Every day
I see or I hear
something
that more or less
kills me
with delight.
Mary Oliver
Please look at what happened yesterday. Every need was filled in one day. Yesterday- over 600 families got what they needed for the holiday season- half received help in the form of an offering from a stranger and the other half received help in the form of the chance to make a difference for a stranger. The stories about hearts that were touched and changed forever yesterday are pouring into my inbox like a Love Avalanche. I can’t stop reading. I haven’t showered since Sunday morning, because I can’t pull myself away. My whole family would love if I would step away from the Love Avalanche to clean myself. But – no,thank you. One cannot just STEP AWAY from a miracle like this. One must hold one’s breath and stay inside of it for as long as humanly possible.
I thought I’d share this today. I got this letter last night, from Monkee Mama Kandra about her little girl, Gabbie.
Hello Glennon,
I requested cards for my daughter, who at the tender age of 7, is realizing that she is different and does not quite fit in. The most heartbreaking feeling as a parent is to see your child hurt. She is hurting. She is feeling alone.
Then I saw that Monkee Mama Jamie posted these pics about what her daughter was doing last night. For Gabbie.
From Jaime:
Here is my girl working hard on making cards for the Monkees that needed some card love this season. We couldn’t do a lot, but seeing this, how hard she is working, and the love she is putting in has made me so happy. She may be 15, but she is a Monkee. So much love tonight.
From Jaime:
So, I feel like I need to post the finished product of Lena’s card. I read it and cried this morning because she talks to her about how she didn’t feel special when she was younger in school and that it does get better. She extended her love and offered to be a penpal if she wants. This magical movement is not only redefining love for us adults, who may be all hurty and now feel the love, but it is teaching our younger generation to connect outside of our shells and that we do all belong to each other. I am still feeling it today, Sisters.
**********************
Do you see? THEY ARE WATCHING. THEY ARE DOING. And so we are not just changing our own hearts and the hearts of strangers the world over- but OUR KIDS’ hearts, too. They are living in a world where Sistering On is just a given. They are believing and living the truth that We Belong To Each Other. What is that going to MEAN for the future of this world??? It’s big, you guys. The little acts of love that your families are doing in your homes are adding up to something HUGE. It’s a Reloveution. It really is. I cannot BELIEVE we get to be a part of this. It’s an Extreme World Makeover.
I LOVE YOU PEOPLE. I LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU.
And I keep thinking…I became an addict when I was just a little older than Gabbie -largely because I felt like I was the only one who felt “different.” What if I’d had a Lena, someone MY AGE, to promise me that I wasn’t alone, and that it would get better? I don’t know, but I have holy goosebumps that will not go away.
G and TWMF
PS. We’re still at it, of course. Your donations are still pouring in for the Holiday Hands General Fund. As always, we are an official non-profit organization with an ALL VOLUNTEER board so that every penny donated can go from your heart straight to another. The board is going through the extra holiday requests we’ve received during the last 24 hours, getting more information about them, and then your funds with the needs. We will make this Love Money go as far and wide as humanly possible- and then next week we will tell you where every penny went -you will read the STORIES. BECAUSE WE NEED STORIES. STORIES ARE EVERYTHING. Thank you for writing a really, really great story with us.
PS. Here’s our girl, Gabbie and her GREAT MAMA, KANDRA.
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62 Comments
I love this story and want to participate. My little girl and I want to send Gabbier a card for Christmas. How do we get it to her? Please email me with the info!
WOW…WOW…WOW. LOVE IS A VERB INDEED!!!!!!!
Lena has volunteered to make cards and flower crowns to whomever would need a pick me up 🙂
My Mom would love one!! Please email me at [email protected]
Um….flower crowns?????
LENA SEND ME ONE!!!!!!!
Love, G
This is so awesome. I wonder if we could keep an ongoing list of people who need love and encouragement at any time throughout the year. So many people have love and words and glitter and homemade cards or emails to share – and many times those things mean even more than monetary gifts. Everyone has been through a hard time, and we all know how even one voice, or prayer, or happy thought aimed your way, or reminder that you’re not alone can make a real difference. Right now in my life I’m one of the folks who are hungry to spread more love – sometimes it’s hard to recognize the need in the people I see every day, because everyone feels they need to put on their brave face for the world. Maybe the computer offers that sense of safety that lets us be more vulnerable – for both the giving and the receiving. Glennon – I will joyfully volunteer to help with time and money if you want to create an ongoing love list!
Dear Glennon, the world needs more loving, empathetic nets indeed! So thank you deeply for inspiring this one (and many others), and thanks to the Momastery team for making it happen again…
By the way, I have just finished reading your book, and boy, did I want to share all of it with my friends (but most of them will have to wait for the French translation :o) and with everyone, actually.
