When I wrote the post as sort of a tribute, I guess to the unborn, uncounted baby that died on Flight 93 I didn’t necessarily have a message in mind, other than to recognize that child.  Almost immediately after I wrote it, I coincidentally met several women who have lost children, or experienced miscarriages.  I have friends who have also had these sad, sad things happen to them.

I can’t for a second pretend I know what this was like for them.  Just last night I decided I wanted to write a post that provides a listing of resources to help them heal. The today I saw this:

It’s not local to Grand Rapids – it’s actually in Australia but reaches people across the globe.  For all the supposed evils the internet brings to our society, this is an example of the good.  The ability to connect with other families, around the world, who understand.  If this is something you have dealt with, I’d encourage you to go and pay this site a visit.

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You know I am all about getting kids involved in community events. AND about keeping kids active. So when these two things meet, I get so excited I become a media sponsor. The Grand Rapids Marathon is a huge event for our city, and there is a kids component that I just love. Not only is there a portion of the race the kids can take part in, it keeps them active before that for two months.

Here’s how:  The race date is October 16 at 1:30 PM.  It takes place at the downtown YMCA.  But before that, register your kids for the event.  Then, download this log book.  They’ll need it to keep track of the distance they cover each week, which is at least one mile three times a week with a friend or family member.

They can start training now, and logging their miles.  The log goes through mile 25. As the children reach milestones on their log (5, 13, and 20 miles), they are invited to go to any of the Gazelle Sports locations to receive a prize!

 By Race Weekend, the children will have covered nearly a marathon distance. They’ll run or walk the last 1.2 miles starting at the very same Starting Line as the “big kids” do for the Marathon! On the day of the event, pre-registered runners will receive:

•  An official race bib.
• Finishers receive a Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Kids Marathon medal and certificate.
• A Really Cool T Shirt.
• Post-race refreshments.

Please help spread the word about this great event.  It is free.  It is active.  It is awesome!!

This is a big election year for Michigan.  Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but our state is a mess. And of course you’ve noticed.  It’s easy to get so frustrated you just want to give up. Or so depressed you have to shut it out and stop listening to the bad news.  Or so discouraged by the ridiculous politics played by our Legislature in the past few years.

Well, I’m sorry.  You can’t. 

Michigan has some big decisions to make.  Letting special interest groups in Michigan elect the next set of officials is too dangerous; but that’s exactly what is going to happen if we don’t pay attention.  The primaries are over.  It’s time to learn everything you can about these people who are going to Make A Change and Bring Back Jobs and Give Everyone A Pony. 

I’m going to ask you to do something radical.  I’m going to ask you to help me break the cycle of apathy.  If your kids grow up going to the polls with you; hearing you talk about contacting your State Rep or writing a letter to the Governor I promise you we will return to what we are supposed to be:

A democracy.

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry.  I believe so strongly in this I will keep posting different ideas for you as we get closer to the election.  I am not worried about what party you vote for.  I just want you to go to the sandbox party with me.

Huh?

On  Thursday, August 26 at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University, Great Start is hosting the Sandbox Party.  It’s from 1-4 PM.  It’s free.  The Verve Pipe will be playing. There are 40 exhibitors, and the event is kid friendly.  In fact, you are supposed to bring your kids. The gubernatorial candidates have been invited to speak, and there will be a ton of voter information for you.

Bonus for Kent County folks: the Great Start Parent Coalition has chartered a bus and will be providing transportation, pizza, and a fun trip (I’ll be on the bus after all…) to and from Grand Rapids. Call them at 632-1007 by August 16 and let them know you’ll be on board.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to forfeit our grocery budget for a week and make do with what we had.  We donated the difference to the Grace Hunger Walk, and while we didn’t eat the way we were used to it was a humbling lesson and very meaningful to us to be able to contribute and participate in that way.

I’ve decided to walk it again this year, and to raise additional funds.  I contacted the walk organizer who agreed to let me use an online fundraising page.  I explained to her that I had a blog and in addition to hitting up everyone I have an email address for, I would put a link on Big Binder.

I’m excited about this for a few reasons. 

• First, because the cause is awesome.  It raises funds for local and international hunger organizations.
• Second, because there are exactly two fundraising pages for this event, and mine is one of them.
• Third, because I think social media can completely revolutionize charitable giving. 

Remember the Text to Haiti? Non profit organizations were blown away.  They are really trying to adapt to the way people seem to now prefer giving.  I’m thrilled that the Hunger Walk is investigating this way of reaching people.

And here I am, at the intersection of hunger assistance and social media.  My heart literally beats faster when I re-read that sentence – and knowing that I get to participate fully is a tremendous honor. 

So now I come to you, and unapologetically ask you for money.  It’s not for me.  It’s not for the success of my blog.  It’s to prove that it can be done.  I haven’t done any advertising on Big Binder, and I try and score good and fun giveaways.  I keep it real; and try and help you find awesome things to do with your kids.  Please keep these things in mind, and donate what you can.  I would be thrilled to death with $5 from everyone who is a regular reader.  Thank you so very much.  Click here to go to my fundraising page . Will you help?