Gifts

At least five very generous people have sent me emails about sending me (or the baby girls) some kind of a gift, so I would kind of like to address it here.

First of all, Thank You all very, very much. It is extremely touching and makes me feel very legitimately warm inside. I have a hard time really describing how wonderful it feels to have strangers care that much and be willing to reach out like that.

I guess I just don't really feel comfortable accepting gifts, though. And yes, part of it is definitely a hesitancy to send my address out to people (although three of you are long-time readers that I wold probably feel OK about that with).

Mostly though, I feel like your generosity could benefit some others more dramatically. And no, I do not intend to tell people how, when, and how much they should choose to be generous...it is entirely your business. But I can tell you that I would feel much better if you told me that you wanted to send me adorable little baby hats, but instead gave them to your local church, shelter or other charitable organization. There are all kinds of people with babies (one or more) that do not have nearly the support or the resources that we are fortunate enough to have.

I actually tried to find a national or regional organization focused on helping single mothers with multiples, but I didn't find one. As this has approached, I have thought about those people that are facing the same thing that I am...only without a wonderful husband, a super-awesome sister, fantastic friends and family and a saint of a mother-in-law to help them. I can't even imagine how scary it would be to be staring at this alone.

So, I will make that my official Funny Thing plea: if you feel moved to send me or the babies something, please think about directing that generosity towards someone needy who is closer to home. Churches are probably a great place to start...I may not be terribly religious, but I can certainly recognize that a lot of the nuts and bolts charitable work is done very quietly and unceremoniously by churches. All of their efforts to provide clothing, emergency housing, counseling and rudimentary food and necessities to the truly needy are probably feeling the economic squeeze as much as anyone, and could use whatever you can give. And I would love it if you sent me a picture of whatever super cute baby clothes you give them:-)

And finally, for those that offered, I am incredibly touched at the offerings and flattered and thrilled by your gestures. Many, many Thank Yous to all.