Did you know it is #haveanashday?
Probably not, unless you are one of my friends on Twitter or
Facebook—or if you know anyone from Fenton, Michigan.
Why are we talking about Nash?
Well, the folks from small towns stick together.
Just because we are transplants to Texas, we will always consider
Fenton our hometown.
Two months ago, a precious baby boy named Nash died suddenly
while he was at daycare--maybe it was SIDS? I think the investigation is still ongoing. Nash ‘s dad, is from Fenton—graduated from Fenton High
School a year ahead of me—in my hubby’s class. I was friends with one of his
cousins, and my cousins are actually cousins with the Schupbach side of Nash’s
family. Anyway, it’s kinda like seven degrees of separation—without being seven
degrees. Whatever.
So, we have been following this family’s story on Facebook.
Nash’s amazing mom, Shelly (who I don’t know, but feel like I do) has been
writing an blog chronicling what it’s like to lose your baby. Her blog is here:
http://caffreshe.wordpress.com/
Every time I read her blogs, I shed a few tears. She is
absolutely amazing. She is a wonderful writer and has a beautiful soul.
Back to today—August 9.
Last month, Nash’s family did some awesome RAK (random acts
of kindness) around Fenton. I think it really helped them get through the day.
Nash would have been 6 months old. There were some local news stations that
picked up their story and #haveanashday started to catch on.
Today, Nash would have been 7 months old. My sister and I
knew we wanted to do something. She suggested doing something for kids and an
idea was born.An awesome person from Fenton, made a pdf file with
Nash’s picture and some information about him and his smile.
So, my sis and I got that pdf file—made some copies and bought bubbles and water bottles. We taped Nash’s picture on the bottles, (I even convinced the hubby to go), sprayed the girls with sunscreen and we headed out in the 100 degree heat to spread some joy.
It’s not easy to spread joy. People are very wary of anyone
coming up to them. They go the other way, or wonder what you are trying to
sell. Seriously, it’s a free water bottle. Please, take it.
Then, when you explain why you are doing it—they aren’t so afraid. We were a bit hot and sweaty. The baby’s face was totally red, but it was so worth it.
Then, when you explain why you are doing it—they aren’t so afraid. We were a bit hot and sweaty. The baby’s face was totally red, but it was so worth it.
In the end, it was a fun couple of hours. I would like to
continue this with my students, somehow when the school year starts up. Next
month on September 9, I will probably try to do something in the air conditioning. If
anything, I hope someone will read Shelly’s blog.
I hope you #haveanashday. Pay it forward, y’all.
