Man in Pit story...problem

 The problems with the story: The man in the pit who can’t get out on his own.

It’s a story about someone fighting depression, a soldier with troubles, a recovering addict, or someone else with a struggle in life that feels isolated and unique from “normal” people . I’ve seen all types. The gist of it is this: someone is in a pit of life, various people pass by giving advice, such that the story makes them look not the least bit helpful and equally incapable. These passersby giving advice include clergymen, doctors, supposed friends, psychologist, etc. All with something to say, but no one taking action to make a difference.  Then, the supposed hero arrives. The hero has been in the same pit before, jumps down into the pit that seems impossible to get out of, and the initial person who is stuck says, “What did you do that for? Now we are both stuck!“ The hero then replies, “Sure.  But I have been here before and I know how to get out.”

 I feel that the valid point this story is trying to make is that there is value in humanity when we reach down and help another who is struggling. That part of the message I understand and support.

Contrast this heartwarming scenario and fictional story that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy  (because we have all at some point felt depressed, abandoned, or in a pit impossible to escape) with realistic stories we have seen in media of someone stuck: a child in a well, miners buried after a collapse, etc.

What happens in reality? All sorts of people come to the rescue. All sorts of people with all sorts of experiences, thoughts, emotions, skills…everything… they all come together to help in the way they know how because THAT is human nature: to help another the best we know how.  The fictional story above bothers me a little because it ridicules the attempt of someone’s good nature and best attempt to help a stranger.

 But, then there’s the beauty of reality!  When it’s possible to fit another person down by the other who is stuck, that is done. But, THE HERO IS RARELY JUST ONE PERSON!   The hero is a community, the hero is humanity. The person who is stuck is often so weak, so hungry, so terrified, so incapable of following someone else’s example, that they need to be physically lifted  and helped and emotionally supported the entire way.   Then, even when the person is physically out of the pit, they’re not finished. In many cases, there is still the psychological distress that needs help, the health that needs to recover, etc.

 What about a less severe story of reality?  One of my favorite hobbies is canyoneering. The stories of rescue related to this sport range from severe ones like above that require teams of experts with helicopters and extreme recovery gear to recover the person whether they be living or dead, to simple recoveries where a rope is extended, the struggling person ties in while their rescuer(s) SECURE THEMSELVES to something STRONG and SLOWLY help them out.  That’s the great phrase of repelling, especially long distances: SLOW is FAST!

 So, from reality, we learn the following:
A.  Human nature is to help the best way we know how, and that effort need not be criticized or ridiculed.
B. The hero is rarely, if ever, just one person: especially in extreme cases.
C. Every human is unique. Therefore, how one person recovered from or escaped their pit, may or may not work for another.
D.  A single person rescue involves the rescuer securing themselves to something strong, and the rescue is often slow and cautious.

 So, how in the world does this relate to Adoption? We all struggle in our own ways, and we all have opportunity to allow others into our lives so that we can both help, and be helped.  The beautiful children that will soon be in our home to join our other beautiful kids and their struggles may be good or bad, but everyone in the community tries to help in the best way they know how. It’s OK for them to help. It’s OK for us to allow, and even invite,  our community into our family. After all, we are all God’s children, so we were family long before we defined family on earth.

To those who wish to have their name on a puzzle piece (or multiples) for our kids (both biological and adopted) to know who they can turn to, we are asking for donations of $20/piece.  That’ll be another post and explanation.  Just know we ARE happily fundraising with this big adoption and we feel your names and connection to our kids lives will be beneficial to all in the long run.  We also have a fundraising account at Alpine Bank for anonymous donors.  It’s under the title: Hoggan Handfuls Adoption.  If you want to but can’t, please think of us next time when you’re looking for someone or their cause to donate to.  It’s very much appreciated!

God bless all,

Daddy Bruce

Post-blog request: 

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A. Venmo "Millie-Hoggan" or 

B. Mailed Check made out to "Hoggan Handfuls Adoption Benefit Account" and mailed to Alpine Bank (Mail to 82 Sipprelle Dr, Battlement Mesa, CO 81636) 

C. Walk-in cash donations at Alpine Banks in Colorado to the "Hoggan Handfuls Adoption Benefit Account".  

We understand you can only give so much financially each month to causes you support.  If you can’t help us now, but want to, we ask that you think of us and our mission the next time you can give financial support to someone.  

Regardless of how you participate in our efforts to raise our little tribe, we appreciate the prayers, the kind words, and uplifting stories shared by so many!  May your loving kindness come full circle in your life.  

With much love, 

The Hoggan's