Sorry in advance this has more than a few simple words. You're spending time distancing yourself from all your regular activities now anyway so maybe you won't mind.
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Much like most people in the world right now we made plans that won't be fulfilled. We had so many hopes, dreams and visions of the future as a family when Caleb came along as well. In fact, this photo was taken at Caleb's first and only experience at Sesame Street Live. We had taken time off work, paid for a hotel room in Tulsa and waited to watch Caleb's face light up as he got to see Elmo (one of his favorites)! As you can see, he DID love it but that only lasted literally about 2 minutes.

He came. He saw. He wanted to leave. So despite all our plans, we did what was best and left.

Such is the case right now. Instead of an in-person get together, it is best that we abandon our original plans and focus on what is most important. Social distancing. Flattening the curve. Keeping everyone healthy. Showing love for those who are in desperate need.

This Nice on the 9th we want you to choose at least 9 people/local businesses that are struggling and BE NICE! We also want to put out hope, love, strength, resilience and positivity in Caleb's name. Post on our page and tag us in your efforts. Wait until April 9th or start working on it now!

How can you help?

IDEAS:

-If you are still getting a check (or if you have a few dollars to spare), send a "love offering" (thank you to my dear Uncle John [who left this world shortly before Caleb's arrival] for that phrase) to someone who isn't getting their regular paycheck because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

-Put together a care package for a nursing home and leave it with a staff member (be sure to sanitize anything that could still have your germs on it).

-Call/email/chat online with someone who may be lonely, having an especially difficult time, or who already struggles on normal days with their mental health. Emotions are high. Do your part to bring laughter when possible!

-Shop local business! Many are offering curbside pickup, delivery, shipping, etc!

-Getting overloaded with kids' arts and crafts projects? Pass it on to someone who would LOVE to have a child's creativity sent/delivered to them!

-Ask your healthcare providers how you can help. Sew some extra masks. Order bakery goods from those struggling shops and restaurants that have supported all your fundraising nights and have them deliver to those who are putting in long hours and risking their own health for the public.

-Volunteer for a charity who is making a difference in these uncertain times (if you have volunteer opportunities, please post here as well).

-Give to a shelter (the two or 4-legged variety). Being homeless right now is even more challenging.

-Don't take this time here for granted. We say it often but tomorrow truly is not guaranteed for any of us. We would give anything in the whole, wide world to be "stuck" at home with Caleb. Play with your kids. Really play. Put your phone down and put on your imagination. It's missed you.

-Be a light in the dark. Look at Caleb's face and see the joy his brief time here still shines through you. Caleb was only in our world 2 years, 2 months, and somewhere into his 23rd day but he lit up our whole world, even in the darkest of times. He still is if you let him.

-Be Nice on the 9th.