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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Spreading Sunshine! (and a Happy Birthday!)

It's time for another random act of kindness post. I'm linking up with Betsy at My Five Men for this. Betsy and her visitors had a little discussion on this subject this week, after a few people thought that she (and the rest of us who link up) were doing this for praise or attention.  As Betsy said, the things we are doing are not big enough for praise.  They're meant to spread sunshine and encourage others to do the same thing.  I'd love to hear what you think on this subject.
That being said - here's what I did this week:

Some of you may have read about Colin on facebook.  Colin is a boy who lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Colin has Asperger’s syndrome and struggles with relationships with other kids.  He's going to turn 11 in March and his Mom asked him about a birthday party.  He replied that he had no friends to come to a party.  His Mom decided to set up a facebook page where people could send birthday greetings to him.  The page has taken off and people started asking about where they could send cards so a PO box was started.

I joined the site on facebook and sent out this card to Colin.  If you want to join in, look for 'Happy Birthday Colin' on facebook.  You can send birthday greetings there and you can also look on the site for an address to send a card.
 
I was also thinking how difficult it has to be to deliver mail in this weather.

 
This is what most of the mailboxes look like in West Michigan.  It has to be hard to get close and put the mail in, and I bet their days are longer than usual.
 
 

 
I found this card that said "better times are coming" which I thought fit my purpose.  I threw in a Gift certificate and wrote a note that said thanks, and have lunch on us.
 
I think I'm having more fun doing this that the recipients are in getting these things!
 
 
And one more thing...
 
Happy Birthday to the best valentine gift I ever received - our daughter Heather.  She's a blessing to all of us.
Happy Valentines Day to each of you!

24 comments:

Wanda said...

Mari ~ I so agree what can be wrong with spreading a little sunshine. I thought Betsy's post yesterday was such a perfect reply. I like your idea that what we do is hardly something to praise ourselves about.

That being said... I loved your post and your Birthday card and gift card to Colin. What joy getting a lot of cards will do for that little guy.

Happy Birthday Heather..your smile is sending out lots of sunshine. You are a beautiful.

I wanted to share something for my personal Valentine so I posted it tonight, and will post my RAK tomorrow some time.

Sending Sunshine!!

Jennifer Hays said...

What a thoughtful thing to do. Happy birthday to your daughter! My mom's birthday is tomorrow as well.

Betsy Brock said...

Aw... happy birthday to your beautiful daughter! How fun to have had her on Valentine's Day! Nothing is sweeter than that!

Love the thing for Colin...I'll look him up on facebook!

Oh my...those mailboxes! Obviously, the snow plow man and the mail man are not friends. haha. Love that card for him..perfect!

Thanks for join in ....it's so much fun to see what other's are doing!

Terra said...

You are spreading sunshine one ray at a time; well done.

Anonymous said...

Betsy's post was a perfect reply. I so enjoy hearing about the joy you are giving and receiving.
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter, Heather.
Happy Valentine's Day.

LL Cool Joe said...

Happy Birthday to Heather, she looks so like you!

I don't have Facebook but I think that's such a fantastic thing to do for Colin. I have a Niece who is Autistic and has no friends to invite to her birthday parties etc. All the family get together and we do something and she seems happy with that. :)

Unknown said...

I saw that on GMA yesterday and it is a wonderful thing to do for that boy. Unless you have been around a child or adult that have special needs, you cant believe what a card or happy birthday wishes could mean. Speaking of that, hope your beautiful daughter has a happy birthday too. Love those dimples!!

Linda said...

Happy Valentines Day & Happy Birthday to your daughter!! --why anyone would think that about your /others blog(s) is beyond me..I so love reading about others etc..BTW, I know for a fact that Liam saw that on FB & responded (much to my surprise). Blessings

Just Mom said...

As a mom of a kiddo on the spectrum, I super duper <3 that you've sent a card to that little boy. I hope he learns that he is loved and valued by many in this world, and that he remembers it always.

I also super duper <3 the little gift you left for your letter carrier. They hardly ever get recognized for what they do.

And of course ... Happy birthday to your little girl! :-)

Sola Scriptura said...

I love your random acts of kindness ideas! It's very inspiring. Happy Valentines Day to you and happy birthday to your daughter :)

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Love your random acts!! Just wonderful!!! Keep 'em going!

Martha said...

I love your idea for this week too. Putting a gift certificate inside the card was perfect! I'll bet this is Colin;s best birthday ever!

Raise Them Up said...

Love what you are doing! These things are just extensions of the positive impact you have on so many of us whom you touch just by keeping your blog. Thank you for all you do to bring sunshine to each of us! And happy Birthday to your daughter! I hope you get to celebrate with her!

Gloria Baker said...

Dear Mari, Happy Birthday to your daugther!
and thanks for stopping by!!
xxx

Nancy said...

Happy Birthday to your daughter; she is beautiful...Happy Valentine's to you and your family....

I think it's wonderful when people want to spread some love and sunshine....You will be blessed....

Cherdecor said...

Happy Birthday to dear Heather! I hope she had a wonderful day.

Connie said...

What a neat thing you did.
Happy Birthday to Heather. I've never personally met her but she looks like a keeper.

Hootin Anni said...

Sweet photo of your daughter Mari!! She's a doll, and I hope she had a super special day on her birthday.

As for the act of kindess [times two this week] you really made a special effort to thank the civil service letter carrier! What a super, SUPER idea.

Hootin Anni said...

ps...seems 'super' is the word for the day. rofl

Susan said...

I've been "out of the loop" but it amazes me anyone would criticize any random act of kindness, great or small. I'm glad you are such a caring, giving person and just reading of the things you do blesses me.

White Lace and Promises said...

Your daughter is beautiful!!! God knows the heart! Don't let anyone steal your joy of doing for others! Don't you just hate it when someone tries to take the blessing with unkind remarks. Ughhhh.

Ceil said...

Oh Mari! What a wonderful thing you did for Colin! He's going to love your card and gift card. Bless your tender heart. You are such an inspiration!

My brother lives in Michigan and said there has been 100" of snow this winter. Yikes!! You must be careful on the corners my friend. How can anyone see over those piles of snow at the street corners?

Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter! What a lovely photo. She looks just like you :)
Blessings,
Ceil

Jenny said...

One: The last time I saw snow hanging off eaves like that, straining to meet the rising snow drifts on the ground, was when we went to Quebec for Christmas in 1994! It was fascinating. Two: I love what you did for the postal carrier. I know he/she was blessed by that. We love our mail carrier and we take good care of him although he rarely if ever has to deal with snow by the mailboxes. Three: A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Heather. And God bless little Colin. That is all xoxo

Just A Southern Girl said...

It seems like detractors are crawling out of the woodwork in online forums, whether that's facebook, blogs, whatever. It's too bad they feel the need to spread their own unhappiness. I think a lot of us were raised by folks who lived through the Depression and took the attitude that helping others wasn't an option; we needed to help one another through the hard times as well as celebrate the good times. I hope we've passed that on to the next generation too!