Postaweek2011 - if I could Pass Any Law...

 

People Against Childhood Cancer

Okay, here is the next attempt at responding to the prompts provided by the Postaweek gang.  It is controversial because it is an ideal...I know it could never be put into effect...but it is my ideal!

Creating a law that forces people to do something for someone else may be taking the role of Government too far, But what about just asking people to learn about people who need help and then letting them decide what to do with that information?

My law would never take effect because it would rely too much on the ability of humans to change behaviors which many argue are part of our wiring. Many would also argue it is unconstitutional.

I would love to have a law that, in some meaningful and doable way, required every one of age to spend 30 minutes per month learning about other people who need help in some way.   It could be major issues like children fighting cancer, refugees being slaughtered, or victims of a natural disaster. Or it could be small...local neighborhood food drive, elderly assistance, literacy programs for young, underprivileged children.

I am not even asking that people act upon what they learn...forced help is begrudged and less effective, perhaps destructive. But if everyone had to take a look at others' plights, I believe two things may happen: firstly, we will appreciate our own lot slightly more. Secondly, we may even get charged up enough to tackle one of the issues and actually, willingly help.

This idea could cross over into learning about issues such as global warming, wildlife preservation, domestic and child abuse....the possibilities are endless.

The only thing the law would require, however, is time for people to learn about these things and ways to help. After that, it is up to the what they do with the information.  I also believe this is a pipe dream as forcing people to look at others' troubles takes away their rights to make decisions.  It is a catch-22 situation:  how can people make informed decisions without the information?  What do you think?

Meanwhile, for those who don't need a law to encourage you  to help others in need but just don't know who to help, here is an amazing idea which I originally read on a blog I adore;  Thumbin' My Way.   On this blog I read about  Love Drop.    Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to help one person or family a month. By subscribing to the team for as little as $1, they make it easy for members to change lives in a fun and easy way. Each month Love Drop delivers a unique combination of unexpected financial gifts, personal encouragement and the support of local and online communities.

This has nothing to do with leukemia...it is a way to put out good things without a selfish motive...the art of true caring.  Thanks to S for bringing  it to my attention.  I hope in its small way, it helps my "law" become practiced even thought it has not been ratified!

Postaweek2011 - I Hope I Never Lose...

Here is my next random post of the week...inspired by a prompt on Plinky:
I hope I never lose my appreciation for the life I have. Although there are many major setbacks, particularly with my own child’s health, I am blessed with a wonderful family, friendships and relative stability. I live in a wealthy nation, I am educated, and I never go hungry. While I could look at those with more and feel slighted, I don’t. I really do understand how lucky I am, and I never want to lose that.

When we go through hardships, friends can be so crucial to both mental and physical survival. Relying on others can also have a negative effect; one feels helpless, useless, a pain in the neck. Yet, if we really stop for a moment and give ourself time to realize it is okay to accept the help of others, two things happen: first of all, those helping feel good about doing it, and secondly, there will be a time when the need for support lessens and one can ‘give back’ in some way.

So what is my point? Well, I have learned many lessons related to all of this in the past year. I have accepted help and now have several projects in motion to ‘give back’. When I saw the prompt about what I hope I never lose, my answer came instantly to me. I have perspective and appreciation for life which, only a year ago, I would never have imagined having.

postaweek2011

Okay, I'm trying here.  I am actually working on following a 'blogger-type inspiration to post thingy' gosh, I don't have command of the English language tonight, and I'm committing to one post a week being about life outside cancer.  Shannon, my new blogging friend will think I'm a total stalker, but she has inspired me to live outside my comfort zone.  Believe it or not, I am more comfortable opening up about Sammy, cancer and the roller coaster, than other, more personal things. 

I don't even know if I have actually joined the group...or even if there is a group to join.  It all stems from http://dailypost.wordpress.com/  Who knows where this will take me.  The same rules will apply to my posts...I don't edit!  Why?  Because I write as I think and my typing is awful...I was too good at math to be in the typing class at school!  So I let it all out and cringe when I revisit old posts, but they are REAL!  I did discover the spell check the other day :)

Don't hold me to a specific day for these posts, and don't bank on me making any sense...in fact, you all have my full permission to skip them when they crop up.  They will be clearly labeled so you can identify them immediately.  Please comment on anything you are motivated to discuss or offer a counter opinion...I love debates...and remember...If Sammy goes into Hospital, all bets are off, until we are discharged and I get my motivation back.

Here’s today’s topic idea – brought to you by Plinky:


Share something that makes you smile. (Can be a photo, an idea, a memory – anything that comes to mind).

This picture was taken by me during the summer before Sam was diagnosed.  Nana Haze was over from England and we were enjoying three carefree weeks of summertime fun.  The bridge is at Binny Park in Greenwich.  We call it the Mary Poppins Bridge Park as the bridges are reminiscent of the park in the Disney Movie.  Magic happens here.  From the time Jack was nursing, Nana and I took the children to Binny Park.  Each trip evolved into new discoveries:  the houses within the bushes; one for Jack and one for Sam. There is always the heron seated majestically waiting for a catch,  The lighting changes depending on the season we visit and the time of day....no two visits are the same.  Most special of all is the fact that we spend hours there with Nana, exploring learning, bonding and enjoying...all in a way I remember doing as a child with my mother also.

When I take the kids there on my own, we last about ten minutes.  Nana creates a magical experience which opens up my sons' eyes to the world around them.  I wan to do this, and I try to learn for it, but I concede...it is a Nana thing. 

These memories make me smile.  They are special on so many levels.  Our last visit was with Sam in a stroller, yet we still stayed a good hour or more...Nana magic!  I grew up with my Nana being the creator of all things wondrous and fun...I smile to see my own sons innocence retained for these special moments.