Mailbag - February 2020

NO THANK YOU Learning to say no in an intentional, polite way can be a worthwhile challenge. (Illustration: behance.net/runamokstudios)

Yes to saying no

Starting the new year off in a good direction. I read your Back Porch article [Politely, “No,” by Andria Frankfort, January 2020]. You are absolutely right on target – correct in what you said and clear and well written. People now just need to take your advice.

I have said “no” for several years especially to a zillion fundraising requests, to political requests and a more “polite” no to seeing people that only cause pain or frustration. It isn’t easy or always pleasant but it is imperative for one’s own psychological health.

A “no” is often an affirmation of what is important to oneself and can be as positive to all concerned as a “yes.”

Kathryn Rabinow

Heartfelt story

I was touched by your story of Cole Dawson [Braveheart: Giving thanks for a given heart, by Jennifer Oakley, November 2019]. I’ve known Cole to be a good man for many years…. Most people think that legacy planning is just about money. Your story reminds us all that we don’t need to be wealthy to share the most precious thing we have: life. All of us, regardless of financial ability, can be an organ donor and give life. The Talmud tells us that “if you save one life, it is as if you saved the world.” What could be a greater legacy than to have saved the world. Become an organ donor. 

Andrew T. Gardener 

Heart of the home

Noah's House has long held a very special place in my heart. The story of Noah's House is beautiful, but I have often struggled to find the right words to succinctly convey what Noah's House means to the residents, family, staff, and board. Cheryl Ursin's article [Home Sweet Home: Inside Noah’s House, December 2019] has perfectly captured the heart of what makes Noah's House home to so many wonderful people. Thank you to you and your team for helping us share this fantastic story. We are appreciative and grateful. 

Toby Dagenhart

Creating a community 

Thank you for telling the story of Noah’s House! In the article, Home Sweet Home, Cheryl Ursin shines a light on the important work being done by Jonte Rollins and her team to make every resident feel appreciated, valued, safe and cared for. She masterfully captures the true spirit of Noah’s House – that it is something much greater than simply an independent living facility. It is a place where the intellectually disabled find the support that they need to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. It is a place where they are loved and celebrated. It is a place called home! Thank you for sharing their story.

Rick Rumford, Noah’s House Board Member

A special gift

What a wonderful gift Noah’s House provides to its residents! We are so fortunate to have such a loving, caring, and safe environment for those needing the extra help that Noah’s House provides!

Bruce Holzband

Give a crock

Wanted to say thank you to Joni, Pooja and the rest of The Buzz team for the lovely coverage on our "Give a Crock" campaign [Thetas Support Give A Crock Campaign, by Pooja Salhotra, “Buzzworthy” blog at thebuzzmagazines.com]. You have no idea how many people have reached out saying they have seen the article, both online and in the December print issue [Buzz About Town, December 2019, The West University Buzz and The Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz].

Pooja covered the campaign beautifully and captured many great photos. Second Servings is honored to be in The Buzz, especially being that our office is down the street, and many of our volunteers and supporters are frequent Buzz readers. We truly appreciate the love and support you've shown us and for helping spread the word on our mission to provide food to Houstonians in need while fighting hunger in our city.

Kristen Torrez

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