Many of your essays made me cry, and particularly the one on “Crying and peddling” where a collective, sustained painful effort is miraculously transformed into pure collective heaven. And what you say on the way Mother Teresa inspires you and your inner namaste is exactly my approach to life. And… all of it.
Thank you deeply. And many hugs to the whole community of Monkees and families, helpful and struggling and both.
oops… This should read: On Crying and *Pedaling*
So amazed and astounded at what you’ve started, Glennon, and proud of all of these wonderful people who prove EVERY DAY that we are not a bunch of strangers trudging through our lives on our own. So full of hope for the world!!
What a beautiful mother and daughter photo!!
Watching all of this restores my faith in humanity! And knowing that we are passing it on to our kids, gives me hope that we will give them a better, kinder world than the one we inherited.
Oh Kandra, you are the greatest mom. Just the greatest. So sorry you have wondered, dear, but now you know. 🙂 Keep up the good fight, soldier.
Thank you for doing this, Glennon. On the Helping Hands Day I visited the site several times and read stories and cried and closed the site. I could not figure out what to donate to because I didn’t feel like I could choose one family over another. I just got paid yesterday and was able to make a donation to MSMD. Thank you for everything you do. If you ever need communications help for MSMD let me know (www.rossowriting.com is my professional site) although clearly you are a stellar communicator. 🙂 And thanks for what you did at Lynbrook Elementary. A friend of mine is a social worker there and she was amazed. Thank you thank you thank you.
Also my husband finished your book this week. Yours is the first book he’s read in ages (he usually reads a lot of tech articles and news). He loved it and we’ve discussed a lot of it. Thank you.
My eyes sting from trying not to cry at work with the JOY!!! I was away for a few days and now to see that a true miracle has happened…speechless and grateful for all the LOVE and GOODNESS.
I *just* found out about this today, but on the “no coincidences” front, I asked my daughter last night what she wanted for Christmas as we read a book about it being Jesus’ birthday and she said “friends.” She has Down syndrome and her best friend moved away this summer. But this pulled at my heart and made me want to help! I’ll be logging in later to see what I can do.
My 16 yr old daughter works worth special needs kids in school and is looking forward to going into that for college. My daughter has some learning disabilities herself and knows how it feels to feel different. If you’re daughter would like to recieve cards or notes. . please let me know. We would love to write to her.
We want to write to your sweet daughter! Will you send me your addy if you’re comfortable?
[email protected]
Hello Gina. I am Gabbie’s mom and Miss Gabbie would LOVE to send your daughter love and to be her friend. I also have all the contacts of the people that asked for Gabbie’s information. If you felt comfortable, I would love to send an email on to them telling about your sweet Daughter. We are only on day three, but the joy and love that has surrounded my girl has been so unbelievable and has made her shine! Please email me and let me know what would be the best for your baby girl! [email protected]
I found a response to the original post talking about the Love fest and she indicated she missed the cut off. Two of us mom’s have decided to help her, to make sure she knows she’s loved and cared for in this world.
Every time I participate, it changes me a little and I love you for allowing us the opportunity to do this. My family is better for it…I’m better for it and I hope the recipients are better for it!
Happy holidays this year for so many more!
I gotta stop reading your blog at work, Glennon. I’m a hot mess! SO MUCH LOVE. I gotta go check on my eye makeup now. Monkees are doing amazing things!
I only found this blog a month or so ago – I love to come and read – wanted to help but was too late on the postings – like another said yes there is always the fund but my kids wanted (and i would like them to see) something more concrete to give to. We will do our Angel tree shopping here in VA for some little boy or girl but we would also like to send out cards if we can……were there any other listings for cards – I have copied down the address and information about Gabbie so my girls and I can send a card but was wondering if there were others that needed a card? Blessed to see the love and sharing over the past couple of days and always.
Thanks
Yes, there was another posting for cards. If the listings are still up, you can search for “Joey.” Joey’s sister put up the post for her brother who, at 54, still believes in Santa. He loves to check the mail in hopes there is something there for him. I hope you can find the post! If not, let me know and I’ll forward you the information! LOVE WINS!
My favorite thing about his post is the reminder that both the ones needing AND the ones giving, received gifts. I had not thought of it this way, but what a wonderful perspective. As I said Monday on the FB Momastery, TODAY WAS NOTHING BUT NET! God bless you & the board, Glennon. This is ministry and worship.
