The Giving Doll

We're starting to sound like a broken record, but we couldn't be more honest if we tried: This really tough experience has shown us how much goodness there is in the world, and how strangers can make us feel so loved. FEEL GOOD POST ALERT!!!!

When Emma was hospitalized this week, she was given a doll. A beautiful, hand-made cloth doll. Her name, as we were told by the tag around her neck, is Gracie, and she was made to "give you faith, love, hope, joy and comfort during this special time."

I instantly fell in love with Gracie because she reminded me of my Nanna (my Grandmother Joan) and the doll that she had made for her by my Aunty Jan. Both my Nanna and my Aunt have passed away, and I hadn't thought about that doll for a long time. Seeing Gracie brought back a flood of really lovely memories that helped me think about some really happy times. Emma likes Gracie's hair, and enjoys putting her fingers in the loops. Who would have known that a little doll could lift multi-generational spirits?!

Another fantastic part of the story? Daniel was also given a doll, who was coincidentally named "Danny". I LOVE that he was thought of. I worry that over time he will feel less thought-of or less special. That couldn't be farther from the truth. It certainly gives us pause for thought. How do you make a special little guy feel as special as he is when his sister has special needs? We'll work on it, and if we figure it out we will let you know!

In Gracie's pocket was a little note. The note reads "This doll was handmade by volunteers, who are a part of The Giving Doll nonprofit program in memory of the children who became Angels in Newtown, CT. Our hope is that you feel the love that went into making this doll and receive comfort during this special time." We feel it!

There was also a website that I finally had the opportunity to check out this morning. The Giving Doll has handmade and distributed over 21,000 dolls since 2006!! I find this number astounding! We hear so frequently about bad people in the news. Individuals who are killing, hurting, stealing. It's so easy to think that our society is broken. Then you come across organizations like The Giving Doll and Project Linus, and you can't help but realize that there are entire movements for good. Groups of individuals who won't let society break. Groups of individuals who believe in a greater good.

As we raise our children, I hope that we can teach them about the good hearts of others. I hope that they are as caring and giving as the people who have come together to shower us with love in a challenging time.  

I hope that when the news is covered with terrible stories of sadness and bad deeds you will think of the good in the world, and these bands of fantastic selfless people. 

To the staff and volunteers of The Giving Doll, thank you. You are amazing! We are totally feeling the love.

The Morgan family x