Sun 9 Sep 2007
On Giving Back
Posted by Jane under Updates
[14] Comments
Being a new parent to a “special child”, I haven’t had a lot of time to get cranky about things people do or don’t do, do or don’t say, etc. when it comes to Ramona. But I have developed one little pet peeve…
Attention all random strangers: If you’re going to stare, please just give me or her a little nod or smile to acknowledge that you’re looking. I don’t mind people taking a second look, I mean it is a little odd to see a baby with a tube on their face. I don’t mind questions, I don’t even mind the staring. It’s just that when you stare, it feels to me like you’re taking something, you’re taking a good long look and it would just be nice if you could give a little something back. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
But I’m the last person who should be complaining about not giving back. I’ve been feeling lately like we are just taking, taking, taking. I find myself constantly trying to give back and I think it’s high time I acknowledged that this just isn’t possible. We have a few friends who have suffered injuries recently that have left them unable to work and in need of some financial support. One of these friends accepted a monetary gift from someone they barely knew who told them, “This is how God’s provision works”.
So I’m thanking God today not only for all of you and the ways you’ve blessed us, but for God’s abundant provision in our lives. And I’m praying for the wisdom and humility that acknowledges we can never pay back the blessings we are given by God and make it “even”. I’m praying to rest in the truth that we are indebted to God for our lives and the goal is not to pay it back, but to pay it forward.
That being said, I have a very concrete way that each and every one of us could pay it forward today. The Chicago area blood banks are currently at 20% of their normal supply. If this critical shortage continues surgeries will have to be cancelled and postponed. Both of Ramona’s surgeries have been emergent and unscheduled. She required large amounts of blood products from anonymous donors each time. If you feel you have the time to donate blood, it would be a wonderful way to honor Ramona. If you do end up making it to a donation center, please post a comment and let us know
Here’s a cute shot of me and Simon yesterday on our front stairs, what a happy boy.
Love, Jane.
Jane! I just love those two smiles. In this photo I can see your family resemblance in Simon’s smile and bright eyes. He is a happy boy.
love,
Wayne
Hey Jane…
what a beautiful woman you are…in every single way there is to be beautiful. You have really good eyebrows, too…have I told you that before? And the Simon boy….oy, what a heartbreaker already.
I love the way you put your pet peeve. That’s awesome and it’s something too, that is a good reminder to me as I walk through life in general.
Simon has the same crazy black around his irises that Jane does!
jane –
your honesty is always so refreshing.
for those looking to give blood in the north park/albany park area, north park university is having three drives (held by lifesource) over this academic year. the first is on thursday, september 20, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. in hamming hall (just west of the corner of foster and kedzie avenues).
the second is on thursday, february 7, also from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., but in carlson tower lobby (behind the gymnasium).
the third is on thursday, april 24, same time, in carlson tower lobby.
perhaps the latter are too far off, but i thought it better to mention them than to not.
blessings on you and your beautiful family.
Dear Jane:
Hello, I hope that this note finds you well.
Thank you for your journal entry today + the gorgeous photo of Simon and you. I am grateful for the reminder that even just a glance could be filled with either love or apathy, so I will be more conscious now of what I give others.
As someone who can only offer prayers, at the moment, the milestones of your family to-date encourage me to set aside more time during the day in conversation with God…to give thanks for the blessings He has bestowed upon me and to continue the little miracles he works in the people whom I include in my prayers.
Wishing you a good week, keep smiling and God bless!
Jane,
I am so happy to be looking upon your two beautiful faces right now. Thanks for posting the photo. I miss you all so much.
I think we get seasons in our lives where we are forced to be the receivers rather than the givers. I have found that God is trying to teach me how to receive from him when these seasons occur. Sometimes praying for those in their situations is all you can do, and that is a LOT. Jane, you are someone who gives like crazy all the time. I know that I have thought I would never be able to give back as much as you have given me. I am so thankful everyday for all those who are local and in your community able to support you all in ways we can’t from so far away. God’s provision is complex and I am so thankful for it.
I had no idea that the blood bank was so low. Thanks for bringing about awareness – often people need something to “do” when it feels like there is little or no task to take on. What a great way to give back.
Love you all
Jen
You have inspired me. While I’m not in the Chicago area – I’ve made an appointment to donate in Fort Worth. We’re short here too, so every little bit helps!
Thanks so much for sharing! You’re in an inspiration!
~ Heather
That photo makes my day! Jane! Your articulate pet peeve makes me thoughtful – thank you. And yes, Receiving, is always harder than giving. Why is that? I’ll think about that today too…
Are these the same stairs that Simon ‘painted’ the other day? What a blessing that God’s provision goes around and comes around. And life is long (Lord-willing), so there’s plenty of opportunity to bless others along the way.
Hey Jane,
John mentioned the blood shortage but hearing about it again from you and realizing it could impact someone I know makes me want to go donate right this second! As soon as my bum leg is healed I would love to come over with Henry and hang out for a bit.
p.s. that is a great photo of you and simon.
Jane, What a gorgeous, smiling picture of you two!! Appreciate your comments. Thinking of you all.
You two are so beautiful!
A high school teacher first encouraged me to give blood and I tray to give whenever possible.
Thanks for your candid sharing.
LOVE the pic of you & Simon! I will take your words to heart. Thank you for sharing!
Angie
Jane, your words are always so inspiring. I believe in paying it forward too. I know there were times in my life that things were not going so well for me and God always made sure I had what I needed.
I would love to donate but am unable to at this time, due to my own health issues. But I’ll pray that others donate and I’ll continue to pay it forward in other ways that I can.
And if I stare, I promise I’ll smile and nod
Take Care,
Judy