Roadside Assistance

Today we headed home after a little over a week in Southern California. Traffic was horrendous, but the road was just the ticket for today's simple charitable deed.

The project:
Lend a hand to another traveling family.
While traveling north along the busy freeway I spotted a family wagon in a large pullout alongside the freeway. Two adults stood outside staring at a surfboard laying next to the car. I pulled over to offer a hand or use of the cell phone.

Turns out it was JUST as it had appeared. The couple, traveling freeway speeds, lost their surfboard off the roof of their car. They had looped around to pick it up, but were wondering how to better attach it to the rack. Apparently, the original bungee cord job didn't work out so well.

I had some extra rope in the back of the van (the trunk box) which I gladly handed over and we were on our way.

Time:
5 minutes

Why bother?
I never like to see a disabled vehicle alongside the road. Always feel bad for those folks. I REALLY don't like to see families there. Very unsafe. So if I can safely lend a hand and get someone rollin' again, wonderful.

Worth it?
Yep. They were friendly people who saw the error of their ways and looked to provide a better solution. And they were thankful for my bit of (non-elastic) rope.

Project Linus

We were still on the road today, but I've been researching some potential projects in which to take part when we return home. A friend suggested this one. We've been ushered into the program and look forward to getting started next week.

The project:
Project Linus provides blankets to children in times of trauma and stress. I found the local chapter, contacted the area leader and have been accepted to serve as a "Blanketeer."

Time:
20 minutes so far - research and communications

Why bother?
The girls like to sew, and I've made a couple of quilts and really had a good time. We have allowed our sewing efforts to be thwarted by the mere fact that we don't have an outlet for the things we make. We don't know many people who can use another blanket or quilt. Project Linus knows a LOT!

Worth it?
I hope so. We'll let you know how this project progresses.

Moral Support

It looked like Baby & Toddler Day at L.A. Zoo today. Strollers and mommies, grannies and grampies and babies everywhere. While wandering the zoo with our girls and a granny of our own, I saw a young woman breastfeeding in a corner, clearly a bit uncomfortable and trying to keep the baby hidden.

The project:
Help a breastfeeding mom feel good about the great, natural care she was providing her baby.

Time:
60 seconds

Why bother?
We're mammals. That means we are among those animals that wander Earth with mammary glands, those meant to provide our young with their earliest nourishment. In these days of heavily marketed alternative food choices it can be tough for a new mom to decide whether to go with the flow, the norm, the crowd or use the natural food her body can usually provide. Then there's the whole shame associated with public breastfeeding, while private feeding areas are, most often, not provided. But a baby's got to eat when a baby's hungry, wherever that may be.

Worth it?
If my comments supporting her choice to breastfeed keep her at it a little longer, if they help her feel more secure in her decision, if they cause her to become supportive of another mother's choice, then these few seconds were absolutely well spent.