I’ve been thinking about legacy lately. I read what Chris Guillebeau wrote last month and it’s been hanging out in the fog, rearing its head on occasion and adding to my questions about who I am and what I want to contribute to the world.

Many baby lost mamas find that after their child dies, they want to find a greater purpose and a way to honor baby’s too-brief life. Some start businesses creating memorial jewelry or keepsakes for other BLM’s. Some write books, launch websites like Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope or organize and fundraise to help new parents starting this journey of grief. Writing about Benjamin is part of my journey of remembering and honoring his life, and I’d like to do something more.

There will be no Christmas gifts or birthday presents for my son but I would like to begin a tradition of giving. Every  year on Christmas and his birthday (do I call it birthday? anniversary of his death?) I have decided to give a gift in his name. I haven’t made a final decision where the money will go this year so please, if you have an opinion on the list below, weigh in – gently.

The following organizations are dedicated to helping women and children in various parts of the world. I invite you to visit their websites and learn more about what all of us can do – and if you haven’t read Half the Sky yet, do that too.

Save the Children

Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Somaliland.

Fistula Foundation supporting the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Heal Africa in Goma, Congo

White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood

I’m finally going to set up my account at www.kiva.org too. There are many paths to legacy. It’s time to walk a few more.

I love you Ben. Thank you for helping me be the best mama – the best person – I can be.