Dateline UKRAINE 

While all mattress deliveries have been special, this morning’s to the school was beyond description.

The headmistress called explaining that her school cares for refugee children ranging from 3-6 years old, with many as orphans or with special needs.

She conveyed any # would be appreciated, so I asked the requirement.

Stopped by the suddenness – why would anyone “calculate” which children get beds?

When told that the entire # would be delivered, she simply cried.

Deprived of family and home by the horror of this evil assault, they are truly victims.

And despite the right to lament they hold onto hope – a hope to be happy, to be held.

Dressed in traditional clothes they presented us with cakes, and they prepared songs & dances.

Most poignantly, each of them had drawn a card of peace.

As each child presented a card of their creation they only sought a bit of validation, recognition, and approval – a connection to assure them that they are not totally alone – someone cares.

Thanks to all of you for being with me the past 7 months.

We cannot explain why innocent children like this must suffer or why lives are lost defending the right to exist.

I wish that I could report that today’s delivery exhausts the need, but sadly, the need only seems to increase (or become more apparent).

As your support has proven, we can strive to make a difference – a material / substantial contribution. 

The revelation that everyone connected (friends, supporters, the City Council, the Mayor, Home Essentials, family, civil society) led to a day when the lives of the innocent experience some rest from war, loneliness, and loss should allow all of you to understand that today is more than special, it is beyond description.