Thank you. Thank you for letting me be a helper last year and receiving help this year. Thank you for letting me be strong enough to accept that help and being the builder of a community. THere is no higher calling than building community in my book.
This is almost too much… well, not too much, NEVER too much… but so much that I feel like my heart might burst!
My daughter made a card for Gabbie today… I was so thankful to Kandra for sharing Gabbie with us, so that we could show her love AND teach our kids that we belong to each other, that we need to take care of each other.
Sending you lots of love Kandra… you may not feel it but you ARE amazing… you are. Take a deep breath, give yourself a hug, and know that you’re doing a great job for sweet Gabbie.
First of all, AMEN to 7:30 bedtimes! I’m with you, sister. This is a top level security secret. Like, def con something or other!
Secondly — AMEN, AMEN, AMEN to the Love Revolution. It is happening. RIGHT HERE!!
Thank you, G. Thank you and your amazeballs Monkee Board.
So much love to you all tonight for pulling off yet another miracle!
xoxo
I’m curious what time the 7:30 bedtime kids wake up?
I don’t think we could ever make 7:30 work. Daddy doesn’t get home until around 7pm.
Lego Club starts at 7 and goes until 8:30 on Wed. nights, etc. etc.
If they are asleep by 9, that’s a good night around here. (earlier than that would be better)
So many early birds posting out on the fb thread, I almost didn’t want to admit our later time.
But I know there are some “Me too” Monkees out there so I decided to “truth tell”.
Here’s to what works for each family and a high five when they are finally asleep, whenever that is 🙂
We attempt an 8pm bedtime and feel successful when that happens. If there’s a day that requires a later time, we adjust but our 8pm bedtimers wake at 7am happy and ready to start the day 😀
Baby boy is a month shy of 3. 700-730 is bedtime. This usually means a 600-630am wake time. Yes, it’s early. But we get some alone/adult time before I actually want to go to bed (smile) and honestly, he’s tired. To keep him up an later would result in him being overtired and it taking twice as long for him to fall asleep. He has skating on Monday, bedtime gets pushed to almost 830pm…..it takes him forever to fall asleep and morning is grumpy time!!! So, as much as possible, we keep the early bedtime. Like you said….everyone does what works for their family!!!
Our girls, age 3 and 6, are 7:30 bedtime kids. They wake up around 7am, which is the absolute latest I can let them sleep in and still get the oldest to school on time. I should probably include a disclaimer that 7:30 is not actually when they FALL ASLEEP. The girls share a room and generally look at books and chat for 30 minutes or so before drifting off to sleep, but 7:30 is when we aim at getting them into bed and darkening their room. Also, summertime has a whole other schedule!
7:30 is way too early for us too! We aim for everyone in bed by 9, and if it actually happens, I feel proud of myself. Usually it’s closer to 9:30 or 10, though, before all three are down. They’re usually up around 8, which leaves them 45 minutes before the bus arrives, which works out. I’m a night owl, so I’d rather have them staying up a bit later than getting up earlier. Whatever works, right? I know what you mean about staying quiet about it most of the time, though. I do that too. 🙂
My kids are 10, 8, 6 and 3. 9 in bed is a ‘goal’, but 9:30 is more realistic, and my older two sometimes are reading in bed until 10, which I’m ok with as I too like to read to unwind and relax. The older two will sleep until I wake them, the younger two usually wake up on their own by 7:30 am. We usually don’t eat until 7:30-8pm, since we’ve got busy schedules and eat as a family every night, so I don’t see us improving on the 9pm target time, although on the rare occassion we get them all down early, my husband and I don’t know what to do with the ‘extra’ time 😉
Will there be more requests on the board this year?
This has all been so amazing and I am moved beyond words at how kind people have been to help me and everyone else who requested your help. This isn’t just giving or sharing…its the real-deal, soul-filled, life-changing sort of love that leaves an impact. To all of you who showed up with your love, thank you, thank you, thank you.
ps…Mary Oliver?! Glennon, one of the most amazing poets ever (as I know you know!) and I love that you used that quote at the top of this post! A wise truth-teller and hope spreader who revels in life’s bruty…just like you 🙂
I love you too!
Thank you for posting! I contacted Gabbie and her Mum yesterday. I have a son with Down Syndrome. I have the same fears for my son. I too feel alone, (single Mum no help from dad). This is making my heart ache with love and gratitude!!!!
