Speechless, I just stared at her. As parents, we want to know that we are raising our kids to care, to be thoughtful, and have compassion. Never did I picture my nine year old wanting to do a fundraiser for other children. In all honesty, I didn't even know what to do. I guess I thought it was something she "just said." Yes, I was still shocked and maybe a coping mechanism for having a strong minded child. "It's just an idea," I kept saying to myself. And instead... I did the unthinkable. I remained silent and didn't pursue her fundraiser. She brought it up here and there, saying, "Mom, when are you going to call the principal for the fundraiser? Did you email my teacher?" For Christmas break & a couple weeks, we didn't hear about it. I thought her idea was long forgotten and she had changed her mind. Little did I know that silence can allow your child to speak louder and in their own voice. This past week it happened. I found a message left on my cell phone. It was the school principal. He had talked briefly about my daughter's persistence & how she wanted to have this really special fundraiser. "Let's get in touch and hear the plan, 'cause I think this is great."
That was it ~ she meant business. Before I knew it, I was in touch with St. Jude's, managed to contact the school, & get her game plan rolling. Sometimes it's the most unselfish things that can determine who we are and what we want to become. Glad to see she's on a magnificent start in wanting to make a difference. So as for the bracelets, we are super busy. Sewing will take the back burner so my little ones can show me how to make more than a 'fishtail'. I don't think I will ever look at one of those rubber bands the same again. And yes, we're hoping to send some bracelets too:)
Happy Trails to making a difference:)
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