Day 1: Interruption

I'm not a blogger, or really anyone who has ever wanted to have a diary or written narrative with which to hassle.  But I feel confronted nearly each day when I turn on the news, radio, or glance at the internet, and see one sad story after another.  Our world is clearly imperfect.  We humans are definitely not making it easy on ourselves.  Living, though, in this constant state of despair only creates and fosters fear.  Fear of people, nature, the unknown, and life as we know it. 


I am a mother now, and fear is not the legacy I want to leave my daughter.  It is a choice that I (and my husband) have to make, and somehow we have to figure out how to not shelter her from reality, but to also instill in her a sense of hope.  Not only do I want her to know of the good news that is currently happening in her first year or so of life, but I also have this intense desire to expose myself to good news.  I need to have my hope restored.  Merriam-Webster defines interrupt as "to break the uniformity or continuity of," and that is clearly what my life and thought process needs.  To be interrupted.  I need this interruption, to remember that there is good in this world.  So that I in turn can instill this hope in her.  


So, this blog is born.  As a means to document my journey to find a positive story, event, person, or charity each day for a year.  My wish is that some day my daughter will be able to look back and see that amazing events and people filled the days at the start of her life, and that goodness and hope continues as she grows older.  


I'll start with an easy one: TOMS Shoes, an amazing organization.  This is their mission.
 "TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS mission transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.
Why shoes?
Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

• A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
• Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they are also dangerous when wounds become infected.
• Often, children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential."

Just this last week, TOMS blog documented their millionth pair shoe drop in Argentina, and also established a new giving partnership with IMA World Health to bring shoes to children in Haiti.  What an awesome organization!  Thank you for what you are doing.  (And yes, I love my TOMS shoes!)