How Can I Help?

I can't even count anymore the number of times someone has asked us this in some form or fashion.  I always feel kind of bad because I really don't know HOW anyone can help other than with prayer at this point.  We've absolutely be overwhelmed by the graciousness of so many who have offered meals, who have donated money toward a memorial stone for Kaidi, and who have given so much support with books, cards, phone calls, emails, etc.  It all means SO much to us.  I've been doing some thinking though and I've thought of a few ways that people can help if they want to do so.


March of Dimes
March of Dimes supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. It also funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies.

Donate by clicking here.

We wanted so badly to actively walk in the MoD this year, but due to the pregnancy and complications around that time, we were unable.  However, next year we will be walking with Team Krazy Koopmans and will be doing so in honor of Kaidi.  Closer to that time, I'll have information on how you can donate directly to the team.

Meals

I'm not by any means begging anyone to do so, but if you do still want to help in this manner, there is an online sign up list here.

Simple, little things

These are things that I've mainly thought of with families with children in mind, regardless of age, but it would seriously mean the world to me to know that you've done any of these things.

*Don't be annoyed when your child asks for "one more book" or "one more movie"...for extra snuggle time or repeatedly tells you they love you.  Cherish them.

*Hug them just a little bit longer.

*Never let them leave a room without you telling them you love them too.

*Give up control in little areas of your life for just a few extra minutes a day.  Let the dishes go for a night.  Let them stay up 5 more minutes once in a while just to spend that time with them.

*Splash WITH them in the tub.  It's just water.  It won't hurt anything.

*Make extra effort to spend time with your spouse and/or family.  Don't wait for something major to force you together - it also has the potential to drive you apart.

*Don't feel bad to take time for you.

*Let others help.  It's not a weakness.  It takes more strength to ask for help than to try to do it all on your own.

*Don't take for granted the small things.  They are the things I realize I will miss the most by not having with my precious daughter that I wish I'd cherished more with my son.