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:
Carolina Valdez Miller
Sophia Chang
Erica Chapman
Leigh Moore
Claire Hennessy
Katharine Owen
Elizabeth Poole
Sophia Chang
Erica Chapman
Leigh Moore
Claire Hennessy
Katharine Owen
Elizabeth Poole
I promise to have something more concrete for you next month.
52 comments:
Sounds like you could use the kindness today! Sorry you had such a scare last night. And I will say a prayer.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Madi, and all the others mentioned.
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. :)
Good vibes going out:) Hope your child feels better soon.
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
Prayers headed your way and to the others mentioned. Take care Madi! (and Matt)
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.
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!
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.
Prayers are concrete : ) praying for them all
Prayers it is!
And I know the feeling of the emergency run to the hospital. It never feels good.
Prayers going up!
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. (:
Oh no, Matt...poor Madi! *hugs* Sick children (and animals) break my heart. Sending lots of healthy thoughts and prayers. <3
Yes, it sounds like you are the one who could use some kindness today. Sending good vibes to your family and Madi.
Awww, sorry to hear about your daughter. I will def. be praying for her health and the others.
Good vibes going out for all.
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
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.
Glad to hear things are going better. Thoughts and prayers for Madi and all the other children you mentioned.
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:)
xoxo to you and your fam, Matt! Prayers coming your way and to the children in need.
*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...
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
Hope she's feeling even better now. Prayers on the way...
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.
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.
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.
Nothing more scary then when your child is seriously sick!
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.
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.
Sending some kind and healing vibes for daughter and dad(((((()))))))
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.
Matt, I will pray AND meditate for Madi and for all the other sick children you mention. I hope Madi feels better soon.
I HATE it when little kids are sick! I'll definitely say prayers.
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
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
All the best (and ice cream) to Madi.
And blessings and healing to all children everywhere.
And here's a song for you and their parents:
http://youtu.be/Y5DBJpWRFf8
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!
I hope your Madi gets better soon.
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.
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.
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!
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...
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.
I absolutely know how you feel. Prayers and good vibes your way.
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.)
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.
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))
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. :)
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?
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