Memories of simpler days

Can you smell the fresh air? Feel the cool breeze? I'm sure there's a lilac bush nearby filling the air with its sweet aroma. Escape with me to Nana's Place; a step back in time to simpler days.  

Remember the back porch and screen door? Constant reminders of "Don't slam the door!" as you and the cousins ran in and out? ...Or going down to the henhouse with Grandma to collect eggs?There was always the one chicken who liked to peck so Grandma would reach for those eggs.  Remember how warm fresh eggs felt? After helping Grandma carefully put the eggs away, we were off again to explore. Was Grandpa in the field or the barn? No, but there were new baby kittens to find in the barn and new piglets to check out at the pig houses.  Think of all the running and climbing and exploring that happened on the farm. Grandpa taught us how to start irrigation pipes and to pump water from the pump. I never drove a tractor, but I rode with him on it many times. He always had a dog to greet us when we arrived. Some with licks, some with barks. Brownie was the greatest in my memory. 

I never helped Grandma with any baking, but she passed away when I was 7 and sick prior to that. I do remember we always had a big meal at noon and then always sat down to eat again before we left. There was always fried chicken or roast and potatoes and homemade rolls and salads of some sort, plus dessert. We never left hungry. 

Finally, the best memory that I have is when we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house, while they were busy, they always included us in whatever they were doing. It would have been easier to drive the tractor without a kid on your lap, or to gather eggs without me tagging along, but they always allowed us to join in and share in the experiences. 

I miss my grandparents, but I am grateful for the love and life they shared with me.  

Which leads me to my dream of creating Nana's Place. Not everyone grows up with Grandparents to visit and learn from. I would love to create a Nana's Place for anyone to visit, kids and adults, when they need a break or to enjoy a simpler time. A step back in time, whether for an hour, a day, or longer. Books, needlework, board games, cooking, etc are welcome. Phones would be checked at the door. 

Who's in? 

Back to the basics...

Who are we? 

Sister Hugs has been invited to speak at a ladies' luncheon; to share the who's, what's, and why's of ourselves. Of course this prompts us to reflect on those very questions and answers. Sometimes we get a little complex in our mission, but the core is always the same. 

Who are we? 

We are women, men and youth with a heart for helping others in need. If I could change or broaden our name, I would as we have many amazing males and children also working our cause. If you feel like a member, you're in. ☺️ we have some who participate with every activity, some who join in weekly or monthly, some who donate to the cause, and some who support our fundraising.  There's something for everyone who's interested. 

What do we do?

Our mission is simple. We want to console the suffering.  Cheer the broken-hearted. Comfort the hurting. We can't fix, but we can help.  Knowing others care is powerful therapy. Knowing strangers care is an unexpected hug.  That's what we try to do - that is the backbone of Sister Hugs. We care for others, pure and simple. 

When?

We receive nominations from all across the US from friends and relatives of those facing challenges and needing a boost.  If accepted, our small but mighty village put together a Love Bomb created exclusively for them.  This is then either mailed or delivered to the recipient. To nominate someone, simply message or email their story to SH. We will get back to you within a day or two. 

Where? 

We have mailed Love Bombs to most of our 50 states.  However, the majority have remained local due to a higher awareness and involvement ratio. Over 600 Love Bombs have gone out since July, 2012. 

Why?

While it's hard for some to understand why we give to strangers, our favorite recipients are those in most need.  Not everyone facing challenges needs us - it's never a contest of who can get the most "stuff", but rather who needs some extra hugs the most?  We step in for those who are not on the front page and not having huge fundraisers. We are there for your mom, your neighbor, your friend. We are the wind beneath your wing...