“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need. ” ~Khalil Gibran
Some recent news out of Minnesota shocked me–no, it wasn’t the consistently terrible below zero weather or disastrous snowfalls (I’m actually very jealous of the snow!). It was the news that school districts had been throwing out low income students’ hot lunches if they couldn’t pay the 40 cent reduced price lunch. If the lunches were replaced, it was with a cheese sandwich (I’m sure the “cheese” was a far cry from the real thing), and a carton of milk. I guess something is better than nothing…but students need much more nutrition than a highly processed sandwich and ultra pasteurized milk. These are probably the same students who come to school without good breakfasts. How are they expected to perform well in school if they don’t have proper nutrition? How could this happen in my home state?
But there was other news that piggy backed with this that made me SO thankful for genuine generosity. A tutor in Texas figured that his students were probably experiencing this same thing, and he took the solution into his own hands. He donated about $500 to cover the outstanding balances on 60 students’ lunch accounts so they could once again receive hot lunches in their school.
So…Here’s to the Generous!
Baby Ava proclaims: “Here’s to the Generous!”
What a beautiful baby girl you have. Just wanted to let you know that I think that’s a beautiful story too. Who would have thought so many people would be there for you. But…..that’s what friends do. Have a really out standing year……….daylilli
“So, who says that we don’t know how to take care of growing families in this country? I don’t know, but I disagree with them.”
Lots of people say it because it is true. You are lucky you had the help of generous friends & family. What people mean when they talk about the country as a whole not helping growing families is that we are the only civilized country in the world that does not have paid family leave. We are the only one without universal health care. We are one of the few w/o any sort of visiting nurse system for new moms or breastfeeding support. The story you cited at the beginning of your post about school lunches being taken away is a perfect example.
Yes, I know these things and recognize that there are many shortfalls in the way our government and social welfare systems treat families in the United States. And yes, we have experienced these shortfalls firshand–as seen in our problems with my partner getting leave from his job to be home with us. I should have worded that phrase differently; but I think it is also important to recognize the importance that individuals play in our lives instead of consistently complaining about the system. I get on my high horse about these topics outside of my blog on MJF. However I do, full heartedly, agree with you that the country as a whole has failed and continues to fail supporting mothers, fathers, new babies and many others in the healthcare system.
When we finally bought some land, we started as soon as possible building raised beds, an outhouse, a canning kitchen and a storage shed with a loft for overnights. The first season we had all our neighbors come over and offer everything from large machinery (a backhoe to dig out an ancient burn pile with God-know-what in it) to goat poop for our garden beds (which the cabbages loved). I’ve moved many times and never have I had such an outpouring of generosity as in our new little hamlet.
I love this story, your hamlet sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
I love your blog and now with beautiful baby Ava, it can only get better. As individuals I think we need to speak out on behalf of those who need help in whatever form they may need it. There is so much that needs to be done,but I also believe we need to be positve and step in and help where we can.
Hi Alex and Family. What a nice post. I came home from Alaska telling Grandpa Dennis of the wonderful friends and support you have there.
Below is a link to what Governor Dayton said about school lunches in MN.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/244935561.html
Many hugs and kisses from way too far away. Grandma Gail
Thanks Grandma Gail! Sorry for the slow reply, I hadn’t checked these replies in a bit. We are so grateful for YOU! Love you, a
Dear Alex and family,
Reading your blog and ” new mom” experiences really took me back to when our ( now 18 and 16 ) kids were born and the generosity we felt from family far and wide. WE didn’t live in the boonies, we lived in suburbia but it was much appreciated and welcomed to two elated, yet tired parents. I agree with you. Us gals in the US… could sure learn a thing or two about how to treat ourselves better from other cultures. We rush through everything we do when we are young, only to realize with age and wisdom that we need slow down and enjoy the moment…Giving birth and easing into motherhood is a blessed time. One to cherish and soak in right along with those dirty diapers and spit up cloths! I think our oldest was two when I finally stopped using the term” NEW MOM” . I loved my new title and so enjoyed saying it with a big smile on my face… I know you will too! Many blessings to all of you… Enjoy your precious Ava. She is beautiful and a very lucky little girl.
Love, from the Beach Farmgirl, Deb
Thanks Deb! Being a mom is GREAT! While I was pregnant I still had some nagging feelings of regret and grief about leaving my “old” life behind. However, I’ve found that being Ava’s mom is so much better than any adventures I might have to pass on in the coming years. Thank you for all of your heartfelt and welcoming comments, we really appreciate them!