Please join Heller's Facebook Group, Random Acts of Kindness Because of Heller.

WELCOME!

On the day of Heller’s life celebration, his grandmother (Mapa) said these words:

“Many people have mentioned the fact that this tragedy (the loss of our sunshine) is heightened by the fact that it happened around Christmas, and they wonder how we will ever get through another Christmas.

Christmas is Christ’s day and we will continue to celebrate Jesus on that day! But December 22nd will be a day reserved for celebrating the life of Heller, and we will celebrate on that day (and perhaps a few days prior to) the way he would want us to. On that day, we will go out and make a change, do a good deed, and let the world know that a little boy once lived for that special reason.”

So, on December 22nd, Heller’s friends and family will honor his memory by spreading random (and deliberate) acts of kindness to others. We encourage you to go out and spread some kindness of your own.

Then, if you would like to, please leave a comment or send an email to BecauseofHeller@aol.com and share what you did, what you witnessed, or what others did for you so we may share Heller's impact with others. So we can remember that we are still celebrating his life!

Have You Received a Kindness Inspired by Heller?

If you received a card like the one below, and/or a kindness inspired by Heller, please share your story, so we may know how Heller's kindness touched the lives of others. You may leave a comment, or you may email your story to be posted on the blog to BecauseofHeller@aol.com.

Help this Site Grow Because of Heller

This year, we are making the choice to look forward to December 22nd! We cannot wait to share Heller's kindness with others. We know there will be difficult times as the date grows nearer, so we look forward to stopping by this site during those times to see what kindnesses are growing and to share stories of our kindnesses as well.

Please feel free to send an email to BecauseofHeller@aol.com with any suggestions, comments, thoughts, or ideas about how we can make December 22nd even more special "Because of Heller."

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Volunteer at Your Child's School!

I found this story in Nicholas’s school bag the other day.  It brought instant tears (happy tears).  To be honest, I didn’t think he noticed!  ;) 

For those who have difficulty reading Nicholas's writing, punctuation, and spelling, here is the intent of the note:

One day our class went to the Thanksgiving Feast.  It was the best feast ever.  My mom was there.  I spent most of the time with her and I love my mom.  My mom loves me.  

You see, over the course of the last year, I have been volunteering at Nicholas’s school.  Yes, I have taken on the school yearbook (yikes!).  Yes, I am in the PTA.  For this reason, I find myself on the campus quite often. I never thought I would be one of “those” moms.  

In previous years, the PTA was that acronym that collected money at the beginning of the year.  That was all. Now I know better.  After spending quite a bit of time getting to know “those” moms, and learning about what they do, I have a new respect for that acronym!

“Those” moms are some of the most valuable assets a school can acquire.  “Those” moms work long hours (even late into the night), volunteering (that means without pay!) for various activities that benefit the school and its staff and children.

Their kindnesses, which I am sure stem from their desire to do great things for their children, extend throughout the community.  Teachers, staff, students, families, and visitors all benefit from some form of PTA contribution.

If you know one of these moms at your child’s school, thank them for all that they do for your children.  If you don’t know one, get to know one!  They could be your connection to your child during the course of the school day.  They will definitely keep you in the loop!

And, if you have a chance to become one of “those” moms, do it!  I speak from experience when I tell you; you will be doing an amazing kindness to your community, your children, and yourself!
  
Thanksgiving Feast Volunteers

3 comments:

Jessica said...

Your post just brought big tears to my eyes. Every word was perfect and you couldn't have said it any better. We are so blessed at our school to have so many of "those" moms that love being involved for all the right reasons. Our children will follow the examples we set forth for them and there is no better way to show them then by volunteering at their school. Thank you for reminding me of how lucky we are. And thank you for taking on such a big task this year. If you hadn't our paths still may not have crossed! We couldn't have picked a more talented, compassionate, and amazing person other than yourself. I hope you know that. :-) XOXO

Jessica said...

Your post just brought big tears to my eyes. Every word was perfect and you couldn't have said it any better. We are so blessed at our school to have so many of "those" moms that love being involved for all the right reasons. Our children will follow the examples we set forth for them and there is no better way to show them then by volunteering at their school. Thank you for reminding me of how lucky we are. And thank you for taking on such a big task this year. If you hadn't our paths still may not have crossed! We couldn't have picked a more talented, compassionate, and amazing person other than yourself. I hope you know that. :-) XOXO

Mapa said...

Even if you don't have the time to be a PTA Mom, volunteer for something at the school. You don't even have to have a child in school to make a difference. And as Hayley suggested, volunteering at the school is good for everyone, including yourself.