On Sunday, I co-hosted the Orlando Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic. The night before, the husband and I were explaining to baby girl that we would be going to the picnic and that we were going to be helping people. We told her that we’d be collecting items that would be given to people who needed them. This led to a resurfacing of a previous conversation concerning people who don’t have as much as we do. It also led to many questions/comments from her:
- “Why do some people not have houses?”
- “But, if they sleep on the streets…that’s dangerous!”
- “When did we not have a house?”
After answering all her questions and feeling good that she was actually understanding this concept, she proceeded to break my heart…in a good way.
“Maybe one day…daddy can go work more and get even more money and we can build them a house!”
Oh baby girl, how I wish we could. That sure would be great.
After the initial laughter between my husband and I about her sending him to do more work, I sat there in the car on our way home and had to really fight back the tears. I was so proud of my girl and that she not only understood, but that she also wanted to help.
During the picnic itself, it was bittersweet to see local homeless families at the event. While it was nice to see the kids enjoying themselves and having fun with other kids attending, including my daughter, it was really sad to know that at the end of the day, they wouldn’t have a home to go to.
One day, though, perhaps as a community, we’ll be able to fulfill my baby girl’s hopes of being able to “build them a house” and help everyone.
For another story about my girl and how sweet she’s acting these days, head over to read about her Big Sister Love.
Disclosure: I was compensated for my time and work in co-hosting the Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic.
That's wonderful when we hear diamonds coming out of our babes mouth. You are really blessed.
Thanks. It does make me proud.
Aw that's so sweet! It's wonderful that you dedicate your time to this organization and that sweet girl. It's truly rewarding to feel like you've made an impact in someone's life.
It was great to see how appreciative they were.
Thank you for contacting Hills of Africa Travel.
I will be out of the office Monday 12th July through Sunday, 25th July. In my absence, please contact Mark Homann for any new inquiries, or my assistant Michelle for urgent needs, michelle@hillsofafrica.com.
Alternatively, I will return your message when I get back on Monday, July 26, 2010.
Thank you!
Sandy Salle
That's really nice that your baby girl is exposed to these kinds of events. I believe that kids need to participate in more charity work so they could also learn how to appreciate and be grateful for what they have.
That was my intention. I wanted her to have something tangible to help her understand the concept.
Hi Melanie,
This is so heartfelt…. Ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to help the poor. I would see little kids at stoplights here in Salvador and it would break my heart.I help as much as I can and whenever possible nowadays. I think your little girl has a heart of gold. Such a sweetie….
Blessings?,
Eren
Yes, she is very kind and generous. I truly hope it continues as she gets older.
Awww ..:') What a sweet baby. Great post.
Thanks. It does make me proud.
Thanks. It does make me proud.
That was my intention. I wanted her to have something tangible to help her understand the concept.
Thank you for contacting Hills of Africa Travel.rnrnI will be out of the office Monday 12th July through Sunday, 25th July. In my absence, please contact Mark Homann for any new inquiries, or my assistant Michelle for urgent needs, michelle@hillsofafrica.com.rnrnAlternatively, I will return your message when I get back on Monday, July 26, 2010.rnrnThank you!rnrnSandy Salle
It was great to see how appreciative they were.
It was great to see how appreciative they were.
That was my intention. I wanted her to have something tangible to help her understand the concept.
Yes, she is very kind and generous. I truly hope it continues as she gets older.
Yes, she is very kind and generous. I truly hope it continues as she gets older.