“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson and the quote at the beginning of the Thinking Moms’ Revolution’s first book.
Today’s newsletter is short and it is a request for help.
As parents, we put off getting sick when our kids our sick. We carry on, sleep deprived and nurture starved, giving and giving and giving to help our kids heal through their latest illness. That can be the illnesses that are short-lived (like flu or chicken pox) with a beginning fever, a middle part with a rash, and an ending…illness over and lifelong immunity. Then maybe on to the next child or family member, and dang, if it isn’t the moms who are the last hold out to get sick!
But there are families who live the reality of a chronically ill child. Autism parents are on 24/7. No one does the 24/7 more courageously than the moms and dads committed to helping their children recover from a diagnosis of autism. And the children are recovering. But it is expensive, time consuming, and all too often filled with heartbreak and setbacks. These moms and dads carry on…everything for the sake of their kids.
Please meet Melanie Baldwin, one of the original Thinking Moms (and one dad). You can find her story in the TMR book, The Thinking Moms’ Revolution: Autism Beyond the Spectrum Inspiring True Stories from Parents Fighting to Rescue Their Children. (Buy it today…you will be inspired!)
In February 2010, Melanie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, the cancer has returned and the TMR community is reeling. When one of our family is sick, we want to help. We want to do what we can to show our love.
“An amazing woman by the name of Melanie Hamilton Baldwin changed the face of autism and cancer culture by telling her story to thousands as “Booty Kicker” in the Thinking Moms’ Revolution’s book Autism Beyond the Spectrum. Having once beaten breast and bone (hip) cancer; she now suffers liver, spine, and bone cancer in her other hip. For anyone who knows Melanie, two words come to mind. “Faithful” and “Godly.” As she struggles to overcome her current issues, her severely affected son Luke, still requires 24/7 care and attention as he is self-injurious and quite ill, suffering the lingering effects of severe autism. Please consider donating generously to help her family care for Luke as she regains her health, and please help their family establish financial security that will help them thrive during her absence.”
TMR has organized a fundraiser for Melanie and her family.
Three more suggestions on how to help
1. Light Candles
Prayer and lighting candles are always a way to care for others when there is little money and you still want to do something for someone who hurts.
Real candles not possible? Then go to gratefulness.org and light a virtual candle. This website is inspirational and uplifting. I love getting their quotes every morning in my email.
Love resonates healing energy. Send love to Melanie and all the thinking moms and dads.
2. Meditation
For some, prayer is a natural go-to. For many years now, using the Buddhist practice of Tonglen has been a helpful way to process my own feelings and, in so doing, process the feelings of others who may be experiencing the same feelings. Here is a link to Pema Chodron explaining the concept of Tonglen.
There are many ways to pray. You will know what works for you as you pray on behalf of Melanie.
3. Homeopathic remedies for shock and grief
Ignatia is one of the most-well known remedies for emotional effects after hearing shocking news, especially if there is crying and sighing.
Gelsemium is another remedy to consider, especially if the news has left one feeling shaky and fearful of an ordeal.
We are all affected in different ways when someone we love is in the process of healing after receiving an unexpected diagnosis.
Be sure to give your homeopath a call. A remedy can help support you as you are called to help another.
Yours in health and healing,
Donna
