Nice on the 9th for Wyatt's Wings

Are you bored being at home? Have you been wanting to join us but aren't local? Are you local and look forward to each 9th? This is for YOU!! You are invited to join us virtually for Nice on the 9th for Wyatt's Wings on September 9th from 6-7 (or as long as you want to play)!

Wyatt's Wings is an organization providing assistance to parents of children with dwarfism, in need of long term Neonatal Intensive Care and those who are terminally ill. They also provide assistance with funeral services, something for which we wish no parent ever had the need.

Since COVID is still hanging around, we are going to get together virtually for a fun (TOTALLY FREE) game! 1st place wins $299, second $99 and third $49 (plus drawings for prizes such as a $100 Amazon gift card) so tell your friends and family! We will also have a Zoom call so everyone can see and hear each other from the safety of our computers (phones won't work with the game).

This is one of the few Nice on the 9th events that you must be 18 to play but we would still LOVE your handwritten notes or the piles of your kids' artwork that needs a new home (comment here to arrange a drop-off or mail-in delivery)

How do I join the night of free fun?
- If you don't already have it, you'll need to download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.net (this will only work from a PC or Mac, so you won't be able to do this from your phone)
- Open the main poker lobby, then click on the Home Games tab
- Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
- Enter my Club ID number: 3677094
- Enter my Invitation Code: #wyattswings

Or launch this URL: pokerstars://home-games/invite/3677094/wyattswings

That's it! Once we've approved your membership request, we'll be ready to start playing together!

—————

Split your screen and join the fun on the Zoom Meeting as well! https://gpsec.zoom.us/j/95545113986?pwd=WVFDVk4xaFlWVWMwU011ekFZVnNoZz09 Meeting ID: 955 4511 3986 Passcode: 658605 One tap mobile +13462487799,,95545113986# US (Houston) +12532158782,,95545113986# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location         +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)         +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)         +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)         +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) Meeting ID: 955 4511 3986 Find your local number: https://gpsec.zoom.us/u/adXo3SSJj3

—————

Once again, this is a completely free night but if you would like to make any donations, we will graciously split them with our friends at Wyatt's Wings.

Not familiar with Wyatt's Wings? They are an incredible organization. Check them out here: http://www.wyattswings.org/

A Light in the Dark-Shine to 9

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.
---------
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.