#610 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Friday March 17)
Good morning,
ALWAYS FREE
About a month ago, the mysteries of Substack sent out a message asking people to “pledge” what they would be willing to pay for the Musings. Once I found out about this and saw that people actually responded, I had Substack remove it. This is a labor of love and a means of reaching out to friends and engaging in meaningful conversation (and, sometimes, just fun!). I have no interest in making a dime for it.
THE PROVERBIAL PICTURE WORTH 1000 WORDS
That picture up top is of Andrea with some of the kids from Wise Readers to Leaders, now in its 12th year of serving children in Title I schools with literacy and summer camp programs, as well as year-round “reading buddies” pairing secondary school kids with those children. Andrea co-founded the program with Ron Stern. While Andrea continues as Chair of the Board, the CEO duties have been passed on to the ever capable and creative Joyce Anderson. The old guy on the right?—yes that’s me, supporting one of my bride’s many labors of goodness.
PANDA’S HELPING PAW
I only have one substantive Musing today, which I hope you’ll appreciate. I wanted to share with you the publication of a children’s book that addresses mental illness in a kind, sensitive, thoughtful way. It’s called Panda’s Helping Paw, and it’s written by Andrea. Here’s the Amazon description, which I believe describes it perfectly:
“Take your little one on a heartwarming journey with Panda and his friends as they learn how to support their pal Bunny and discover how sadness can hurt someone just as much as physical pain.
When a game of soccer turns into an unexpected accident, everyone in the neighborhood comes together to help Elephant feel better. But when Panda discovers that his friend Bunny is hurting too, only on the inside, he sets out to rally their circle of friends to shower Bunny with the love and support he needs.
Panda's Helping Paw is a beautifully illustrated children's book that shines a light on mental health and well-being. With lovable characters and easy-to-understand explanations, this book is the perfect tool for parents and educators to spark meaningful conversations with kids and introduce complex concepts in a fun and engaging way.”
FOLLOWING UP
I haven’t asked for much, so if you’re inclined to provide a “helping paw/hand,” purchase the book and read it with your kid or grandkid. We all should be more empathetic to the feelings of others and it’s never too young to start developing this skill.
The book is available on Amazon and I’d love if you picked up a copy: https://www.amazon.com/Pandas-Helping-Paw-Andrea-Sonnenberg/dp/B0BVCY7LNZ
LAST WORD ON EMPATHY
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
― James Baldwin
Wishing you all a happy weekend—poetry and music coming tomorrow!
Glenn
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