Extreme Home (office) Makeover

In one of the stars
I shall be living
In one of them
I shall be laughing
And so it will be
as if all the stars
were laughing
when you look
at the sky at night
- The Little Prince

It goes without saying that the tragedy in Newtown, CT pains me beyond comprehension. I really can't talk much about it because there are no words, but I felt I had to acknowledge it since I was away when it happened and very disconnected to the world and all that was going on.  In my head, I try to imagine Ty among those children in heaven -- dancing, playing and laughing so loud.  Still, it doesn't bring much comfort, nor does it help me understand the tragedy of any senseless loss. 

I've seen a lot of similar posts on Facebook today, and wanted to share this one in particular. 

 

Let’s tip the scale of good and evil in our world.

Like many people, I am having so much trouble getting beyond this horrific tragedy.
 What has occurred cannot be changed, but I can promise myself that these beautiful children will not be forgotten. They have made a lasting impact on my life. In the last few days I have hugged more, shown much gratitude and felt so much pain and love. Patience with my children has been abundant and my to-do list has been trivial. I know I am not alone in this.

Thank you beautiful angels for inspiring us to do better.

Many people believe change is needed by amending gun laws or improving health accessibility. I feel the need to do something immediate and within my own control.

 I have set 26 intentional good deeds in dedication of: Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Dylan, Madeleine, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Noah, Caroline, Jessica, Avielle, Benjamin, Allison, Rachel, Dawn, Anne, Lauren, Mary and Victoria. They are simple acts of kindness done in their honor. I made a list of things that are within my range of resources. Each one is written on a star and they will hang on my wall as they are fulfilled. I am including my children in as many of these acts as possible. Among these, we will be making something to bring to our local nursing home, picking up trash at the beach or park and I will be doing several free hoop classes for children’s non-profit orgs. The kids came up with a lot of sweet things to do.

I invite you to join me if you wish. Love more, give more and be grateful every day. ~Gina

This is the good that comes out of tragedy. Just as I have seen when Ty got sick, and again when Ty died.  People are inherently good and kind. 

Speaking of which, you would not believe the amazing gift I came back to on Monday.  MY OFFICE!  The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation is almost ready to roll!  An incredible crew of volunteers arrived on Saturday and worked their butts off to spackle, prime, paint, clean, rip up carpet and decorate!!  The space looks absolutely incredible.  I had NO IDEA that they had such plans and I was simply blown away.  To this day I still can't figure out how they did it all in one day!  One of the greatest gifts was the photo album they left me that documented the entire process.  I swear, it was like my own Extreme Home (office) Makeover.  They thought of everything.  All I need now is some carpet -- the guy came today to measure -- and a few more furniture items -- but nothing that will hold us back from getting to work.  After the New Year, that office will be buzzing :)  Thanks to all of you who have contacted me to help.  I promise, I will be in touch! 

Every item in that office, along with the labor that went into it, has all been donated.  The carpets will also be donated by a local provider, as well.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity and love that we have been flooded with. 

The office has three rooms.  A blue room for Ty, a green for Gavin, and a large yellow room with a kitchenette where we will often work in teams.   There were tons of people there to help, including a bunch of kids, and I am simply blown away.  They didn't miss a single detail.  Ty was everywhere.  So were ladybugs and messages of hope.  The space is beautiful. 

 

 

This is the definition of a labor of love.  Thank you so much to all of the incredible volunteers who helped pull the space together and make it feel like home.  There's no place I would rather be :)