Lunch with Love: Chinese Billionaire Invites Homeless to Dine in Central Park

An inspiring story... 

June 25, 2014: Chinese billionaire, Chen Guangbiao, founder and chairman of Jiangsu Huangpu Renewable Resources Limited Company, wants to build a "charity army" of wealthy Chinese who will give their profits back to the needy, and use their money to help better society.

Chen was raised in an impoverished family, farmers living in in Sihong County in east China's Jiangsu Province. Conditions were so dire that a brother and a sister starved to death when Chen was 4 years old. At age 10, Chen began to help support his family by selling water. Chen worker his way through college and also helped pay for the tuition of other children in his village. By the age of 17, Chen started his own "foodstuffs" business., and later went on to college. Chen is known for his patriotism, and for his charity.
For More About Chen: Wikipedia Chen Guangbiao

Chen is making a contribution in New York City where he has invited 250 "poor and destitute" Americans to a meal in Central Park and will also donate money to help local charities. The guests were residents of the New York Rescue Mission Shelter (the oldest shelter in the nation). Guests dined at the exquisite Loeb Boathouse in Central Park where they dined on sesame-seed-encrusted tuna, beef filet and berries with crème fraiche. Volunteers served the food in the charity army uniform-- green Chinese military style uniforms with a badge that said "Serve the People". Chen entertained his guests by performing magic tricks and singing "We Are the World". 

"Our thought was if someone wants to treat them to an amazing event - something they would never experience on their own, maybe even a kernel of hope that life could be different again, we're in for that reason. That's our motive," said Craig Mayes, the  executive director of the Rescue Mission.

This is more than just charity, as those participating will become a positive example for the world to learn from... Chen hopes that donating the meal will show other tycoons that there is more to life than “luxury goods, gambling and prostitution”. Chen also hopes his work will improve relations between the US and China. 

-- Daylen Swift, June 2014

For More Info: "Chinese billionaire invites 1,000 poor Americans for lunch in Central Park" by Tim Phillips, "The Province"

Chen Guangbiao Hosts Lunch for Homeless New Yorkers: NBC News

Memories of NYC... 

I visited New York City a long time ago with my son, Bear. I remember how strange it was that homeless people would sleep on the sidewalks and people would just step over them, like speed bumps. I was fascinated by the street artists--the break dancers, cartoonists, mimes, singers and a musician who played a Chines flute. I also remember visiting Central Park and seeing a little girl who was amazed to see a squirrel and was yelling excitedly as the small creature dashed by. 
On the Long Island ferry, Bear smiled shyly at a small girl with doe-like brown eyes and long braids. I remember thinking about the sea of people we had passed on our vacation, and wondering the children would ever cross paths again. They played briefly, during the boat ride.
I also remember visiting the Statue of Liberty, and that Bear threw his pacifier into the harbor. It was his contribution to history, grin.
I love you kids, and look forward to many more adventures with you!

xoxox Mommy xoxoxox

I love 1,222,222,222,00,000 + 0 = U !!

PMA International "Love Letters to Our Children" - from a Mother's Heart to her Child

I found this really cool online site where Mothers (and Kids too!) can post letters, pictures and inspirational videos for their children as a way to express their love.The project is called "Love Letters to Our Children" and is hosted by Protective Mothers Alliance International. 

About "Love Letters to Our Children"- "PMA International’s Mothers/Advocates are working heart-to-heart and hand-to-hand with PMA INTL’s Network Hear Us Now!! (H.U.N) to educate and communicate the deep love a mother has for her child. Our intention is to help the moms express their deep devoted love for their children, and help strengthen the mother/child bond, moving their relationship forward in a loving and positive way. This page is for protective mothers to express their love for their children."

Our collective mother hearts shout out to the heavens and aim straight towards our children’s hearts with beautiful words filled with tenderness, devotion and deep, powerful love. Create an original letter or poem for your child. If you are not part of this important PMA International event, please join us. Our blog reaches all across the internet and has over 10 thousand hits and is growing every day. Your words of love to your child will pass the test of time and remain on the internet, for all to see..."

What are "Love Letters"? "Love letters are positive affirmations sent to children who have been impacted by family court and/or CPS rulings that have caused disruption in their lives, or estrangement from their mothers. Love Letters are general messages that convey hope, expressions of affection, and validation that these children are not forgotten--but are cherished and loved. Love Letters similarly provide support to the Moms and the family and friends affected. For safety reasons,we strong suggest these messages remain anonymous, but we are confident that the intent and spirit of each letter will relay a powerful, and positive message when viewed."

Posting Guidelines: "Please post pictures, quotes, videos or other general messages that relay a positive message, or offer support.

DO NOT post any information which may identify you (if possible) most important please do not identify your minor child /children including legal name, location, etc Please do not use your child’s name or your name in this process. We suggest ,you use only initials. You may post positive, quotes, poems, songs pictures and message for your child. Please keep your posts general."

