Giving Tuesday

I put my money where my mouth (or at least my keyboard) is and made donations to both organizations today.  I will do another round of giving at the end of the year.  No matter where you contribute, support something that feeds your spirit.  If you can’t give money, give time.  It feels great.  I promise.

xoxo,

Robyn

Now that you have had your fill of turkey and found all kinds of great deals, I would like to do my yearly donations pitch. Many of you make donations on Giving Tuesday or do year end contributions. Here are 2 places worthy of consideration.

David S Tremaine Memorial Scholarship – in 2 years we have been able to award 11 renewable scholarships with plans to give out more in the spring. Donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE so it really is a win-win. Donations can be made through http://collegeaccessfairfax.org/donation/.
You will be mailed a receipt for your taxes and will also have my undying gratitude when they email me and tell me you donated!

Camp Kesem William and Mary – you have already seen and heard about this incredible camp and what it has done for Parker. There are chapters all across the country and I know all of them would appreciate your support. Again, all donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE.http://campkesem.org/williammary/donate

Thanks in advance for considering these very worthy causes when making your donations this year! xo

#campkesem_wm #collegeaccessfairfax #givingtuesday

Thankful

Today, as every day, I am thankful for the three best people I know.  They just happen to be my children.  They are so much fun to be around.  Want to be inspired?  Spend some time talking to any one of them.  They are not just doing okay in our post-Dave world, they are kicking ass.

I have always given so much credit to Dave for how well they have navigated life since June 2014.  He provided for us financially so that we have a roof over our head and food on the table, tuition can be paid and trips can be taken.  That peace of mind has been a blessing many times over.  He provided for us emotionally especially in the last few weeks before he died.  I believe that we all carry his words letting us know that we would be okay and to take things one step at a time close to our hearts.  I will always be thankful for the man and father that he was and how completely selfless he was during those last days so that his energy could be spent wrapping us in a Dave sized security blanket to last us a lifetime.

I also want to give so much credit to Sam, Grant, and Parker.  They could have fallen into a pit of self-pity.  It would have been understandable.  It certainly has been tempting a time or two for me.  But they didn’t, and I didn’t.  Together we have been able to be strong when one wasn’t.  We have in pairs and as a group bolstered each other through the saddest of times.  We laugh.  We cry.  We always find a way to laugh again.  I know every parent thinks they are the luckiest, but I happen to know for fact, that I hold that title.

Happy Thanksgiving.

xoxo,

Robyn

 

Happy Birthday, Babe.

Happy Birthday, Babe.  How I wish you were here.  This picture cracks me up.  I don’t forget how tall you were.  This just illustrates it perfectly – me on tip toe and you bending at the knee and there is still a pretty big difference between us.  I miss tucking under your arm for a hug.

So much has happened since you have been gone.  Good things like honor rolls and dean’s lists, volunteering and other kid milestones.  There have been some not so great things too.  You would be apoplectic about the election results, but you wouldn’t have been surprised.  We disagreed about the make up and wants of this country, but it turns out you were right.  Completely.

I miss our inside jokes, the ridiculous nicknames, Saturday morning breakfast and sharing the newspaper.  I miss you.  Love you always.

xoxo,

Robyn

Why I Vote…

I voted today.  I didn’t “hold my nose and vote” or “pick the lesser of two evils”.  I certainly didn’t cast my precious vote for a candidate who realistically has no chance of winning this election.  My kids deserve better than that.

I respected the system that we have and considered the two candidates that the people have chosen to represent our two parties.  I voted for the candidate whose ideas and plans more closely align to what I think is important.  I voted for the candidate I trust to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court with the possibility of more to come.  I voted because I care about my kids’ futures.  They deserve the best.

My kids have had a challenging time, though less difficult than some but more so than many.  They face their future without their dad.  I want everything in the world for them especially a life as free from worry and full of joy as possible. I read something this week that really hit home for me.  It was written by a woman who has been widowed for some time.

“I wish you knew how badly I will always hurt for our kids.  It never goes away; it’s a forever part of who I am.” One Fit Widow

So for my part, I try to provide them with experiences and opportunities to enrich their lives.  I try to support them in all that they do.  I pray that their lives will be full and rich.  And I vote.

xoxo,

Robyn