The Scene staff
The older generation tends to criticize the younger generation for not being “good kids,” and often they’re correct. But sometimes parents are blamed for being absent or not disciplining their children correctly, which is not always the case.
As a single mother, I agree that today’s children are mostly rude and disrespectful, and they act as if everything is owed to them. Very rarely do you see a child help an elderly person walk across the street or carry groceries to their door or car.
Some children may not know or understand the importance and power of giving. Over the winter break, I had the opportunity to witness and help a child with a big heart as she accomplished something that most wouldn’t dare to do.
My 10 year old daughter, Savannah Kay, plays soccer at school, participates in Junior Girl Scouts, sings and plays guitar at school Masses. She also is my biggest supporter and fan. She helps with homework and care of her two brothers, including the youngest, Shawn, who has autism.
After Thanksgiving, I asked Savannah what she wanted for Christmas, and she surprised me by saying that she didn’t want anything. She wanted to donate all of her gifts to children who didn’t get any of their own.
I set out to find her a good avenue for this effort. There aren’t any orphanages in our area anymore, so I researched other possibilities. A relative suggested I contact Ranken Jordan Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.
Savannah liked Ranken because of what it does for families. The hospital does not turn away children who can’t afford treatment. It works closely with families, and employees know every child by name.
For the next three weekends, Savannah raised money by asking for donations, holding raffles and selling cake pops and other baked goods. When it was over, she had raised about $200. The money was used to buy gifts.
We contacted Ranken’s volunteer manager and set up a visit on Christmas Eve to deliver the gifts. Savannah got to meet all the children in the 34-bed hospital, which helps children transition from acute care back to their homes.
One of the children Savannah met was Ashton, a sweet little 2 year old boy who loves music and books. He came to Ranken when he was 9 months old. He rides in a wheelchair and breathes through a ventilator, but his mother still is able to take him on walks outside. He made Savannah realize just how lucky she is to be healthy.
During a hospital tour, Savannah also met Ranken President Laureen K. Tanner and explained what she had done for the children. Tanner was so impressed, she invited Savannah to join the hospital’s Junior Board of Trustees.
Board members normally must be 13 years old, but Tanner thought Savannah would fit right in with her energy and passion. The board is a volunteer and fundraising group that meets quarterly and helps create fun, diverse events for patients of all ages.
I take pride in telling this story, especially since it is not the first time Savannah has done something like this. Last summer, she decided to accompany me to a meeting of Autism Speaks, an organization I belong to, and she loved every aspect of it.
Savannah is very talented and kind-hearted, and if she can help you, she will. During the summer and winter vacation, she helps with Mass at church. She is very respectful to anyone that crosses her path. Last year, she made trips to a nursing home to say “Hi” to our priest’s father.
When I think about how some kids act these days, it makes me more proud of how my little girl is growing up to be a great young lady. There are plenty of other good kids out there. Some simply haven’t been given opportunities to go above and beyond.
I grew up differently than many other kids my age. My mom worked as a home-health nurse, and at times I went with her to visit patients. I learned to be more caring, and as a mother, I have worked to instill the same compassion in my daughter.
My suggestion to parents? Remind your children of the importance and power of giving and caring for others. If you have a story of a “good kid,” send it to Michelle McIntosh, Managing Editor, The Scene, Room F-408 or email it to allthingscharming@yahoo.com.