This morning, we got up, rather lazily, at 7:30, and got out of our very comfortable superking size bed. Both boys were in bed with me, having joined us at some point through the night, and Rob had already left for work. I checked my iPhone to see what time it was, and if it was time to get up. Then we all headed to the bathroom to use the toilet, and wash our teeth and hands. I changed Noah’s nappy.
Then we headed through to the kitchen where I boiled a kettle for a cup of tea, poured shreddies into a bowl for James, and buttered toast for me and Noah. After breakfast we played with Duplo before getting dressed into clean clothes.
There’s a campaign going round Facebook where you take a black and white photo of your children or family, with the caption “It could’ve been me (or us)”. I’m totally behind this campaign, not least because it raises awareness of the plight of Syrian refugees, but also raises money for Save The Children to use where they need to in order to help those people.
We are very blessed: iPhone, clean running water, a toilet, a choice of foodstuffs for breakfast. We are not in a country ravaged by war, in fear each day of death, rape, torture. Even the simple activity of getting out of bed isn’t a day-to-day activity for refugees, running from horrors we just can’t imagine. Mums cannot just simply change their baby’s nappy, children are not carefree to simply play with blocks.
The photo of the little boy – Aylan – on the beach in Içmeler filled me with horror, dread, sadness, and relief – relief that his awful journey had ended. A three year old’s life should be filled with happiness, routine, activities and fun. Not being on a boat without a life jacket, not living in the same clothes you’ve worn for however-many-days, not wondering if you’ll be fed soon, if you’ll have clean water.
There are many ways to help, and we in the UK absolutely can, and must.
Some of the ways include:
Take a photo of you, your family, or children in black and white, and post it to Facebook with the caption “it could have been me/us” and donate £5 (or however much you can afford) to Save the Children. Use the hashtag #SaveSyriasChildren. TEXT 70008 and the word SYRIA to donate £5. See Save The Children’s terms and conditions.
Samara’s aid appeal care packs
This brilliant Amazon wish list
And many more, including lots of local methods.
Don’t sit back and be glad it’s not you – do something to help those who are in need.
Well written Helena and a very moving piece which highlights what we can do to help. I love James’s picture and we must do more to help as a country. xx
Thank you Jo – that really means a lot. Do consider taking part! xx
I agree with you. I feel so bad for those families especially with kids who have to experience this kind of unhuman attitude. We are so blessed to live in the country when we have everything we need, I thank God for all this everyday!
We are very blessed, I think we take it for granted really. I think being able to take it for granted is another luxury!