Show and Tell: It Takes A Village - An Internet Connection - And A Community Of Wide Open Hearts!

Recently, I returned 'back to work', a phrase that seems as innacurate at the actions that accompany it for I worked last year.

I spent one year of my life establishing Share Southern Vermont as an IRS approved, 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organiztion. It was alot of work. I loved every second of it.

And, as I readied to transition back into the commuting, lunch-packing, meeting attending working world I fantasized about how seamless the transtion would be. Fantasized is the key word in that last sentence.

I have - as usual - bit off more than I can chew in that three major SSV events are supposed to go off without a hitch by the holidays even as I set the coffee maker every evening in preparation for the day of teaching ahead of me.

Two days ago I sent this letter to all the families and friends in my address book.

It is hard to believe but Share Southern Vermont is nearing its first birthday! On December 21st we will have been serving families touched by pregnancy and infant loss for one year. It has been one of the most defining and heart affirming years of my life.

On the heels of Emma's 9th birthday we are launching into our busiest time of the year! Here are our next big events:

Thursday - October 15th - Participating in the National Wave of Light on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

Date: TBA - BOWLING FOR BABIES, a family orientated fundraiser with raffle built in. We will also be kicking off our, Angel Ornament Drive during this event.

As I am back to work, directing this non-profit is a bit more challenging timewise and I have finally agreed to ask for some help. If you are able to help in any way, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Amazingly, some of these amazing people took time out of their busy lives and baby makin' to respond.

Many people have responded to the call for crocheted angel ornaments (picture above this post) and they are feverishly wielding that size 1 needle!!

Martha from A Sense of Humor Is Essential made this gorgeous necklace for the raffle.

Baby Smiling in Back Seat, from her post on bedrest in the hospital, wrote: "I'd like to donate some pottery for the raffle. The ones I have in mind are two large bowls that match and nest one into the other, serving size or mixing size if you're making a large recipe. I didn't throw those bowls (I can't make things that big yet!) but I did glaze them. Retail value is at least $100, probably more."

The Steadfast Warrior wrote, "As a photographer, I'd be more than happy to donate a print for the raffle! I was thinking a 5x7 print in an 8x10 frame? Since I'm due Oct.15th and she could come at any point I'd like to send it before the end of the month." This is the print I chose.

As a nation we seem to be valuing each other's talents and abilites more than ever. Purchasing has taken a back seat. Bartering finally got to ride shotgun. And so, I call out to you -my local community, our ALI community, your family and your friends - appealing to your considerable skills.

Do you have an item, whether large or small, valuable or symbolic, you could offer?

Asking for help isn't my most developed skill. Know that I trust you explicitly to do it. But I must for I have a responsibility to the familes we serve and the ones that will join us in sadness.

Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your support. Because You Give - We Share.

What are you showing and telling?