When I found out I was pregnant with our daughter, I had just started a brand new job and my husband had just been laid off from his. We were facing a very uncertain financial future, and every dollar had to be accounted for. We had enough money to pay the bills and buy groceries, but not much more for anything else.
Anyone who’s ever had a baby knows how expensive they are. Even for a baby gear minimalist like myself, I knew there were absolute necessities we didn’t have money for, let alone the fun extras. I spent most of my time scouring Kijiji for deals and calling relatives and friends with toddlers to see if they were ready to part with any of their gear.
One day while I was making arrangements to pick up a crib from my cousin, I received an email from a co-worker from my previous job who was quickly becoming a very dear friend. She wrote me a beautiful note, carefully asking if I would be ok with her and our other co-worker/friend throwing a small baby shower for me. They would take care of everything; I just had to show up. Our group of buddies from work would all be invited, and they were really hoping I’d say yes.
As soon as I read the email, my heart swelled with gratitude. They had no idea what kind of financial position I was in at the time, they wanted to do this for me out of the kindness of their hearts. I quickly replied and said yes. I would be honoured if you did this for me. THANK YOU!
At that very uncertain time in my life, no one else was reaching out to ask if they could help, but my dear friends Sandra and Corinne, who at that time hardly knew me, reached out and fulfilled a desperate need.
Time for the party came and I was in tears as I opened the gifts. I was in complete awe at not only the party hosts, but the guests who were all far more generous than they needed to be. I left that night with a full wardrobe for my daughter’s first year of life, a excersaucer, blankets and toys galore. Despite our grim financial situation, my girl was going to get a proper start. She was going to have all the cute clothes and fun things other babies have. I’m honestly overwhelmed with emotion right now just remembering it.
Sandra and Corinne are the epitome of kindness and generosity and I am proud to call them my friends. What they did for me was so much more than a small party to celebrated my daughter. They gave me hope. They gave me happy memories to hold on to when things get rough. They inspire me to give and to be a better, more generous person.
In case you are wondering, their kindness didn’t end with the shower. Sandra and Corinne were right there with me at the hospital the night I gave birth. They brought dinner to me and visited when I was a vulnerable new mom. Even now, whenever I go home to visit, they host brunches and get-togethers to celebrate my visit. I truly adore these women, and cannot express how grateful and lucky I am to call them my friends.
This story was written by Sarah. You can find her on Twitter @SareEmm and on her blog- The Crazy Mates
*Sarah is a personal friend of the Make Jen’s Day team and she is going through a lot right now. We are sending light to you and your family, Sarah. Hugs. -Jen, Meaghan & Rosanna*
The post The hope you give can last a lifetime. appeared first on Make Jen's Day.
