Day 73: Bought a Clover

Yesterday when I didn't buy my morning coffee and instead bought a pin to support FaceAIDS.org, it gave me an idea. This week is going to be pin/ribbon week. Every random act of kindness I am going to do today through Friday will in some way involve a pin or a ribbon that helps support a cause or brings awareness to a cause that may not be as public as others.

One of our blog followers recently reached out to me and made me aware of a woman named Nikki. Nikki gave birth to her baby boy, Collins, on May 18th, 2011. Sadly, due to an unknown lung condition that wouldn't allow Collins' lungs to grow, he passed away just 37 hours later. As a way to cope with the loss of her son, Nikki started Caps for Collins. In honor of Collins, Nikki knits hats for children in the NICU and for families being photographed by Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Nikki's (and her family's) strength through all of this is amazing. I couldn't even begin to imagine losing Isla because I almost broke down just at the thought of it.

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, Nikki's friends put together Clovers for Collins in an effort to raise money for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep in Collins' name and as a tribute/surprise for Nikki. I am a huge fan of St. Patrick's Day, and decided that for today's random act, I would purchase a clover pin for my daughter so that she will hopefully love it too (although not until she is like 25). I again decided to pass on my morning coffee and spent the $5 on the pin. I figured a little good luck is better than a little caffeine. If you would like to support Nikki in her cause, please visit the above links.