Needless to say, when I sat down to write my newsletter, none of the topics I had considered seemed appropriate after the events of December 14th. As much as I believe in sharing important information on how to live a more sustainable life, all I can pretty much think about is the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It is a horror so indescribable that it is impossible to process.

Before I write on, I have an unusual request. If you are too busy to read the entire newsletter now, save it and read it later. Why? Because I would like you to read an article before you go on. I think it matters that much - it matters to hear a story from a mother - a mother whose son is mentally ill, a mother who is distraught about what she can do, a mother who is not neglectful, is not ashamed of her son, a mother who is seeking help and finding very little, a mother who knows her son is every bit as capable of committing the same heinous act of violence that occurred last Friday, a mother who lives in fear. Thank you, Katie Murphy-Darling, for having the courage to stand up and ask for all of us to change the conversation about mental illness and for sharing this painful, thought provoking article.

I don't know about you but this one got to the core of my being as a mother. (Just an FYI about me, I worked in some aspect of social services for about 35 years so I have some inkling as to the magnitude and scope of the mental health treatment system and its many challenges.) As a nation and as individuals, we are searching for solutions. Some of us are looking to assign blame. Others are becoming more vocal and organized about gun control. Most of us share a common belief that we can't just throw our hands up, grieve and move on. Not this time. When our very young children are the victims, we tend to rally and as a country, become motivated to protect them. The great dilemma and ongoing debate will be about how to create truly sustainable communities and I believe there are many solutions - not just one.

I invite you to research information about how many people in our country live in isolation (1 in 4); about the number of people in prison with mental health diagnosis (56%) and about the frighteningly dramatic increases in the numbers of children being diagnosed with autism, ADD, ADHD, Asperger Syndrome (part of a group of diagnoses called "autistic spectrum disorders") and the list goes on and on and on. But what to do going forward?

I wish I could write a list of things that are guaranteed solutions. I cannot; however, these are things that may strengthen a child's emotional well-being. If I inspire ONE of you to action, then we will be that much closer to a truly sustainable society.

Mentor - I have been one for almost 13 years. Talk about rewarding? Facts will back me up about the difference it makes. Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs - they all need volunteers.

Read to a child - schools need us like never before in our history. Just our presence in schools can have a positive impact.

Become a tutor for adults who can't read - again - pebble in the pond, proven research on positive impact.

This may sound like a far reach, but if you feel anything like I do about the tragedy of last week, then you understand my intention.

Too busy to volunteer but can write a check? No matter how big or how small, your donation can help support the work of non-profits making a difference. Do your research, ask questions and give what you can to agencies with proven results.

No matter what, search for the one thing that suits you best. The possibilities are endless.

Share Your Green Christmas Dreams 

Please take just a few minutes to share your green giving ideas. What are your green Christmas ideas and traditions? Please get your green on and share them with everyone in Mrs. Green's world. The prizes are all green, provided by companies committed to green practices and are all GREAT! Deadline for entering is this Friday, December 21, noon Arizona time.    

Take a look at our prizes AND the fabulous entries at press time.