|
Post by missysauter on Dec 10, 2014 2:48:49 GMT
to myself. We have a non-profit 501(c)(3) called Nicky's Journey that we started while my DS was being treated for leukemia. We have donated over 400 portable DVD players to kids newly diagnosed with cancer. A laptop for an older boy. A few iPads. We are a very small "mom and pop" charity. Most of our funds come from people we know. We've been doing this since 2005.
Well, with technology being what it is, there isn't as much need or want of portable DVD players. So last year Nicky's Journey adopted a family at Christmas. It was so rewarding, humbling and a bit hard. Their only wish at first was for all of then to get some socks and pillows. Well my DS's school's teachers pitched in and we gave them so much. But I still felt bad. I felt like no matter what we did for then it wasn't enough. I had to accept that I couldn't make their child well and I couldn't fix the fact that they are struggling financially.
Fast forward to this year and I asked for another family. They have a 10 month old, a 2 yr old with cancer, twin 4 yr olds and twin 6 yr olds. They have some bigger ticket items (a NABI tablet - I don't even know what that is). Now I'm feeling defeated that we are not going to be able to grant their Christmas dreams. I don't know why I put so much pressure on myself. Anything we give them is more than they would have otherwise but is it enough?
Thanks for reading this. I don't know why I continually second guess myself.
|
|
tincin
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,363
Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
|
Post by tincin on Dec 10, 2014 2:59:28 GMT
You can only do what you can do. I am certain they will be thankful for all they receive. It is a very nice thing for you and your family to do. You cannot solve all of the words problems but you are making a difference family by family. Thank you.
|
|
eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
|
Post by eastcoastpea on Dec 10, 2014 4:38:07 GMT
You are making a positive contribution to their lives. You are doing what you can and your good works matter.
|
|
AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,052
Jul 4, 2014 6:57:02 GMT
|
Post by AllieC on Dec 10, 2014 5:40:45 GMT
Don't beat yourself up about it. You are doing a wonderful gesture and I am sure that they will really appreciate whatever gifts and assistance you are able to provide.
|
|
|
Post by lurkingsince2001 on Dec 10, 2014 6:13:14 GMT
You are amazing. The world is a better place because of people like you.
|
|
|
Post by lesserknownpea on Dec 10, 2014 8:12:34 GMT
Perhaps you can tactfully find out if there are others you know who would also like to help? Not that you have to, whatever you can afford will truly be enough. But without pressure it's possible to find out.
|
|
BarbaraUK
Drama Llama
Surrounded by my yarn stash on the NE coast of England...............!! Refupea 1702
Posts: 5,961
Location: England UK
Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
|
Post by BarbaraUK on Dec 10, 2014 11:05:00 GMT
You are doing a wonderful, positive thing....don't stress yourself out about it. I bet the family will love whatever Christmas gifts you are able to gift them and it will make a great difference to their Christmas!
|
|
blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,983
Jun 25, 2014 20:53:57 GMT
|
Post by blue tulip on Dec 10, 2014 12:47:14 GMT
nabi's are $180-$200 depending on the deal you get, they had to know when they put that down that it was a long shot with 6 kids to buy for. maybe you could find a good used one at a electronics/game store, or craigslist? but do know, whatever you do is wonderful, and will be appreciated. don't be too hard on yourself!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 6:08:28 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 12:54:19 GMT
I had to accept that I couldn't make their child well and I couldn't fix the fact that they are struggling financially. I think that this is what it comes down to. I'm sure helping those in need is a double-edged sword--while you are doing wonderful things for those who can use a helping hand, you're also seeing the struggles that people are facing up close by doing this. I'm sure it can be very overwhelming and maybe even more emotional for you than those of us who haven't experienced a child facing a serious illness.
|
|
|
Post by alibama on Dec 10, 2014 14:16:53 GMT
You are amazing. The world is a better place because of people like you. a million times over.
|
|
|
Post by missysauter on Dec 10, 2014 15:12:16 GMT
I had to accept that I couldn't make their child well and I couldn't fix the fact that they are struggling financially. I think that this is what it comes down to. I'm sure helping those in need is a double-edged sword--while you are doing wonderful things for those who can use a helping hand, you're also seeing the struggles that people are facing up close by doing this. I'm sure it can be very overwhelming and maybe even more emotional for you than those of us who haven't experienced a child facing a serious illness. katiebpea - I think you nailed it when you suggested that this is overwhelming and emotional because we've been on the "sick kid" side of things. I have prayed about this and trying to allow myself peace and joy because we are the only ones who are going to help this family. I spoke with the social worker who said this family will appreciate anything they get. Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by Scrapbrat on Dec 10, 2014 15:15:16 GMT
I know that this isn't why you posted this, but could you post a link to Nicky's Journey? I would love to help you help this family.
|
|
gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
Jun 26, 2014 12:35:32 GMT
|
Post by gloryjoy on Dec 10, 2014 15:16:07 GMT
You are doing a wonderful, selfless thing. You need to go easy on yourself.
Be happy with what you can do, don't dwell on the negatives, think of the positive.
|
|
|
Post by missysauter on Dec 10, 2014 15:19:49 GMT
I know that this isn't why you posted this, but could you post a link to Nicky's Journey? I would love to help you help this family. Thank you so much for asking. Here it is: Nicky's Journey
|
|
|
Post by originalvanillabean on Dec 10, 2014 15:23:53 GMT
Thank you, for helping others.
|
|
schooner3
Junior Member
Refupea 755
Posts: 80
Jun 26, 2014 3:16:22 GMT
|
Post by schooner3 on Dec 10, 2014 15:46:20 GMT
Thank you for doing this. I made a small donation for you.
|
|
|
Post by missysauter on Dec 10, 2014 15:54:25 GMT
Thank you for doing this. I made a small donation for you. Thank you so very much! Anything we can raise to help this family is absolutely perfect!!
|
|