Haiti

As we watch all the coverage of the horrific earthquake that rocked Haiti, I am always humbled by how powerless we really are when it comes to natural disasters of any kind. However, when we all come together we can make such wonderful changes in the world. As we were driving down the road today, we saw a family selling hot chocolate and cookies on the sidewalk in the middle of July in Chicagoland. It is 27 degrees out here today and the 3 little girls were taking turns holding a sign that read "Help Haiti" while the other two and mom and dad where taking orders from cars and filling them.

As we raise our children who become the next generation, I hope we try to teach them to have empathy for others and help in any way they can. If we can accomplish this feat then think of what a better place our world will be for the generations to come. I wanted to thank those parents for getting their kids off the ipods and xboxes, and getting out there with them to show that YOU EACH ONE OF YOU, can make a difference. In turn perhaps the greatest benefit is not the money raised by that family today to help others but the inspiration that will drive others and those little girls in the future to help those in need, anywhere.

As a teacher and parent I continue to look for ways to encourage children to look for opportunities to aid others. There are so many untapped opportunities out there and I have found that no matter how much we give (mentally, physically, spiritually, and economically), we always get more in return.

My thoughts and prayers are with all Haitians...

Dawn