12/18/2025
Some of you may have noticed that we did not participate in Giving Tuesday this year. In this current climate, with so many struggling, it feels like a tough time to ask for monetary donations. For me, it didn’t set well to compete against so many amazing organizations out there who are feeding, clothing, housing people, saving the earth and so much more. Since my heart was screaming “don’t do it”, I listened. I quietly let Giving Tuesday come and go with no pressure to compete. No social media post. No reel. No event. Nothing. Just a quiet Tuesday and a knowing that I would post something meaningful for KWF in December.
December is a month that hits hard for us. My body alerts me it has arrived before my mind has realized the date on the calendar. That’s how grief often works — our body remembers. It’s a countdown to December 20th. On that cold winter day 18 years ago, our little house was filled with loved ones, baked goods, Christmas music and twinkly lights from our tree. Kelly laid in his hospital bed in the center of our living room, unable to speak. It had been a few hours since he stopped squeazing hands, and it had been more than 24 hours since he opened his eyes. He was losing the ability to swallow, and we could see that his body was starting to shut down.
The house was full. I crawled in the bed with Kelly and stayed there for those last few hours. Friends and family had arrived from all over the country, and some were still in cars and planes. Kelly started attempting to open his eyes. His Dad was over on the sofa talking to family. Kelly’s sister, Karen and I were by Kelly’s side witnessing him fluttering his eyelids. Karen and I looked at each other and discussed if his Dad had told him it was ok to go. We had already had that conversation, several times over those last 4 months. Karen said “Dad, did you tell him it’s ok to go?” His Dad approached his bed and placed his hand on Kelly’s head and told him it was ok, “go be with your Mom.” We all gathered around him at that moment, many placing a hand on him, my hand on his chest, and his aunt started to say the Lord’s Prayer. We all joined in and after several big breaths, Kelly left his body, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones. Our house was filled with deep heartbreak, big love and a quiet peace that words can’t explain. I knew Kelly was home.
I share all of this so that you can understand the purpose behind this organization in honor of Kelly Weinberg. My love for Kelly and heavy grief created KWF, and with that a legacy of love was built. Our organization, 100% volunteer run is now 17 years old and sustained by LOVE.
This is where YOU come in. No, I am not going to ask you for money. Our new website isn’t even set up for donations yet. One of our dear friends and yearly supporters had to dig to find a way to give their annual donation (thank you! thank you!). What I am asking is for you to join us this Saturday for Kelly’s Day of Giving. A day to give back and love your neighbors in the best way you are able.
We are living in a time where people need more connection and kindness. Division and lonliness has swept over our nation and the World. But each of us can raise the vibrations in our own small way. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be the simplest thing like holding a door, buying a coffee for a stranger, letting that person go in front of you, calling a friend you havent spoken to in forever or something bigger. It can also be standing up when you witness injustices, using your voice even when it’s uncomfortable, speaking out against bullies and being willing to not be liked when doing the right thing. Kelly was a Military Police officer who loved the Army, loved our country, and loved all people. He had integrity. He apologized when he was wrong and he called out people when they were wrong. He was an amazing and fierce leader because he led with humility and love.
A few years ago, on December 20th, my dear friend, Mary Beth Gibson had the idea of us sharing random acts of kindness on the anniversary of Kelly’s passing. We went around handing out gift cards and bouquets of flowers to random strangers. We then sat and enjoyed coffee and shared some tears together. Mary Beth and I met through Here For The Girls, the amazing organization she founded after thriving and surviving breast cancer at a young age. I guess, in a way, Kelly brought us together.
In our support group tonight, I was touched by our conversation. Our group members are an inspiration. They continue to remind me why we keep showing up for each other. We lost two of our members this year, only five months apart. Each of them had been part of our support group for years. It’s been difficult. Our group is like chosen family. Our conversation tonight felt like it was filled with God winks.
Please join us from wherever you are this Saturday, December 20th for Kelly’s Day of Giving. Tag us and share how you’re loving and connecting with your community. Dont forget to like, follow and share our page if you haven’t already. If you’re interested in learning more about our support groups or volunteering with us, please send me a message. I’ll be on here sharing more over the next few days. So much going on, and new things happening.
Thank you for all of your love and support.
Don’t forget to Play and Love like a Champion Today! 💜