Visit "Love Letters" Online: PMA International: Love Letters to Our Children

Join "Love Letters" on Facebook: Love Letters to Our Children Facebook

An inspiring post shared on "Love Letters".... "Mother's Day Video Mighty" by JourneyBox Media

Also posted on: http://lisajobaker.com/2013/10/you-are-mighty-because-you-mother/

Broken: A Song for a Grieving Heart (Seether feat. Amy Lee)

For the grieving heart

whether it be a lost love, 

a dream beyond reach 

or a lost child... 

"I wanted you to know I love the way you laugh
I want to hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph...

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away.."

"Broken" Seether feat Amy Lee (Evanescence) 
Writer(s): Shaun Morgan, Dale Stewart
Released March 2004.

The Morning of Memorial Day (Memoir, Prose)

Another holiday without my children… another day of silence where there should be prayer, family coming together to remember our fallen soldiers, and those who have served. Another day of emptiness, when there should be the richness of tradition, and patriotism, taught to the next generation. Another tear to shed as the flags wave, as the other families gather to picnic, my family will be torn apart, as will my heart.

Remembering…

On the morning of Memorial Day, my children are woke by the blaring of horns and the screech of a fire engine whistle. They run to the window, their sleepy faces being rubbed awake by gentle sunshine. Below the window they can see Main Street, where the Memorial Day parade begins, the bright red fire trucks leading the way, followed by rows of veterans waving flags.

The community gathers along the sidewalks, cheering and waving small flags. Tootsie rolls are thrown into the waiting hands of children. The veterans proudly wear their uniforms, and are greeted with handshakes or hugs.

Every lamp post and utility pole along Main Street is decorated with flags., the parade begins beneath a banner of stars. The instruments of the marching band are polished to a golden shine, they proudly play patriotic songs steeped in history and memory, stirring our heart with the clash of cymbals, the pounding of drums, the burst of the horns.

Collector cars pass in jeweled colors—jade, golden topaz, ruby and sapphire adorned with graceful fins, chrome wheels, and elaborate hood ornaments.

The Boy Scouts in their blue uniforms march, the Girl Scouts ride in a wooden wagon pulled by a tractor.

Dogs of all sizes stroll down the street, their tails wagging with excitement.

The parade fills our home with cheer, and when it ends I will turn up the music, my daughter tunes the radio to a dance song. The children play as I fry eggs and bacon, every once in awhile I will pop my head into the living room to remind them of what Memorial Day is about. We will pray for the soldiers before breakfast begins, and pray for this country. I will turn off the radio to put in Gospel, so my children can have a moment of reverence.

I hope now my children will remember what I have taught them, and that they always know how much I love them.

-- Daylen Swift

For My Children: Bear and Nora, you are in my heart always. I pray for you every day. And love you with all of my heart. xoxox Mommy xoxox

Build Me a Son Quote Douglas MacArthur

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,

and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid,

one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,

and humble and gentle in victory. ~ Douglas MacArthur

Mother's Day Without My Mother: Quotes About Mothers, Tips for Grief & Loss

I want my children to know it is NOT normal to spend Mother's Day without your Mom. I am so sorry I could not be with you. I am so sorry we have to be apart, you did not do anything wrong, our family is just going through a hard time right now. And I pray that one day we will be together again. I love you so much, and thank God for you every day! You are the best Mother's Day present any mother could ask for.

ABOUT MOTHER'S DAY: 

Mother's Day is a special holiday to celebrate the love a mother has for her children, and the special role she has in the lives of her children, and in her family as a whole. Mother's Day is time to spend time with your mother,and celebrate family.

Typical Mother's Day celebrations include: sharing a meal, giving a gift to your Mom/Grandma or other special Mother in your life, spending time together, playing games, visiting relatives, looking at family photos, going on a picnic, going to church etc.

QUOTES ABOUT MOTHERS:
 

“But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begins.” -- Mitch Albom, "For One More Day" 

"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power."-- Maya Angelou

"Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face." -- George Eliot

"The mother is everything-she is our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness. She is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness. He who loses his mother loses a pure soul who blesses and guards him constantly." -- Kahlil Gibran

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass..."-- Isaiah 66: 13-14

"My mom and I have always been really close. She's always been the friend that was always there. There were times when, in middle school and junior high, I didn't have a lot of friends. But my mom was always my friend. Always." -- Taylor Swift

Christina Rossetti is a famous poet (1830-1849), the first poem she ever wrote, at age 11, was a poem to her mother:

To My Mother

To-day’s your natal day, Sweet flowers I bring; Mother, accept, I pray, My offering. And may you happy live, And long us bless; Receiving as you give Great happiness.

TIPS FOR GRIEF AND LOSS ON MOTHER'S DAY:

* The holidays will bring up reminders of the loss, and what life was like before the loss.

Bonnie Rubenstein, EdD, says the holidays are time for increased sensitivity,"A grief burst—a normal experience after losing a loved one—may be triggered by the sight or sound of the holidays in a retail store, the smell of the holidays at home or in school, the taste of a favorite holiday dish once prepared by a loved one, or by a memory."

