The Week Fall Apart

Sorry about the lack of posts from the library, folks, but this has been a rough week. Just when you think everything is coming together, things fall apart. I would say the events started with the board’s decision last Saturday, but at least I could put that off until Monday when it becomes reality. Well, almost. I still had to call Natalie and tell her that she did not get the job. She said she was fine, but she hides her emotions well. That’s the part that scares me, that she is hiding her disappointment when I know she really wanted this to work. We scheduled a dinner for tonight to talk about it, but, like I said, things fall apart.

Child's Play, Worth Your Time

When I was little, I had a problem chewing on my lower lip.  This problem developed into a cyst that had to be removed from my mouth surgically, involving an overnight stay in the hospital.  That night scared the crap out of me.  I remember telling my mom that I loved my sister for good golly sake, the worst thing a small boy can admit to.  The best I can say from that experience is that it left me with an unease of hospitals and a small spider-shaped scar in my inner lip, which is kinda cool.

Then, a couple of years ago, I witnessed the other side of the bed.  The girl I was dating's little boy came down with pneumonia.  He had to be put in the hospital for a couple of days.  Seeing the worry on his face, being in a foreign place, poked and prodded while his mommy and dude-in-over-his-head stood by and watched... Shit, that haunts me.  I know how he felt.  So I did what I could: I went and got his toys, books and videos.  We played trucks up and down the halls (the nurses loved us), we read when he could not sleep cause the oxygen nose thingie just is not made for comfort and we fell asleep to the 312-334th viewings of Curious George (that movie also haunts me, too.  Damn you Will Farrell).  Point is, distractions and normalcy make a hospital visit so much better to a small child.  Play is good.  Don't worry, I am sharing for a reason.

Last year, I promoted the charity Child's Play.  I am still doing that.  Created by the webcomic folks at Penny Arcade, Child's Play is a worthwhile use of your attention and money.  Listed as "a chance for gamers to give back," the charity raises money and materials for children's hospitals around the world.  They give the distractions that so many children so much sicker than me and my little buddy ever were really need.  Child's Play helps children in need play, and honestly I cannot think of anything more worthwhile.  'Cept maybe Smile Train... or the Ronald McDonald House... Dammit, stay focused...

So, a charity by webcomic-isists you say... How good can it be?  They only already crossed 1 Million dollars in donations and gifts this year. But, if you still do not trust the hellions over at Penny Arcade with your money, that is fine.    In conjunction with hospitals around the world, Penny Arcade has set up wishlists over at Amazon.com (This link is for the Children's Hospital in New Orleans, my personal favorite and closest to home.)  That way you can donate directly to the hospital if that is your bag.

As librarians we give a lot, if not all, of our time helping.  If you feel that is enough charity, I will back you everyday of the week.  And if you already donate your money or time somewhere, bless you as you are better than I will ever be.  But if you feel like helping a few kids to play, throw out some money for a book, DVD or video game to a kid's hospital.  You make the world a better place, but there's always ways to make it just a little better.  That's coming from a real cynical bastard, so you know it's true.

Notice:  Know that Child's Play is a nonprofit organization.  I have not received any money, nor will I receive any money for this posting from Child's Play charity.  I support this charity of my own free will and have not been taken over by said organization as a ploy to integrate webcomics into the library community.  Unshelved already did that anyway.

Best Nation in the World? Donation

Alec Robinovitz started a small effort to donate books to his local children's hospital a few years back.  As he waited to find out about his sick sister, he found he had nothing to do in the waiting room.  So he got some books and gave him to the hospital.  This effort has grown into nearly 10,000 books being donated to the cause, from friends, family, strangers and authors.  

I have endorsed my charity of choice and before this holiday season is out, I will do so again.  And again.  Why?  Because.  That's why.  There need be no reason.  As we move into the holidays, the best of us can lose that "holiday spirit" crap that Hollywood and special episodes lead us to believe is out there.  So do not think about that.  Donate something to a cause that makes this crapshack world a little better, even if it is a little time for your fellow man.  Hell, just put on a smile and hold the door open for someone.  Don't cost nothing.

Click here to learn how little Alec is making little kids smile.