I found this quote last year, and it fits what I'm trying to do so appropriately, that I think I'll be sharing it every year:
Happiness is like jam. You can't spread even a little without getting some on yourself. - Anonymous
November 19th is now dubbed #SpreadHappinessForPreston Day in my world. It is the day that my son came into this world. A pure, innocent and happy soul he was. He would be turning 3 this year - I have a hard time believing this to be true. It doesn't seem that long ago that he was still part of our physical lives.
Preston was taken from us in March 2014 when he passed during a nap at an in-home daycare from SIDS. While I take Preston's birthday as an opportunity to honor his life by attempting to have others spread happiness all around the world, I think it's also a great opportunity to bring awareness to SIDS which is sadly something real. SIDS is filled with questions as no one really knows what it is, or what causes it. There are many theories out there, but it's very difficult to determine if any of them are plausible. I do hope and pray that one day, we can answer the question of what causes SIDS, and really what is SIDS. In the meantime, all we can do is do everything we can to reduce the risks (a list of suggestions from various credible websites are below), as there is really no way to prevent it. It's a frightening fact. As the parent to an infant and as a parent who has lost a baby to SIDS, I can personally attest that it is absolutely terrifying fact. Nonetheless, one day at a time, we get through it.
Late last year, we were blessed with the arrival of our baby girl Samantha. I can't help but feel that Preston imprinted his happiness into this beautiful little girl. She is all smiles, all the time. She has brought a lot of light to our lives and we are so thankful, and grateful to have her.
But, to get back to #SpreadHappinessForPreston - It is the third year that I am promoting this event. Anyone and everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. The premise is to share happiness on this day. Since Preston radiated with happiness, it only seemed fitting that sharing this contagious feeling would be the best way to honor him. This world can be so cruel, and I believe we can always use a little more happiness and light. The beautiful thing is that, like the quote above says, completing an act of kindness not only makes the person on the receiving end smile, but it surely makes you smile as well.
Preston continually teaches me life lessons, an irony that I have a hard time grasping, as I should be the one doing the teaching. Nonetheless, I don't take any of it for granted for it's made me a better person. He's taught me how to smile every day, because he wouldn't want me to always be sad. He's taught me how to appreciate the small things, and not to take anything for granted. He’s shown me a new way of looking at life; perspective is everything. He continues to slowly help me regain my faith by sending signs in the shape of rainbows and bunnies. Often times, when I get a nervous feeling about my daughter, he'll send me some sign that she's doing alright - like in the middle of the night if she hasn't moved in a long time and I'm about to check on her, she'll suddenly make a little sound or turn to her side. My daughter has quite the guardian angel.
November 19th, Preston's 3rd birthday, will be a day I hope brings happiness to as many people as possible - including you. I hope it to be a day where everyone can spread a little happiness in the world. A pay it forward day, or a day filled with acts of kindness. A day where smiles inundate the world, and happiness is just felt everywhere you go.
For the past two years, on November 19th, random acts of kindness were made all over the world to honor my little boy. I know it sounds crazy, but it somehow reached all the continents. My little boy and his smile have traveled the world...
I'd like to share some of the acts of kindness that were done to serve as inspiration, and perhaps even to make you smile:
- Several of my wonderful coworkers bought multi-colored balloons to be released for Preston's birthday (he loved colors).
- A star was named for Preston
- Books were donated to a school in Preston's name
- Donations to charities were made (SIDS foundation of America, Children's Hospital, and several others)
- Larger than normal gratuities were given away
- A memorial stone was given to us with Preston's name and birthdate
- Teddy bears were given to underprivileged children; toys were given to charities
- Doors were open for strangers
- Treats were brought in for colleagues
- Trees were planted to honor the children another family had lost
- Flowers were given away, just because
- Every year, my husband brings pizza over to the firehouse, for the men who tried to save our son (while pregnant, Preston would move like crazy when I ate pizza)
- Diapers and wipes were donated to struggling mothers
- Lunch was bought for the person waiting next in line
- Many people gave to food banks or gave away gift cards for a warm meal
- Buy a lotto ticket for the clerk that sells them
- Samantha's daycare plans to read Preston's favorite book to all the kids that attend the daycare on November 18th, since November 19th is a Saturday this year
- Breakfast was made for a spouse that was running late
- Popcorn & cash were taped to RedBox machines for people to enjoy a free movie and treat
And those are just some of the acts of kindness that were shared with me in the past couple years. As illustrated above, remember that money isn't necessary to spread happiness:
- Hugs
- Smiles
- Saying things like "I love you" and "I appreciate you" to loved ones
- Share your favorite funny video or picture
- Cook your child's, or spouse's favorite meal
- Ask someone "How are you - really?" and listen
- Share happy memories or stories
- Think of someone you haven't thought of in a long time, and send them a text - letting them know you thought of them, and it made you smile
- Volunteer to help someone or an organization
- Pack a lunch and give it to someone in need
- Give blood
- Let people go in front of you while in line
- Donate unused clothes, toys
Please keep in mind that if you do make a donation, it does not have to be in Preston's name. Make the donation in the name of someone that means a lot to you, or to someone close to you. Make the donation to a charity that means a lot to you. While Preston is the driving force behind this event, the point is to spread happiness around the world - the more people it touches, the more proud of my son I am. He is creating this happiness. Without him, this special day would not exist.
At the risk of repeating myself, much like the quote I shared at the top of this message, the added bonus of spreading happiness is that it has the contagious effect of putting a smile on your own face. Much like Preston's smile was contagious, and continues to be thanks to the fabulous invention of photography.
The world can be such a dark place. I hope that Preston's birthday, this year, and for all the years to come, makes it a brighter world, even if only for one day a year. One person at a time, one act of kindness after another.
I invite you to share your random acts of kindness on social media using #SpreadHappinessForPreston. You can also share through email (tsunaze1@gmail.com) or on my blog's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadHappinessForPreston
I hope that you plan to join me and that #SpreadHappinessForPreston makes you smile. I have cards that can be handed out when you do pay it forward. If you are interested, I'd be more than happy to send you one (or more - spreading happiness does not have to end with one person, one act). Simply email me for more details. If it's not too much to ask, please share this with your friends and family. The more people spreading happiness, the happier the day will be.
You have my sincerest gratitude for considering participating and sharing this event. It's my hope that not only you will make someone smile, but that in the end, it also makes you smile.
Have a blessed day,
~Cat
More information on SIDS and SIDS prevention
To reduce the risks of SIDS, it is recommended that you put your baby to sleep on his/her back in a crib or bassinet with no loose sheets, a firm mattress, and no toys or bumper pads. Do not expose your baby to second hand smoke. Having the baby sleep in your room, but not in your bed has also shown to help reduce the risks. Breastfeed as long as possible, and consider giving a pacifier to your baby while they sleep. Prevent your baby from overheating by ensure a comfortable room temperature (68 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit) and do not overdress them.
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