No Witty Title

When I came up with the idea for yesterday's giveaway, I thought it might be an interesting and different twist on my usual giveaways. I have helped out some people in need before; I spend a lot of time on Reddit, and I'm always offering up books to those who need some cheering up. I really like the idea of brightening someone's day, even if it's just for that one day.

I wasn't really prepared  for the emails that started to come in. I was expecting stories of unemployment, local library branch had closed, just moved and needed something to fill the bookshelves, perhaps someone in the service looking for something to read to fill in the lonely hours...

Instead, I got real stories of pain and suffering; heartbreaking tales that forced me to get up from my desk and take a walk before I could come back and read the rest. I said in yesterday's post that I would pick one person for the care package, but I just don't have it in me to exclude the rest.

I'll still pick one person to receive the handmade book so graciously donated by Melissa at www.toboldlyfold.com, but I will do my best to get packages out to everyone who sent me a story. It will take some time, and I'm sure I will have to wait for a few more bookperdiem.com sales to fund the shipping costs, but I'll get them out. I won't publish any of the stories or announce any of the winners, there's no need. I will get in touch with all of you shortly.

What I realized, maybe just at this moment, is that while I wanted to help someone feel a little better about things, change their outlook on life a bit, what I really did was change myself. These heartbreaking stories are all around us, they are happening every day to people you know and love. I'm really trying not to sound like some smug and righteous dope, I promise; I realize that whatever I end up sending might help for one hour, one day, and I'm fine with that. I guess what I'm saying is that I stopped to ask if there was something I could do, and there was. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

All of that said, Forgotten Bookmarks will be back with it's regular programming later on today.



at 4/01/2011
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16 comments:

  1. JeanApril 1, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Is there any way a reader could make a donation to help you with the shipping costs of all the packages? I would be glad to make such a donation.

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  2. Becky_SharpApril 1, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I love your blog, and the giveaway was a really nice gesture. So shines a good deed in a weary world.

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  3. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    I'm sure it will help them a lot just to be thought of. For the last several years I've been part of a small church group that meets once a month and prays and sends uplifting notes - that we all sign - to those who others have let us know need them. Amazingly, I think it blesses us just as much as them. I know the books will be greatly appreciated.

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  4. DorothyApril 1, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Would love to send a package of books. My house is full of blessings. How can I help?

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  5. MrCachetApril 1, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    I guess I'm with Jean on this one. You've done something for me in the past, and what I did in return was a mere pittance when compared to what ended up in my pocket. Can we send a donation to help out?

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  6. Michael PopekApril 1, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    You offers are very kind, but as I told Jean on twitter, I always feel uncomfortable accepting money (unless it's in return for a book, of course!).

    If you want to help, please donate a few bucks to your favorite charity, or think of someone in your life who could use a pleasant surprise.

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  7. TheUnSoccerMomApril 1, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    you are a blessing!

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  8. Tatum FlynnApril 1, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    This is such a kind thing to do, thank you for thinking of this.

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  9. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Thanks for doing this. I just wanted to let you know how grateful this giveaway has made me feel because there is no one in my life right now having tough enough a time to need such a lovely care package.

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  10. keribraryApril 1, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Your posting brought me to tears. Thanks for the little bits of joy and silliness you share with for all of us on this blog.

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  11. Beau A.C. HarbinApril 1, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Happy to contribute as well. just let me know how. Keep up the good works!

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  12. Flo(rence)April 2, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    you are a wonderful person.

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  13. g+mApril 2, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Thank you, again.

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  14. g+mApril 3, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    Also, I made a post about the giveaway: http://gallimaufryandminutiae.blogspot.com/2011/04/goodness.html

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  15. filbertDecember 5, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    This is why we all love you, Mike.

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  16. filbertDecember 5, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    This is why we love you, Mike...

    ReplyDelete

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