Someone emailed me tonight, and in a bit of a rant, questioned my decision to post yesterday's story about crib death. "Did I assume wrong that Green Grandma wants to promote a clean environment?" she asked. "I thought that was its focus."
Based on her question, I thought that perhaps this would be a good time to reiterate to you, my readers, what the purpose of the blog is.
Let's look at the name of the blog: Green Grandma. Green because I really do want to educate and spur on the GG community to living greener lives. "Promote a clean environment?" Perhaps, but my main goal is to encourage each of you to make more environmentally-friendly choices in your everyday lives. It's not to raise up tree-hugging activists. There are enough other sites to do that. For those of you who have been reading long enough, you know I often focus on trash and recycling issues. And, of course, I give cloth diapers a plug from time to time.
The second half of the name is Grandma. That's where the heart of the blog lies. I'm the grandma of one amazing 20-month-old granddaughter, with a grandson on the way. I care about the world that awaits them. I care about the chemicals and toxins in the products they will use. I care about the chemicals and toxins in the landfills...and in the water...and in the diapers. I care about the emotional environment they'll be raised in. I care about the schools and the television shows and the music they'll be exposed to. I care about the food they eat, the medicines they take, the health conditions they may have. I want my grandchildren to grow up in a healthy environment.
Since this is my blog, I feel I have the right to share whatever I want to on it. Sometimes that means I share my heart with you. I share my pain and my hopes. Why? Because you've become a family to me and I want you to get to know me. Why I'm being questioned on what I choose to post baffles me.
But I hope I've cleared some things up for you. You, who I offer vinegar tips to on Fridays. You, who I warn about toxins and unsafe products. You, who I trust with sensitive issues....like crib death.
Thank you for receiving Patty Gunnett's story yesterday with such warmth. She wrote it in hopes of touching someone's life out there who may be struggling with the aftermath of their own child's death. Her email address follows her story. If you feel a need or desire to correspond with Patty, she would love to hear from you.
In the meantime, please know that every post I write or share, is done with you in mind.
Keeping it real,
Hana
Thanks, Hana, for your post. Those of us who read your blog completely understand your areas of focus and appreciate your information.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason for anyone to question you on your choice of topics or stories.
I am shocked at the insensitivity of the feedback in response to Patty's story. Instead, I feel our prayers should be going out in response to Patty and anyone that has experienced the pain and loss that she has endured.
Thank you, Ang.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your last statement.
Hana,
ReplyDeleteI was touched by reading Patty's story as well. I don't understand why it caused a rant. It has a place here as you said, being a Grandma is a very important part of your life. I think it took courage and grace for Patty to share such a painful thing with all of us.
Megan