“The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have. ”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
Time IS all we have. Time to experience new things. Time to make a difference in others’ lives. Time to make memories and know that we have truly lived.
As a mother, there are certain things I want for my children. I want them to have compassion for others. I want them to understand the importance of giving back. I want them to know the value of experiences versus things. I think these are things most of us want for our children.
One of the things that our family does every year is host a child from the Fresh Air Fund. This program pairs up disadvantaged NYC kids with families in the “country” for a vacation at a home away from home. These are relatively short visits…1-2 weeks. We’ve hosted the same little girl for the past 6 years; this will be her 7th summer with us. What a blessing this has been in so many ways. It’s truly been a life changing experience. I’m sharing our story on hosting a Fresh Air child with you today at Another Jennifer; I hope you will take a moment to visit me over there. We’d love it if you would share as well! The Fresh Air Fund is always looking for more families to host…all you need is a little room in your home and in your heart!
Tricia
Tuesday 25th of June 2013
What a wonderful idea! How much fun to fill a couple of weeks that way!
Michelle Nahom
Tuesday 25th of June 2013
It's a wonderful thing for all of us. I'm very honored that her mother entrusts her to us. That first year especially must have been very difficult. I can't imagine sending my kids off to people I didn't know...it's such a leap of faith.
Melissa
Monday 24th of June 2013
What an amazing program! Living in the wide open spaces here in Texas, I forget that there are kids who don't get to experience the great outdoors and all the fun it has to offer. Thanks so much for sharing this with me and kudos to you for introducing it to your children. You are an awesome mom! :)
Michelle Nahom
Tuesday 25th of June 2013
You're right -- these kids don't get to experience the great outdoors like our kids do. Our Fresh Air child is always quick to go with me to the farm to pick veggies from our CSA where my kids are usually groaning if I ask them to go with me. For them its a weekly occurrence...for her its something different!
Michell
Sunday 23rd of June 2013
Hi Michelle!! It's awesome that you're giving back! What's even better is that you've taught your children to do the same! Thanks for raising model citizens Michelle! Have a wonderful evening!
Michelle Nahom
Tuesday 25th of June 2013
It is a blessing for us to host this wonderful little girl -- my daughter considers her her summer sister. I love how she fits right back into our family every summer as if she never left!
Julie
Sunday 23rd of June 2013
What a great opportunity to show your kids the value of giving. I'm going to have to check into this program.
Michelle Nahom
Sunday 23rd of June 2013
If you decide to participate, let me know! :) We really enjoy it -- it's such a great opportunity for the kids to experience new things in a new environment and it's a wonderful opportunity for our family as well!
nellie
Sunday 23rd of June 2013
What a great thing you so every year. The kids look like they are having such a good time!
Michelle Nahom
Sunday 23rd of June 2013
They definitely do! These are older pics but every year the kids have lots of fun!