Have you ever been so excited, so ready, for what’s to come that you lose sleep day dreaming about the possibilities? Have you seen yourself on a stage, in an interview, outside the country? I feel like I haven’t slept all month and this is just the beginning. God sure does lead us on amazing journeys if we’re willing to be led.
Throughout this month of October, I’ve revolved my days around these blogs. Research, reading, re-reading, then staying up late laying it all out on the keyboard for all to see. It’s been so rewarding for my mind and heart. These past few weeks those dreams have been encouraged to become a reality. I’m starting small in hopes I can touch just even a few lives.
Evelynn being gone does not mean her influence is gone. Our love for her did not die with her. The magnitude of our journey and her spirit allows her memory to continue. Even though she is not here to see it, I know she can feel how many have been touched by her. It only took 5lb. 7oz. to change me. Now, it is the love of a mother that wants to help change the world.
Today, October 31, 2018 is the first day the not-for-profit fundraiser, Evelynn’s Basket, is open to accept donations. The Mission of this fundraiser is to provide bereaved parents in their darkest hour comfort and support knowing their beloved little is carried away lovingly and peacefully, with honor. During this time of unexplainable sorrow, this gift can help ease the parents transition into grief. No parent deserves to live with regret about decisions made during the final hours with their babies.
The Plan is simple for now. Receive money and use the money to buy baskets with engraved plaques and donate to funeral homes in Nashville and surrounding cities. I have communicated with funeral homes who agree there is a need. The baskets are large woven palm leaf and durable measuring approximately 10″ high and 33″ long. There will also be the option for any family to use the basket for viewing during a memorial and/or funeral service. A much more gentle approach than a casket. Finally, the family will have the option to take the basket home as a keepsake to be used in a number of practical ways. You can read >>here<< about my first donation and the spark to this fundraiser.
How is also very simple. Visit Evelynn’s Basket Facebook page and click donate. (IM WORKING THROUGH A KINK. Instead of clicking the donate button on the FB page, click this link!)
https://www.paypal.me/queenofkings25
It is currently set up to receive donations in order to have the lowest fee/transaction costs. The cost for a gender neutral basket (ones with a grey, beige/natural, or white fabric) is $95-$140 plus $12 for the engraved plaque (no limit to the amount of letters. Most will be around 3.5″x3.5″). Details of the costs of certain baskets will be updated often on the FB page. If you donate enough to cover the cost of an entire basket, I will have the basket plaque engraved with a babies’ name of your choice. I want to honor as many babies as I humanly can.
The Future has many options, in my opinion. I have several other dreams I would like to see happen for this fundraiser in order to help other parents like me and maybe even in the far future, fair trade authentic sourcing. Please be patient with me as I work with a learning curve to create a better Facebook page and website in order to continue with future plans. Who knows where God is leading me but there is only one person I will trust my life with over and over and over again.
If you have been following my story and blogs throughout awareness month, THANK YOU. (to read from the beginning click >here<) I could not have made it this far without all the love and support. Several have asked me from the very beginning what they could do to help me during my time of need. The only answer I knew to say then was prayer and I still 100% believe in the power of prayer. Now, I need your help in this way so we, together, can give the gift of comfort at a time it’s needed most. Share my story, Share my mission, in order to share God’s love.
For Him
For Her
For Me
For You
Evelynn’s Basket 