In truth, I was going to tell you all about some wacky-ass Passover hijinks today. Judging from my inbox, another installment of Ask a Jew was in order, because it seemed people wanted confirmation that yes, we Jews are in fact obligated to drink four (4) cups of wine during the Passover Seder, and they wanted to know the reasons why I really can't eat any bread for a week, and they needed to learn the tune to the "Frogs are Jumping Everywhere" song. I was going to talk to you about all this and more, like the best commercial ever I HAVE EVER SEEN, and the contest I have going on on my other blog (okay, I actually do have to mention that...contractual obligations...) or my brand-new, patented Kristen Stewart impression. I had some quality stuff to talk about, people.
But my heart's not in it today.
Passover and Easter are supposed to be times of renewal and hope, but this year is, pardon the pun, different from all other years. I've spent the past week alternating between crying for the losses of others, and being incredibly appreciative of what I have. When reading the beautiful, heartrending posts about sweet Maddie over the past week, I tried, I really tried, to take something from the horrible tragedy, and note how--terrible though it is--Maddie's cause galvanized our little blog world. I saw such good in so many people, joining together and rallying to the aid of a family most of us have never met.
I am by nature an optimist, for the most part, and I'm almost annoyingly cheerful most days. "Find the good" is pretty much my motto, right after "cheese is always the answer."
My heart, however, was just crushed once again when I learned that my friend Shana lost her sweet baby boy, Thalon.
Just a few short months ago, I was writing a tribute to Shana of an entirely different tone. I can't fathom how we got here, and how now, instead of discussing our mutual karaoke love or our adventures traipsing through Chicago, I'm squinting through my tears to see my keyboard. To tell you all what a good, kind mom she is, what a hilarious and devoted friend she is, and just how much my heart is hurting for her right now.
My faith--not Judaism in general, but MY faith--is not something I think I've ever discussed here, but right now, I have to tell you with utmost honesty that it's a bit shaken. This hurts too much, it hits too close to home, and above all, I can't understand how anyone in charge of this world could allow these things to happen.
Once again, I have to find the good, because it's the only way I can keep myself in check. I check Maddie's March of Dimes page daily, and smile as I see the donations climb higher. I look at Sarah, setting up a PayPal account to help Shana with Thalon's medical expenses and hospital stay. I look at Heather, Maddie's mom, in the depths of her own grief, reaching out to comfort Shana. People are good.
And so, if you feel so led, please consider helping Shana (via the PayPal link in Sarah's post) and contributing to March of Dimes in remembrance of Maddie.
More importantly, though, I would like to ask you all to do a small favor, for which I will be forever indebted to you. It's in the realm of my little "find the good" mantra: If you can, take some time today, and do one nice thing with Maddie in mind, and one nice thing with Thalon in mind. It can be anything; as simple as throwing out a discarded newspaper in the street, or something more challenging; say, holding your temper in check when someone insults you.
Why am I asking you to do this? It's just that...well, I keep thinking about these sweet little babies ascending to heaven, and how very nice it would be for them both to be escorted by a metric ton of good deeds done selflessly, and solely in their honor. Regardless of our individual beliefs, I know that we all strive to do good, and I can't think of a better reason than this.
Can you do this for them?
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24 comments:
"I keep thinking about these sweet little babies ascending to heaven, and how very nice it would be for them both to be escorted by a metric ton of good deeds done selflessly, and solely in their honor."
Yes. YES. I can do that.
YES! Without a doubt!
I don't know either of them but I cannot stop crying for them. I will pass along as much good as I can in their honor, in their name. I will do all the good I can for them and for everyone who loves them. I wish both these families every good thought I can muster and I wish that every day ahead of them will be beautiful and filled with peace.
I have not been able to stop thinking about these babies, since the moment I heard about each of them.
I will do that, in honor of them. I will never forget them, they will forever be a reminder to me that life is so precious.
Their names are at the kotel. along with a lengthy prayer dedicated to the both of them.
Metalia as per your request, i can definitely do that. You don't know how important acts such as these are "up there".
Beautiful post, metalia. I will do that.
That's a beautiful post. I can definitely do that.
This is beautiful, Metallia, and Yes, yes, yes, I can do that.
I'll also call my own babies, now taller than me and living in other cities and tell them I love them and say a prayer of thankfulness that I've been able to be their mom all these years.
When I saw you tweet about doing good yesterday, my heart lifted a little. It's a beautiful idea to honor these beautiful babies.
Hugs to you today, my friend.
Oh, Metalia, I love your idea of the metric ton of good deeds! That's perfect.
I join you in not understanding how these horrible things can happen. My heart goes out to both Maddie's and Thalon's families.
I can, and I will. Today, tomorrow and all the days that follow.
This is beautiful. I've been crying for much of this week, too. I can absolutely join you in that.
My faith, which can be described as mediocre at best, has been rocked to its core and I find myself grasping for something to believe in. Thank you for reminding me that a there is always a place to start over and today it will be by just trying to be kind and see the kindness in others. For Maddy and Thalon, it is the least I can do.
Absolutely beautiful post.
Best idea ever. Really.
Count me in. What a great way to honor those babies. It is so, so heartbreaking.
I will absolutely do this. Two good deeds per day, every day this week, and maybe the habit will stick. All for Maddie and Thalon.
I have to say, I've been concerned where my heart has gone this week. I heard about both these babies and I felt sad for these two families losing their children, but I didn't know either of them so it didn't really hit home for me. THIS was the post that made me cry. Thank you for such a moving, beautiful tribute to these gorgeous children who didn't deserve to go.
i'm out of words, actually. your plan seems like the best one for me right now. i love it!
This was a beautiful post. As someone whose faith isn't very strong most days, I have a hard time understanding it all. Why babies need to be taken from this world.
I love your suggestion. I think we all can do that.
Thank you, Metalia. Yes, I can, and yes, I will.
This breaks my heart so much. I'm hoping to be able to donate when I get paid this week.
I can't imagine having to go through this.
what a beautiful post & a wonderful idea. i think it's the least we can do to honor these precious babies.
I think that Maddie and Thalon made a whole lot of people hold their children closer and love them more. Our families are blessed because of them. That is how I am chosing to look at it...as painful as it may be.
What a great way to honor both babies. I can do that for you and for them.
Such a sweet post. My heart still aches for their families. I am, however, very uplifted by the outpouring of support from our blogging community. Brings us all a little closer.
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