It's okay to feel stronger emotions around a holiday or other special occasion. Those emotions may want to make you cry, scream, be alone, avoid reminders of the loss or sleep more; that's normal. It's okay if you need extra help or support.  Or just need a friend to be by your side.

*Crying and laughing are both great way to release emotion. Or you could try: physical exercise (dance, running, biking etc), taking a walk in nature, journaling or writing a story, drawing, praying... what is important is that you take care of yourself, and do things that give you a positive boost of energy.

*It's okay to move on, or have fun or laugh. Part of the grieving process is making peace or coming to acceptance. If you find yourself having fun or laughing that's okay. It DOES NOT mean you have forgotten your loved one or don't care. That special person will always be a part of your heart, and your life.

*Celebrate the loved one, and what they meant to your life in a meaningful way on the holidays- release a balloon, say a prayer, read a special poem/Bible verse, listen to music, visit a place that was important to you, volunteer, spend time with family etc. Expressing your grief in a positive way, that gives you a sense of purpose, can help you heal and make peace with the loss. 

*Reach out for help or support if you need-- friends, church, family, counselor, school counselor are all great people to reach out to. Some churches or community organizations also offer support groups.

-- Daylen Swift, May 2014

For More:

"Grief and Loss: Tips on How we Can Help Those Affected" by John Tsilimiparis: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-tsilimparis/grief-advice_b_1734967.html

"School Counseling Expert Offers Tips to Help Kids Cope with Grief and Loss During the Holiday Season" by Bonnie Rubenstein EdD: http://www.warner.rochester.edu/newsevents/story/1252/

Scriptures for Comfort During Grieving:   

http://hopefaithprayer.com/scriptures/comfort-during-grieving/

The Bright Star Next to the Moon (Memoir)

A memory of tucking my daughter in at bedtime:

My daughter was having trouble sleeping, so I put some music in the CD player for her, then turned on her bubbling pink lava lamp and tucked the covers around her. I got a new CD from WIC that was supposed to help babies sleep, so I was hopeful.

The problem?

The CD was passed out for “World Breastfeeding Week” and some of the songs had to do with breastfeeding…

“It’s all about breast milk, better than the rest milk, trickle down…”

“Hey Mom, bring it on…time to breast feed little me, it’s gonna make me strong and healthy!” 

My daughter, then 8 years old, probably didn't fully understand what breastfeeding is but she was totally grossed out anyways! Then she began to giggle uncontrollably. Instead of putting her to sleep with relaxing music, my daughter was WIDE awake. So I crawled into bed with her, and we spent the rest of the night laughing about that CD…she was making silly faces by pushing her lip out and making loud smacking noises. Another round of giggles. I tried to distract her but once she started laughing, she could not stop…and then everything was funny, and she started laughing all over again! She fell asleep that night with a smile on her face.

Every now and then she asks about that CD. I refuse to play it at bedtime (grin).

My baby has now grown into a toddler, he listened to that CD at bedtime today. I gazed out the window at that big star next to the moon and thought of my Baby Girl, how I miss tucking her in at night. I miss the prayers we shared, confiding in Jesus like a “bestie”.  I miss our dramatic Bible bedtime stories. My daughter would act out all the parts in the Bible stories, doing her best to tease her older brother. I miss the pink lava lamp with its half moon bubbles floating in dreamtime. I miss her fuzzy pajamas—flannel sleepers when she was little, how she looked like a pink teddy bear, and felt so warm cuddled in my arms. Now she wears the stylish pajama pants with frogs and hearts bouncing across the fuzzy fabric, and matching stretchy tees. I miss how her mouth moves in her sleep, as if she is reciting poetry. 

I miss making her breakfast in the morning, how she’d laugh about how tiny my pancakes are…they adorned her Winnie-the-Pooh plate like brown islands floating in a sea of maple syrup.

I miss doing her hair in the morning. I miss how I carefully brushed her long locks and passed the straightener through until her hair shone like burnished copper. I miss how she would peer into the mirror, her face pressed close to mine, as our eyes searched each other's reflection. I miss how she would get into my makeup, and chose the bright colors she wanted to wear that day. I miss how she would patiently wait while I applied glittery eye shadow to her almond-shaped lips and strawberry flavored lip gloss to her pouty lips. 

I miss the cute outfits she chose from her closet overstuffed with dolls and clothes, how she stole my clothes or high heels...and watching as this small, chubby toddler grew and grew until she gracefully began to fit into my clothes. 

And I miss bedtime, when we shared our closest talks, and no matter how hard I tried to put my foot down about a proper bedtime, somehow she always managed to stay up at least a few minutes later (or more), often giggling until she finally fell asleep. 

I miss everything about my Nora, and her brother, Bear. And tonight, when I look at that bright star next to the moon, my heart stretches out into the darkness like a comet, sending a hug to my children.

-- Daylen Swift

….Another night missing my children, we are separated due to an unjust (and illegal) custody ruling that is forcing me out of their lives without legal, or other, justification. This blog was created to express my love for my children, and to share meaningful pictures, letters, and prayers. #Grief  #Loss #Noncustodial Mom