Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Kindness Project: Prayers and Apologies


Too often kindness is relegated to a random act performed only when we’re feeling good. But an even greater kindness (to ourselves and others) occurs when we reach out even when we aren't feeling entirely whole . It’s not easy, and no one is perfect. But we’ve decided it’s not impossible to brighten the world one smile, one kind word, one blog post at a time. To that end, a few of us writers have established The Kindness Project, starting with a series of inspirational posts.

I have to apologize. I had something really special planned for today, but it fell through, because I didn't plan it far enough ahead. But that's not really why I didn't post until so late in the day.

Last night we had a family medical emergency. My ten-year-old, Madi, went to the doctor yesterday afternoon. They diagnosed her with severe strep throat, and mononucleosis at the same time. But it didn't seem that serious, so they sent her home with a prescription for antobiotics, and orders to rest and hydrate. Then, last night, her throat swelled up so badly she couldn't swallow.

We took her to the hospital, and she got some shots and an IV to re-hydrate, and now she's okay. Still in a lot of pain, and still running a high fever, but okay. So it was a rough night last night, and I stayed home from work today, just in case, and all my plans for an awesome Kindness Project post were shot.

I'm sure you all will understand.

But it did bring something to mind. I have some friends whose kids are struggling with their health as well. In fact, I have two in particular whose health is worse than Madison's. SH and LBM could both use our prayers and positive energy. And for that matter, I'm sure Lenny Lee's health probably isn't out of the woods yet.

So let's do this: if you're religious, say a prayer and ask God to help these kids, or help all sick kids, really. If you're a Buddhist, when next you meditate, send some healthy Oms their way. If you're neither, maybe you could just send some positive vibes their way? I know these poor kids sure deserve to feel better.

And the meantime, please visit these other Kindness Project blogs, the ones who actually did their job today:


I promise to have something more concrete for you next month. 

52 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like you could use the kindness today! Sorry you had such a scare last night. And I will say a prayer.

Zan Marie said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Madi, and all the others mentioned.

Jessica Salyer said...

I hope Madi is feeling better soon. There's no worse feeling than when your child is sick. I work with sick kids so I see it every day. Sending prayers. :)

deathwriter said...

Good vibes going out:) Hope your child feels better soon.

Sarah Ahiers said...

Aww poor Madi! Anne and i used to get strep all the time when we were younger. Not fun at all. I hope she gets better quick and i'll send positive vibes to the others as well

Kimberly Gabriel said...

Prayers headed your way and to the others mentioned. Take care Madi! (and Matt)

Alina Klein said...

Aw, poor Madi. That combo sounds like it's going to try to stick around for a while, but I hope she feels better soon! Sending lots of good thoughts and wishes to her and the other kids and also to their parents.

Suzie F. said...

Hope Madi feels better real soon. And that her parents get such much needed rest.

My prayers are with your family, sick and, needy children and their families. If you all don't mind, please include a prayer for baby Olivia. Thx!

Claire Hennessy said...

Gosh hope Madi feels better soon and I am definitely sending her lots of positive energy, and the others you mentioned. Well done for even managing to post anything.

Eliza Tilton said...

Prayers are concrete : ) praying for them all

Andrew Leon said...

Prayers it is!
And I know the feeling of the emergency run to the hospital. It never feels good.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Prayers going up!

Elise Fallson said...

Buckets of positive vibes and love are being sent your way qt this very instant to Madi and your friends children. There is even some for you too. I know how nerve wracking it can be when our kids get sick. Hope everyone gets back on track soon. (:

Lola Sharp said...

Oh no, Matt...poor Madi! *hugs* Sick children (and animals) break my heart. Sending lots of healthy thoughts and prayers. <3

Julie DeGuia said...

Yes, it sounds like you are the one who could use some kindness today. Sending good vibes to your family and Madi.

Amber said...

Awww, sorry to hear about your daughter. I will def. be praying for her health and the others.

JeffO said...

Good vibes going out for all.

Old Kitty said...

Oh no!! I am so so so sorry to hear about Madi!! What a nightmare for all of you! Sending lots of healing hugs and positive energy your way! Take care
x

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Prayer, kind thoughts...just reaching out and saying, "I'm thinking about you"--it's all pretty powerful and can have some great healing effects. True kindness in action. I'm sorry your girlie is sick. It's so hard on parents to feel so helpless. I hope she gets well soon. At the very least, I hope she feels well enough to swallow and drink more easily. Hopefully before the day is out. Hang in there, papa.

Unknown said...

Glad to hear things are going better. Thoughts and prayers for Madi and all the other children you mentioned.

Michele Shaw said...

Nothing worse than when your child is hurting. Nothing. Worse. I'm praying for all of you. For healing, peace and comfort. And for you...sleep:)

Kelly Polark said...

xoxo to you and your fam, Matt! Prayers coming your way and to the children in need.

Christina Lee said...

*squeezes Matt and his family*--Whew, what an ordeal for you guys!