Glendon,
So, so amazing to see the outpouring of love yesterday. My heart is full from the amazing-ness of it all! I’m wanting to throw out one thought/suggestion for next year. I’m wondering if you can stagger putting out the wishes or maybe do them on a weekend or over a few days? On Sunday, I spoke to my kiddos about choosing someone to help out on Monday when the needs went up. I’m on the west coast and the needs went up when we were in the thick of getting ready for school and by the time they got home, they were all gone. Which is incredible, don’t get me wrong. I know you’re still collecting money but giving money to a large pot is just not the same for kiddos who want a more concrete place to give. All that to say is I love, love, love what you’re doing here and I want to get my kids in on it. So I thought I’d throw this out there for you to chew on!! Now, go get a shower!! 😉
I LOVE this idea. yes yes!! We will take special care of our west coasters next year!!!!
I am crying after reading this! I am SO blessed and honored to have been a part of this. THANK YOU for giving your time and energy to making this happen, for bringing all of us together, and for leading the way in generous love! This is also such an encouragement to me as a mom who has been feeling woefully incompetent lately. We all need reminders that the little things we’re doing and trying to model and teach our kids are making a difference-changing the world, actually. So THANK THANK THANK YOU!!!! I am so grateful for the Monkee sisterhood!
Glennon, I feel this may be the start of your next book…
The love revolution! Monkees with the help of YOU and
The selfless momastery board changing the world
One love bomb at a time!!!! You are all amazing
And my heart is overflowing with hope that there
Is good in this world my 2 daughters are growing
Up in. Love hugs and prayers from a Tampa monkee and 2 monkees in training!
I loved seeing 15 pages of requests at 9 am and posting… and then checking back to see if I could find someone else to help that night and finding ZERO! They were all met! My little heart. What a world we live in when you have to GET RIGHT TO helping people or someone else might take your chance! Let’s wait in line for this, not for black Friday! I’ll wait in that line. I’ll camp out overnight for that line. Sign me up.
Yes!!
Well said!!
I ADORE the notion of a love line on Black Friday instead of the bargain shopping feeding frenzy. Monkey See, Monkey Do Board of Connectors; Can we do this? I will pitch my little love tent at the front of the line with Amanda; and I will be very, very happy to spend my Christmas money on the baddest, fiercest love bomb yet. Oh please let’s do this!!
I’ll bring the s’mores!
This just made me tear up/ What an amazing thought – That we live in a world that is waiting in line to help others. Total strangers. Friends. Monkees. I now have a different perspective for my day.
I feel like I don’t even need Christmas anymore. Watching all of this amazing-ness go down yesterday (and today) is just what it’s supposed to all be about. There aren’t enough words to express how much I appreciate what the Monkees (the board, the long-time readers, the new readers, EVERYONE) are doing for the world.
LOVE. love love love. Sisters making the Extreme World Makeover happen! My heart is broken open wide.
Like you, G, I was so touched at how quickly each need was met and with the loving comments and conversations. Moved to tears, actually. At both the needs out there and the love offered to fill those gaps and plug the holes. Thanks so much to you and everyone else who makes this experience what it is for all of us.
That picture at the end of Kandra and Gabbie- they are B-E-A-UTIFUL! And this post just made me burst out with the ugly cry while cooking dinner! So amazing and inspiring! 🙂
Oh this made me cry. We signed up to help meet this need yesterday and my 7 year old daughter is one of the kids making a card for Gabbie.. I shared Gabbies story with my daughter and asked her what we should do to help Gabbie feel special. She said,”we just need to love her!” So simple but it really touched me heart. So today the glitter, markers, and stickers, are being put to paper and my little girl is loving Gabbie and I am a big blubbery mess at the realization that glitter and stickers can change lives!
Hats off to the incredibly hard working all volunteer Monkee See Monkee Do Board!
I think sometimes people forget how there really is just a small group behind this HUGE undertaking of Holiday Hands and all the other things MSMD does all year long.
I really don’t know how you do it but I’m very glad you do and I’m glad I get to participate
in the love offerings you present.
Thank You, Thank You
<3
Amen!
Could not agree more – thank you!!
Faith in humanity being restored….one Monkee at a time. Thanks for all you do, G! xoxo
I could not have said it better. We all read so many things about horrible things people do and it is so nice to be reminded that there is good in the world and we can change things so much by loving each other instead of doing or saying hateful things to each other. LOVE WINS!
Love wins. It really does.
I love this! I responded to Gabbie’s listing, but I haven’t heard back with the address. How can I get it? 🙂
http://monkeeseemonkeedo.org/holiday-hands-listing/show-listing/?id=851
here you go 😉 xoxo
Thanks SO much Michelle! My daughters and I will be sending her a letter, and my mom’s high school English classes will be too! 🙂
Yes thank you. We will be sending one too from my autistic son and his brother and from a mom who understands it is nice to not feel alone Love the pictures. Love wins!
Me too!