March 7, 2014, is going to be many things:
National Doodle Day
National Crown Roast of Pork Day
For Connor’s family, though, March 7, 2014 will be the day they celebrate his first birthday. Connor was stillborn on March 7, 2013. On March 7, 2014, his parents want to “celebrate that he existed, not focus on him being gone.” The way they have chosen to do that is to “spread goodness, in his honor” in the days leading up to his first birthday.
Mama Kat, through her weekly writing prompts, has encouraged participating bloggers to “complete a random act of kindness for Connor.” Connor’s mom, who blogs at Live, Love, Read, really hopes that those of us who do RAOKs in Connor’s memory will share what we did so that she can compile them. She describes the options, including use of the hashtag #connorscrew, here. (But if you don’t feel comfortable sharing, that’s okay too!).
I had to take my father-in-law to the hospital today for an appointment. Since I was already there, I left the parking staff with $3 (the fee to valet park at the hospital parking garage) and a letter describing Connor, so that someone who is harried, preoccupied with a loved one’s illness, or just short $3, will have one less thing to worry about. (I have to compliment the attendant who I talked to; I encouraged him to read the letter and he “got it” immediately … he said “oh it’s like a pay it forward thing, huh?” He said he may hang onto the $3 and the letter until tomorrow. I am pretty sure the $3 will end up in exactly the right hands. Thank you, attendant guy, for being part of #ConnorsCrew!).
It is simple to do a Random Act of Kindness, and it doesn’t have to cost a cent. (For ideas, visit this site.) I’d love for #ConnorsCrew to be bursting at the seams with the kindness of loving hands and hearts. How about you enlist alongside me, Connor, and his parents?
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
I love everything about this. What a perfect place for you to choose to help a stranger. Hospitals are scary enough without having to worry about parking and logistics.
Thanks! Our hospital garage is particularly awful, so I appreciate Connor’s parents nudging me to do a little something to make it less awful for one person. 🙂
Your random act of kindness is going to make someone’s day a whole lot nicer. And, I love the place you chose to do it… just perfect!
Thanks! And thanks for stopping by my blog.
I love that you included a a print out with more information, I should have done that! And how neat the parking attendant wanted to hang on to it for the perfect opportunity. I love that!
Thanks! (And huge props to you for including this as a prompt in the first place.) Maybe it’s just me, but when I’ve done this at a coffee shop or something, and handed my “RAOK missive” to the staff person and asked them to use it for someone down the line, I kind of get a blank/mystified look. This kid’s (because he WAS young compared to us!) reaction just made my day. Kindness ruled the day. 🙂
Thank you so much! This made me tear up (in a good way)! How perfect! I know that when I was in the hospital for a week, being induced, we were so stressed already! How perfect that a family will have one less thing to stress about! Thank you for sharing kindness in Connor’s name. We love how goodness is being spread.
Suzie, I really appreciate you stopping by. Connor’s story has made a huge impact on me, and it is with a full heart that I am sharing his story and happy to have a small part in fulfilling your wishes for his birthday.
That’s a really get cause and great way to pay it forward 🙂
Thanks Dominique!
Awesome! I think I received the blessing by doing it. How awesome that Connor is still touching the world!
I feel the same way, Kyliegh!