Good morning! I am just back from a hilly walk with my dogs during a sun break. Many of my neighbors had the same idea and we waved in solidarity to each other from opposite sides of the street as we passed. I truly feel that we are all in this together and I am getting that back from everyone I (distantly) encounter.
I apologize for the length of yesterday's post. That was excessive, but the poor writer had a big job ahead of them. I will be more concise in future posts. Like today's!
Dearest Guide,
What would be a good way for our kids to extend themselves to our larger community at this time? Do you think it would be a good idea to send letters and drawings to the residents at a nursing home?
Do you have any ideas about how we can give back to people or communities in need?
Signed, Lots of Love to Share
Gentle Parent,
I think your idea of sending cards, letters and artwork to a nursing home was a terrific one. I called our friends at Corvallis Caring Place, where Philomath Montessori students performed and visited last October, to see if that would be welcome or if contagion from the mails were a concern. The lovely Crystal said that contagion via the mail was of very slight concern and children were welcome to mail any letters or art they wish. She seemed genuinely delighted and excited at the prospect. Crystal also said that families could photograph the letter, card or art piece and email it to crystalw@corvalliscaringplace.org and save the stamp. It could be shared with residents on a screen and also on the facility's Facebook page! So, perhaps don't accidentally photograph your social security card and send that along. I don't know as much as all of you about such things, but I'm assuming you can "friend" them and be part of the fun, seeing what they and others have sent.
Where else could kids send encouraging or appreciative notes and cards? What about Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis? Or maybe send a card to Any Staff at Lenox Hill Hospital NYC or Any COVID Patient at Bellevue Hospital NYC, our own Philomath Fire Department EMTs or any worker at Fred Meyer or the Co-op? The list can go on and on - gratitude to those caring for the animals at our local shelters (managing without their usual hundreds of volunteers ) or trucking company employees (you know, a lot of truck stops have closed. Must be tough.) I would address that one, "Dear Trucker." I'm sure if we all practice our gratitude, we can come up with many community workers/helpers who could use some encouragement or appreciation.
What else, what else? We could buy a few extra non-perishable food items when we shop for supplies and set them aside for one of our area food pantries such as Linn Benton Food Share or South Corvallis Food Bank. We could ask our kids their input about what would be the most nutritious foods to include. This makes for endlessly fascinating discussions about nutrition and the food groups. Kids LOVE to place things in categories!
Another idea: Foster an animal or litter during your shut-in time. Safehaven Humane Society is seeking foster homes. They provide the supplies, food and support. You supply the love and care. Inquire at fostercare@safehavenhumane.com or call 541-928-2789.
The unneeded toys and such that have been weeded out of your kids' stash can be lovingly cleaned and made as nice as possible for their next owner. The outgrown, but still useful clothing can be laundered, mended, folded and readied for its next wearer. You, Gentle Parent, can discuss with your kids how you will call So-and-So to see if they need anything next time you go out. Is there a neighbor that you should check on? Could you put someone's trash cans back up by their garage after pick-up? That could be a really fun focus for a walk! Could you put some books you are finished with in a Local Little Free Library? If you come up with more wonderful ideas, Gentle Parents, please share them on that wonderful Philomath Montessori Facebook page I keep hearing about! And share what your family has done.
Quick story: A few weeks ago, when COVID19 had gained traction in the Seattle area and a little bit in Portland, my octogenarian mother, who is staying at my sister's home in Vancouver, WA, borrowed some books from the senior center. Thinking better of it and concerned about contagion, she placed them on cookie sheets in a low oven for what seemed a reasonable period of time. When she extracted them, all seemed well until the books were picked up and every page came sliding out like loose-leaf on the floor. All the glue had desiccated. Mom has been gluing the books back together and they are reportedly as good as new! And sanitary!
Many thanks, Gentle Parent, for your reminder to look beyond our own little nests to the great Tree of Life and our fellow humans, many of whom are much, much worse off than we and many of whom are heroically laboring under very difficult circumstances to see our needs are met and the virus is kept at bay. Humbled and grateful, I remain,
Your Guide,
Doni
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