There are a lot of changes coming at us rapidly right now in light of COVID 19 and this can cause some uncomfortable feelings. Fear. Chaos. Dis-ease. Lack of control. Doubt. None of these feelings settle well in our souls,  but they are not meant to make us stop living.

The feelings we are all sorting through are not unknown to those with serious and/or life-threatening illnesses. You learn to wash your hands frequently and keep your distance from others. Doorknobs, handrails, counters, and napkin dispensers become the objects you cast disdainful looks at knowing they are the source of many germs. You come to accept staying home with those you love and missing out on events, opportunities, and activities that your family and friends go to without thinking twice.

You learn to find small blessings in the every day routines and surroundings. And they are beautiful!

Let’s be sure we join together now more than ever. We can get through the novel Corona Virus and maybe we will learn to have a little more compassion and understanding for the thousands that face this as their reality everyday.

Our efforts at volunteer opportunities and kit donations for hospitals are currently on pause while we ensure our own health in an effort to preserve that of our recipients. Some children receiving our kits have a low tolerance for germs and we would hate to unknowingly transmit this through our donations. However, we are not quitting nor are we forgoing our efforts or our DREAMS!

We will keep bringing joy and comfort to hospitalized kids- our efforts will not be stopped by this season. They may slow and they may change how we look at things and safety measures we take, but we will still reach our goal to do small things with great, great love!

Our supplies are safely tucked into lidded plastic containers waiting for the 14 day hiatus period. At which time we will re-evaluate the situation to decide if we will resume operations or hold off a little longer. That being said, the March and April kits will make it to hospitals… just a little later than originally anticipated.

I love the quote, “What we do does not define who we are. What defines us is how well we rise after falling” by Bob Hoskins. It gives me strength to face the challenging times knowing that I will rise. Knowing that I have a choice in how I react and recover.

How will you rise today? How will you face the challenges in front of you- however large or small they are?