I was watching the news a lot today and Victoria came up to me and asked what you do to make the sick people better. I told her that we lit candles and said prayers, and that doctors and rescue workers were doing all that they could, but there wasn't a whole lot we could do to help those people and that's why I was so sad. She said, "I can help make those people better!". I was wondering if it was yet another Dr. Victoria story, but she ran to the fridge and got two pictures she and Annalee had made the other day. She ran back and said, "I can send them pictures and that will make them feel better." Bless her heart, it sure seems to be a better idea than crying on the couch. :)
So today we made flag collages for the windows (strips of red construction paper and blue stars, all glued on white paper). We made giant flags with red and blue stampers to show our love and support for our great country. And we're doing artwork to send to the hospitals in the NYC and DC areas. Surely somebody has a room that would be brightened by a get well picture full of love from a couple of little girls. I know the staff is overwhelmed, but I hope they have the time to open up our pictures and pass them on to someone who could use a smile.
Here are a few links that may help your family deal with the tragedy, find out how to help, or do something with your kids to feel that you're making a difference. The obvious ways that we all can help are by giving blood, donating to the Red Cross (you can donate MyPoints points to give cash to the Red Cross, too), saying prayers, and talking about peace. This is also an important time to stand up for immigrant members in our communities. Most of them love this country as much as we do and some awful things are happening to some of them and their children.
This is a terrible time, but we will survive and grow stronger. There aren't words to say how much my heart goes out to the victims and their families.
Hug your children.
In Peace,
Alicia
Dealing with a terrorist tragedy:
Articles for parents, kids and teens about the
tragedy.
http://kidshealth.org/misc_pages/P_squarebanner.html
http://www.heartmadeblessings.org/
Heartmade Blessings is a not-for-profit,
world-wide group of volunteers dedicated to providing hand-crafted items
to those people suffering a loss, tragedy, or going through a rough time
that need to be reminded of the simple fact that people care.
Emergency contact information for victims,
family members and those who wish to help (includes info on how to give
blood or donations):
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/trade.center/contacts.html
If you and your children want to send cards to victims of the World Trade Center attacks, here are the hospitals that have wounded in the NYC area.
St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center
153 W. 11th Street,
New York, NY 10011
Bellevue Hospital Center
462 First Avenue
New York, NY 10011
Metropolitan Hospital Center
1901 First Ave
New York, NY 10011
A Magical Childhood
http://www.magicalchildhood.com