It’s hard to know what to do when your friends and loved ones are suffering. We have that on several fronts in our life--after a stroke caused by surgery a month ago, Grampa is valiantly relearning how to walk in Richmond; Mamie is being heroically strong but is so worried; and our dear friends in Asheville are stuck to varying degrees without gasoline, water, electricity, cell service, and a way out.
When we are sidelined to the most powerful grief, but also experiencing it, we all respond in different ways. Richard donated money to a relief organization. I sent bagels to Sky’s house and made pickles. Bea and I canvassed with friends for candidates who believe that climate change is real and not “weird science.”
But Harriet. She has a special relationship with our friend Elaine, and she instructed me, very seriously, on Monday morning: “Please text Elaine. Tell her we have a car, beds, food, water, and hair ties—everything you need. She can take a train.”
I don’t know if Elaine will come by train but she is coming today and we are so happy and eager to welcome her. I spoke with Taylor yesterday and she and Scott and Lucy are safe. Z is safe and has made it back home. Ken and his family are safe. A.K. is safe. Joseph, I hope you are safe!
If you are local to Chatham/Chapel Hill I had a beautiful message from Glee Kids, our favorite toy store. They’re collecting diapers for the NC Diaper Bank (imagine! taking care of a baby with no power/water/home!).
The wonderful Christina of Glee Kids says:
Glee Kids has a collection box for the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (as always), and the need right now is HUGE. Please join us in supporting those affected by Hurricane Helene. You can read the statement from the NC Diaper Bank's CEO at the link here.
Here is how you can help:
DONATE:
Monetary Donations to NC Diaper Bank
NC Diaper Bank's Amazon Wishlist
Drop off supplies at our store at 610 Market Street
ACCEPTED ITEMS:
Diapers, pull-ups, wipes, formula, period products, and adult incontinence supplies of any size, type, and brand are accepted. They do not need to be an unopened box (except formula) to be eligible for donation. You can bring whatever you have on hand!
Our collection box is inside the store behind the register. You may ask any of our team members for help finding it, and please let us know if you need help bringing your donation inside.
Please forward to friends!
In other news, Bea and I will be at the fantastic Richmond kids’ bookstore in Richmond on Saturday at 11, doing a special plant propagation and illustration event with Mamie. Bea has not been to BBGB yet but when Mamie and I visited a month ago I brought back several new books recommended by their excellent staff, and she has devoured them all. This is why we love indie bookstores!
This is a free event but they’d love it if you could RSVP.
P.S. Did you watch the debate last night? I don’t know if any of you are nerdy enough to watch the The Rings of Power (Bea and I are devoted fans), but it occurs to me after watching Vance’s smoothing over of mass deportation, climate crisis, attacks on women’s health, and a potential end to democracy that he is the great deceiver, Sauron. I guess that makes DT Morgoth?
Let’s save Middle Earth, please.
Stay safe and well, Frog Troublers. We hope to see you soon!
You frogs and polywogs are awesome and heroic!!!! Sweet little Harriet! Love Mamie