My little giver

For years, I have tried to teach Tristan to be aware of the world around him.  Not to be afraid if people look different.  To not be intimidated by those that have more or to look down on those that have less.

Thankfully, that has sunk in.  When we see anyone with "less" ... he wants to give.  He is constantly asking me if someone is homeless... "Mama, is that guy a homeless person?" "No honey, that's a man waiting for the bus"... then we discuss why not everyone has a car.  "Mama, is that lady a homeless person?" "Not sure buddy, they may just be sitting there resting."  "Mama, is that guy a homeless person?" "yes, they are homeless" and BOOM - "MAMA WE HAVE TO HELP THEM!!!!"

I constantly explain to him that I don't give the homeless money because they don't always make good choices, they may buy something that makes them sick.  But I WILL always give them food.  So - we buy food and drive it on back.

Recently we've been in an area (about to get on a highway; late for practice, etc.) and I'm not able to drive somewhere for food... so I thought of this.  BAGS IN THE CAR!!

So we discussed and then two nights ago - sat down and colored these.

Then we stuffed 'em!

We filled them with breakfast bars, healthy snacks and a few pieces of Halloween Candy. Now, they are in our car for when we see someone we can hand it out.

I was going to put gift cards for McDonald's in there and as I was driving up to buy them he said "But Mama, Old McDonald (cute, right!?) is not real food.  If we don't eat that food, why would we want them to?"  BOOM... punch in the gut for me!

So, for now, no gift cards but our next set of bags maybe I'll do bus passes.

I always struggle with whether or not to post this stuff.  I share a lot of his "stuff" on Facebook and in email... not for praise but to remind all of my friends and family to DO FOR OTHERS.  This world is not meant just for our happiness and we have a responsibility to care for each other.  But alas, I know there are people out there that think I'm "showing off or trying to make myself look great" and I'm not.

People deserve our compassion, people deserve our kindness, people (even me and you) deserve someone to tell us YOU MATTER.

You make me proud to be your Mom Tristan.  I love you!!!