C-A-R-I-N-G–Character Trait of December
Posted by lindamartinandersen on December 23, 2012
“C-A-R-I-N-G–Character Trait of December” by Linda Martin Andersen
“A Writer’s Playground”
A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.
December–a month that encourages giving and caring.
When I was an elementary School Counselor in Cumberland County, NC, students studied character traits each month. Now, I have found another way to spread the word about good character. I volunteer once a month for Story Time at a home school bookstore in my area. Check it out at www.thepilgrimsjourney.com.
This month, like the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC, I planned to present the character trait of CARING which is defined as “being kind, helpful, and generous to everyone.”
At Story Time, I was scheduled to read The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, written and illustrated by David Saltzman. I had to cancel Story Time due to my husband being hospitalized. I hope you’ll locate a copy of this book and share it with a special child in your life. The author wrote this book while being treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma. Unfortunately, he did not survive. The Jester & Pharley Phund was established to continue to spread the message of caring. “While we wait for tomorrow’s cures, The Jester & Pharley Phund gives children hope and laughter as they battle cancer and other serious illnesses today.” http://www.thejester.org/
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Another example of caring is a tribute to a good friend’s twin sister who died of cancer. Even during her illness, she continued to reach out to others and show her care for them. Caroline Harsant Whitley, nicknamed Care, is honored by her family and friends in a program called Care’s Coasters. See more here. www.carescoasters.com.
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I’d love to hear ways you show caring. Please leave a comment below. Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.” Come again soon and bring a friend.
Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen
A Writer's Playground 
Tracy Campbell said
My dear friend, Linda
I am very sorry to hear your husband is in the hospital. It takes the joy out of Christmas
Keep looking up though.
My prayers are with you both.
What a good way to show you care–volunteering to read to children. I’m sure you are a blessing. 👏⛄
Tracy
P.S. Did you chose your hat based on the book?
lindamartinandersen said
Tracy,
You are the first person to guess it. I did choose the hat because of this book. A friend bought it for me when she saw me reading the book to students. She wanted me to have the right look. Good friend, huh?
Thanks for your words of comfort about my husband. I hope he comes home tomorrow–Christmas Eve. That would be the best present ever!
Linda
Tracy Campbell said
I’m so smart. LOL She is a good friend!
That’s what I prayed today, that your hubby will be home with you for Christmas! 🙂 🙂 🙂
lindamartinandersen said
Tracy,
Your prayers are definitely appreciated! And oh yes, you are smart!
maureen@wartski.org said
I’m so sorry that your husband was taken ill! That you should continue to care is an amazing hing and shows your generous and loving spirit. For me, caring means that I try and find something excellent or exciting about each person I meet– and that I try to help, in some small way, whenever I can.
lindamartinandersen said
Maureen,
I know I am a recipient of your caring. You give me encouragement and suggestions with all my writing. Thank you for taking time to comment.
Merry Christmas! I hope to bring my husband home tomorrow. He’s been there since the 10th.
Linda
Joan Y. Edwards said
Dear Linda,
I love “The Jester Has Lost His Jingle” book. That was very kind of your friend to purchase a Jester hat for you. You look really cute in that Jester hat, too. Awesome. Those coasters are a great way to show people they care. Clever idea! What a tribute to Caroline Harsant Whitley and others who are in need of care.
May God bless you for all of your caring ways for your husband, your family, and your friends. You are a jewel. Enjoy your Christmas Day!
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
lindamartinandersen said
Joan,
I’m glad you enjoyed learning about this book and about Caroline Harsant Whitley and the Care Coasters. The word is getting out about why I wear my jester hat. That helps put the jingle out there. Thanks for the compliment about me being a caring person. How sweet. Thank you for being a dear friend who has helped me through some tough stuff and celebrated some terrific times with me as well. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Carol Federlin Baldwin said
Caring starts with loving the Lord and putting His commands first. Everything should (although it doesn’t always!) follow from that! Thanks for this post.
lindamartinandersen said
Carol,
Good points! Have a Merry Christmas! Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I know everyone is busy!
Joan Y. Edwards said
I chose you as a winner of the Sunshine Award for bloggers because you inspire me with knowledge and humor. Thank you very much.
http://joanyedwards.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/i-gave-the-sunshine-award-to-10-bloggers/
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
lindamartinandersen said
Joan,
What a nice compliment. I appreciate being a recipient of such a cheery award. Thank you!
“A Writer’s Playground” is Celebrating Its First Birthday. Let’s Parade in Our Favorite Hats! « A Writer's Playground said
[…] So why do I wear a jester hat? To remind myself to never lose my jingle (sense of humor). Years ago, I began reading children The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, a picture book written and illustrated by David Saltzman. The story also promotes the character trait of caring. A friend decided I needed my own jester hat to wear while sharing this book; so, she bought me one. I wear it on my blog to promote laughter and caring. Learn more about the picture book and the author here: https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/c-a-r-i-n-g-character-trait-of-december/ […]