Amelia's Amazing Gift

by Heather Durenberger, Tastemaker in Residence

One of our favorite family traditions happens at the end of every school year.  The children proudly bring home a folder of all the art work they created in art class.  Each one hangs their artwork throughout the front room. Then they print and sell tickets for a gallery show.  

This year as I watched my youngest Amelia Jo set up for her big show, I began to see signs “Silent Auction begins at 7pm.”  I asked her what that meant and she said you will see Mommy.  So on the big night she asked my husband and I if we brought cash.  She was very clever to have two opposing bidders.  I wasn’t sure what she meant so I asked her why I needed cash beyond my ticket purchase. She quickly replied without batting an eye that following her art show, she would be auctioning off several select pieces to raise money for Children’s Hospital. 

As I toddler Amelia had surgery and she wanted to help the other children she met who needed to stay in the hospital longer than she did. What a joy to see a seven year old be so generous with her precious creations.  She wanted to do her part to help other children and this was something that she could do!

I am sharing this story with other families with the hope of planting seeds. Our children, the next generations, have an amazing capacity to be kind to and generous with others.  Creating an environment where they have the freedom to explore and find their way of participating, is a parenting opportunity we don't want to miss.  

Model generosity and pass it on.