Dear Someday Baby,
I have always tried to live my life the “right” way. I played by the rules, respected my elders and did what was expected of me growing up. I was a sensitive child with an over-compassionate heart. I saved kittens destined for a horrible fate, went hunting with my dad just so I could scare away the pheasants in advance. I was a Brownie, a Girl Guide and an ‘A’ student. I befriended the bullied kids, went the extra mile for my friends and blazed a trail for my little sister, who I (secretly) adored.
Later on, I became a journalist because I was sick and tired of injustice and pain in the world, and thought I could make a difference. I helped a few people along the way, but in the end, it was me who needed the help. Working in the media is a nasty business and its ugliness almost swallowed me whole, so I got out.
Fast forward to present day. Now I work in the charitable sector, striving to enhance quality of life for incredibly sick children. I also volunteer for a not-for-profit organization helping homeless youth raise their children.
I give to many charities, some anonymously. I raise money to fight breast cancer.
Heck, I am even an organ donor.
I try to give as much of myself as possible to those who need it. And I know better than anyone that true philanthropy means giving without expecting anything in return.
But I’ll be completely honest…..sometimes I find myself wondering why nobody knows how much families like us need help. I find it ironic that there isn’t a “cause” supporting folks who just want to be parents. There is no walk/run/bowl-a-thon or Live Aid concert for those of us who desperately want to adopt or can’t afford IVF treatments.
That said, I believe karma exists, and to turn my back on it now would be foolish, but I just wish it would hurry up and give us some kind of break. We need it now more than ever.
Love you Already,
Momma
