Dear Claire,

I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to write this week, given the terrible events in Manchester. It’s simply heartbreaking, and it’s possible to feel quite helpless. But at the same time, many people have been saying that we have to remember how much good there is in the world. And that got me thinking back to why we started our blog – to try to promote that good, and share small ways in which we can all pull together to make a positive difference.

This weekend there are a few ways we can do so over here. It’s Memorial Day on Monday, which is a day to remember those who have died while serving in the military. It’s also the perfect day to say thank you to a veteran – and to that end I loved the ideas in your last post about simply picking up the phone or writing a letter.

Another Memorial Day tradition is to put together a little reminder of home and some creature comforts for those who are serving overseas, by building and sending care packages. The US Postal Service actually provides free shipping supplies. And you can click here for some inexpensive ideas for contents for care packages.

Of course, these are nice ideas for any time of year.

This Sunday is also the Buffalo marathon, which comes right past our house. So our way of spreading a little happiness that day will be gathering with our neighbors to cheer on the runners at their 22 mile mark, spray them with water and hand out watermelon and orange slices. This weekend usually marks the start of summer, so let’s hope the weather cooperates!

I know you too have a long holiday weekend coming up. Enjoy, and I’ll look forward to hearing from you the next time.

Love,
Sam