About two months ago I got an email out of the blue on a Tuesday afternoon asking if I would consider speaking at a grassroots fundraising event to raise money for pediatric cancer. It was a long email, with quite a bit of information about the cause, and the need, and the inspiration, and the hope, and the plan, the kind of detail that the writer might have wished would make the invitation sound less far-fetched, two months out and in from the blue, and I made myself wait 15 minutes before I responded, “Of course I’ll come.”
The world seems to be so damn preoccupied with what we think is right and what we think is good. The difference between what we do and what we think is like the difference between a cookie and a crumb.
So of course I’ll come. For everyone who asks and everyone who doesn’t. For everyone who comes to me with bad news, fresh tears and crazy fear. For all those who are sick and the rest of us who will be. For everyone crying, and dying, and living through it. Of course I’ll come. Of course I’ll come. Of course I’ll come.
Will you?
There will be cookies (and not just my crumbs.)
Mamas Night Out Benefiting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
Thursday, May 26 6-10 pm
Santa Cruz, Calif.
And quick! Go here and earn yourself a most memorable Mother’s Day treasure.
I won’t wait 15 mins to write my thank you.
Thank you for being there.
Comment by Roos — May 3, 2011 @ 9:12 am
sitting in the room of the gateless gate and thinking of you.
Comment by wendy — May 3, 2011 @ 2:54 pm
And it will be a miracle, you and I sitting together.
Thank you.
Comment by Jen — May 4, 2011 @ 3:15 am
Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for coming to Georgetown last weekend. I loved your talk, but what I love more is how much I am getting from your talk now, as I am back to my life. Your words have been coming to me as I go about my sacred and ordinary daily tasks with two little boys.
Thank you again. I am reading your book now and loving it.
Peace,
Pamela
Comment by Pamela — May 4, 2011 @ 3:54 pm
so glad you came all the way here to sit with us just a while. thank you for this. not what we think or what we say but what we do indeed.
Comment by Meg Casey — May 4, 2011 @ 4:11 pm
I’ll follow…cookies and crumbs, I see it.
Momma Zen really got me though the first year. Hand Wash Cold is most helpful with my daily real life. Now, for your next book …facing the issues, childhood cancer, autism, you know, the tough ones, in an engaged and present way. In a way that helps one stay. I meet these issues in my classroom and so often cry when it is not my hurt or loss. My emotions surrounding children and illness cloud my ability to help. Thanks for the example in facing some of the most heartbreaking issues.
Comment by Kelly — May 4, 2011 @ 9:05 pm
Of all people, I heard Roseanne Barr say something and it stuck with me.
The essence of what you have said today.
In her words, “I don’t care what people think, I care what they do”.
We think too much about what we could just get on and do and be all the richer for doing so.
Comment by Rachael — May 9, 2011 @ 5:01 pm
Sadly, I cannot come, not to this. But there will be a day. And yes you absolutely do come, always. You were there for me just when I needed it, and I am forever grategful.
xoxoxo
Comment by Christine @ Coffees & Commutes — May 10, 2011 @ 3:32 am