Shopping for Saoirse

Last week, my friend Vicky called me up. She left me a message saying she wanted to talk to me about something interesting that happened at work that day. I would have never guessed what was coming next. 

Where Vicky works, they have giving trees - trees that have tags with the names of children who are in need of some holiday cheer, and a note about what they would like for a gift. Vicky was putting some new tags on a tree and she stopped to read the names. There was on that grabbed her attention - a 2 year old girl named Saoirse. She stopped, took a moment, and took the tag to get Saoirse a gift herself. She called me because she wanted to know if I would like to go with her to pick out the gift. I was so glad that she called me. 

While for some grieving parents, this would be too hard, I was really excited. It's sort of a little way I could experience a Christmas for Saoirse. We picked out some nice things for her, and I made sure to get a little Elmo doll in there. I felt like it was my Saoirse's way of reminding me that she is here, and that this time of year is all about giving. 

So today, I picked up my own giving tree tag. This one will go to a little girl at the Jimmy Fund - she wants an arts and craft set - I will be sure to pick out something very fun (and of course, throw a little Elmo in there for good measure). Remember to think of those kids who don't get to be home for Christmas and the holidays, and if you see a giving tree, take a moment to pick out a tag and add one more small gift to your list. It only takes a moment, but the memory for that child will last a lifetime. 

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the halls

The nurses were stirring, decking the walls.

The stockings were hung on the IV poles with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas would remember they're there.

The children were nestled in hospital beds

while visions of home danced in their heads

And mamma in her slippers, and papa in his sweats

Try to settle down and get much needed rest. 

When down the hall there arose such a clatter

The nurses went running to see what was the matter.

Away to the door a mom runs with a whoosh

With fear in her heart that a child is worse.

The pump lights are glowing, and the monitors beep

The nurses take care to let little ones sleep.

Parents lay restless, and wish they could be

at home with their kids who were all cancer free.

Santas speak not a word, but go straight to their work

And fill up the stockings, before returning to work.

With a twinge in their heart, and a smile on their face

They are sure to leave everything in the right place.

The twinkling lights make the little ones smile

And forget all their troubles for just a small while.

As parents find joy and hold back their tears

They try not to show the kids all their fears.

Their eyes - how they twinkle, their dimples how merry.

Their cheeks are like roses, noses like cherries.

They see all the presents tied up with a bow

And the white out the window of fresh fallen snow.

Each special child with hope in their hearts

Dreams of the day when the pain will depart.

But for one special day, none of that is in sight

And all can be merry on this Christmas Night!

Calling All ........... well just ALL!

The first annual Arts and Artifacts Auction is here! It started on Tuesday (sorry, I'm late with this post on here), and goes through Saturday December 8th (until 11:45pm eastern time). This is a great opportunity to give back while doing some holiday shopping this year. There is something for everyone, so take a look, set up your account, and START BIDDING! And remember - we are a 501c3 public charity, so all of your donations will be tax deductible! All items were generously donated to us, so 100% of the proceeds will be going toward our Parent Grant Program, which financially helps families with a child battling Neuroblastoma. Our goal is to raise $5000 - which would help so many families in 2013! Let's make this goal a reality! Share with your friends, and start bidding!

Here are the links to the info on our website, as well as the direct link to the online auction! Happy Bidding!

www.FitzgeraldCancerFund.org/aaa.html

www.32auctions.com/ArtsAndArtifactsAuction