We had our first “Please Mr. President” workshop for less fortunate children last Saturday. It was incredibly magical yet heartbreaking. We heard many stories. Stories of loss, sadness, and tragedy. I spent time with children whose eyes had seen entirely too much for their young age. Moms came in beaten down and broken up. We never uttered the words homeless, we never took pity or felt sorry. We, the volunteers, celebrities, artists and teachers and less fortunate all became one. Because we all knew. We knew that we were all the same, separated only by circumstance and geography. One child whose mother told me he never smiled, danced and laughed furiously with me to Michael Jackson (RIP). One young mother who had just come to the mission the day before with her three day old newborn wouldn’t look me in the eye and made it abundantly clear that she was only staying for a few minutes, ended up staying for the entire day. She painted beautiful pictures and learned how to make jewelry. I never asked why she was there. I just told her I was happy she was. Children left knowing their voices were heard and felt hope. Hope can last a long time! Our job was done..
Peace,
Lysa