I find organizations to support financially, like our local food bank. And there is an organization in town that helps immigrants with daily needs who are homeless right now. There is a group of people who have joined together to give young people of color a place to go after school. After a snack, they can get help with homework, or just hang out together.
I agree about giving the homeless something when I see them at street corners, although lately it has been a bit hard logistically.
We also have an organization that sets up a time to give coats, gloves and winter clothing to people. They ask for good, used, clean items, but I usually give a new coat and winter things in children sizes. One year I gave a man’s coat. This will happen next month. I think it is our responsibility to help feed and clothe those who cannot help themselves right now. And to do it as generously as you can, with money, or talent by volunteering. There have been years when i could not afford to give, so I volunteered instead. One year I helped to sort the clothing that came in for the homeless and was appalled at what was given. That is when I decided to give new garments, or like-new things. So now I set a little money aside every month for this time of year. Our local dry cleaners help by cleaning everything.
And I try my best to be generous with some neighbors who are less than kind to some of us.

Grief. In order to have grief, you have to have loved, or at the very least, cared about someone or something.
Last week would have been a celebration of one of my children’s birthdays. Rob would have been 46 years old. And yesterday would have been my late husband’s birthday.
It was also my daughter’s birthday, so I don’t openly mourn because I would never ruin her birthday. I do, however, mourn much on the day of their birthdays. Some years are easier than others. This year is hard. Grief has its own timeline.
Remembering our good times can be a comfort, but grieving needs to happen as well. Next week is my other sons birthday, and all will be well by then. I will have done my grieving.
No replies are wanted.
I just needed to share and acknowledge the losses. Acknowledging is important…… that these two souls walked this earth, and were deeply loved. Still are.

Wow…big question….I guess first is to do what I can where I am in the world. We have some very angry people in our town that are trying their best to get on the school board. I am writing a letter to the opinion section in our local newspaper supporting the opposite side, the peaceful people, and endorsing them. I am writing our senators and representatives on certain bills that I find important to pass. Yes, it is only one voice, but if more people did it, we can have an impact.
Choosing peace in everyday life can sometimes be difficult, but is an important little cog in the mechanics of greater things. One, then two, then more. It matters. I found that out when I helped with an election and a letter writing campaign. It did make a difference.

My spirituality. I have gotten lazy, like being on vacation a bit, and, come to think of it, maybe I have been! I want my structure back, so have signed up for an online course from Tricycle magazine and I started yesterday. It feels like…balm for my soul…..and when I have missed a Zoom church service, I have made no effort to look at the email sent by church to see the recordings. Well, I have, as of this morning, started watching the services I have missed to help me reconnect. It’s all good, as they say…..