You have such a kind soul, my friend! Loving vibes going out there...

Jemi Fraser said...

Glad Madi is going to be okay - that's terrifying!

There are far too many kids who need our prayers and good vibes. I'll be sending mine out into the world

Kristen Wixted said...

Hope she's feeling even better now. Prayers on the way...

Jennifer Hoffine said...

Yes, lots of positive energy your way...it sounds like you did do your job for the kindness project today, thinking of other sick kids in the midst of your own family's crisis.

Christa Desir said...

Oh dear, I hate when my kids are sick. It's already bad enough that they are a piece of your heart walking around in the world, how are we meant to not freak out when they are sick? Prayers for Madi.

Sarah said...

Whoa--sounds both frightening and exhausting. Glad to hear she's home and recuperating, and I hope you're getting some rest, too. You, your family, and the other children you mentioned are in my thoughts.

Susan Kane said...

Nothing more scary then when your child is seriously sick!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Hope Madi is okay. That's the hardest when a kid is sick. Hope Lenny is okay too. I didn't know he was sick.

alexia said...

That's so scary! I'm glad she's alright.

I'm not religious, though I pray in my own way. And I don't meditate, though I should (and my Dad's side of the fam is into this Indian guru, so we do Ohm at all our gatherings). I can definitely do some positive vibes/non-religious prayer, though! I envision them all in perfect health, and your daughter, too.

Karen Baldwin said...

Sending some kind and healing vibes for daughter and dad(((((()))))))

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I admit, I'm not a praying person. But sick children might just drive me to prayer. Best wishes for Madi (and if she needs suggestions for reading material while she's recovering, holler and I'll ask Gina) and for all children in need of our prayers, wishes, and cosmic willpower.

Michael G-G said...

Matt, I will pray AND meditate for Madi and for all the other sick children you mention. I hope Madi feels better soon.

Nicole Zoltack said...

I HATE it when little kids are sick! I'll definitely say prayers.

Sara B. Larson said...

That is so scary, there are few things worse than watching your child suffer. I will definitely pray for all of them. So glad your daughter is doing better. <3

dolorah said...

Sick kids is never easy to handle. I always felt helpless with mine.

I will definitely send positive thoughts you way Matt. This is a great project.


.....dhole

Steve MC said...

All the best (and ice cream) to Madi.

And blessings and healing to all children everywhere.

Steve MC said...

And here's a song for you and their parents:

http://youtu.be/Y5DBJpWRFf8

Laura Pauling said...

How scary! I know when your child finds breathing difficult the scare factor skyrockets! Sorry you had to go through that and Madi! I pray she gets well fast!

Brinda said...

I hope your Madi gets better soon.

Laurita said...

I hope your Madi feels better soon. It's hard on the parents when the kids are sick and there's really nothing you can do to make it better.

Good thoughts to you both.

Bryan Russell said...

Hey, shit, I'm sorry to hear about Madi. Glad she's starting to do better. It's a terrible feeling when something like that happens to your kids and there's not much you can do.

Nancy Thompson said...

Oh gosh! That's awful! Sorry to hear it. Was Madi allergic to the antibiotic? Sounds like classic anaphylaxis. I'm glad she's doing a little better. I'll pray for her like I prayed for SH. God bless & good luck!

.jessica. said...

Oh man, Matt, that sounds so scary. I'm glad she's okay. Sending lots of good thoughts, to you, Madi, and the others on the list...

KatOwens: Insect Collector said...

It is so difficult to be at the ER with a sick child, hoping and praying for the best. Hope today is restful and restorative for the whole family.

Tonja said...

I absolutely know how you feel. Prayers and good vibes your way.

Barbara Watson said...

I think you did your job by being the kind of dad who cares and also by taking time to think of other kids in need. (I'll be joining the Kindness Project next month. It's something that tugs at the core of my heart.)

D.G. Hudson said...

Sending positive vibes your way, Matt, distribute as necessary.

My adult daughter in her twenties has had a chronic illness since she was 16, so I understand how draining having a sick child can be.

When the kids are growing up - the focus should be on them. They'll remember it forever. Take care of yourself too. Parents forget that.

LTM said...

oh no oh no!!!! I was far away and missed all of this! I said a prayer just now, and I hope your sweet Maddy is all better! Mono sucks! And to have it right at the start of summer. :o( I know, at least she's not missing a month of school, but still! And strep is the worst. I hope she's all on the mend and you guys are much better today. ((big hugs))

Tracey Neithercott said...

Oh, Matt, what a scary experience. I'm happy to hear Madi's doing better than last night. She's in my prayers, as are those other children. Healing all around. :)

Wine and Words said...

Such a helpless feeling when your kids are sick. Up to a certain point in their lives, they think you can fix anything! And then there's the moment when they cross over, realizing we are only human with a limited reach.

Kindess project sounds like a great idea. We could all use a little more, give a little more, yes?