David's White Envelope
Donation protected
As many of you know, David’s father recently passed away. David was very close to his father. Their similarities were expressed as “people lovers,” with big, generous hearts overflowing with positive energy. David loved and adored both of his parents. His dad, a merry jokester, would routinely tell David, “You are my favorite red headed son.” Well, Mr. Brizendine had three sons, and only one red headed son! You can see where David got his playful sense of humor.
Losing your last parent is particularly life altering and challenging. We all will have to make a powerful and often painful transition when our parents are no longer with us in the physical realm. This is monumental and it takes time to process and heal.
Opening oneself to friends and neighbors during times of sorrow is difficult for most of us. Even more so when that person, like David, is the one friends seek for guidance and support. David not only provides non-judgmental compassion to his friends, but also opens his arms up to the community--including the Burlington Earth Clock, his men’s team, and friends and clients across the country. His goal is to foster loving kindness and gratitude toward all.
As many of you know, David is self employed. Being self employed means no paid days off. No paid time off when you need time to arrive by the bedside of an ailing parent to hold their hand. No paid time off when you, along with your siblings, have to bury your father.
I can vividly recall a particularly bitter cold winter day here in Vermont. David and myself (Camille) were walking up Church Street when we noticed a shivering old man. He was asking folks for support while standing there with no coat or socks.
David, without hesitation, took off his coat and gave it to this man in need. David probably would have taken off his own socks too, but time permitting, slipped a $20 bill in his former coat pocket. I’ve witnessed selfless actions, and cold winter days in Vermont, time and time again. I never cease to be amazed by David’s generosity and commitment to elevating humanity.
Carey and myself recently had a conversation about the wonderful circle of life and death, how all seasons of life inevitably involve love and loss. How can we love now? This prompted further discussion about various traditions and ceremony that cultures use to support their grieving members. What can we give now?
That is when Carey mentioned the concept of the “white envelope.” She explained that it is customary in Chinese culture to give grievance money in odd-numbered amounts to the family of the deceased in a “white envelope” (白包). Many of you have been asking us how to help David during this difficult time of grieving.
From all of the facebook inquiries and requests we have already received regarding how to send him “white envelopes,” we decided to create this gofundme.com account as a centralized location to receive your kindness and generosity. Any amount is deeply appreciated.
Please do share this privately with anyone who knows David. We also ask that you not publicly post this link or about this during this private time.
With great thanks and love,
Camille, Carey, Paula, Claire & Danielle
Losing your last parent is particularly life altering and challenging. We all will have to make a powerful and often painful transition when our parents are no longer with us in the physical realm. This is monumental and it takes time to process and heal.
Opening oneself to friends and neighbors during times of sorrow is difficult for most of us. Even more so when that person, like David, is the one friends seek for guidance and support. David not only provides non-judgmental compassion to his friends, but also opens his arms up to the community--including the Burlington Earth Clock, his men’s team, and friends and clients across the country. His goal is to foster loving kindness and gratitude toward all.
As many of you know, David is self employed. Being self employed means no paid days off. No paid time off when you need time to arrive by the bedside of an ailing parent to hold their hand. No paid time off when you, along with your siblings, have to bury your father.
I can vividly recall a particularly bitter cold winter day here in Vermont. David and myself (Camille) were walking up Church Street when we noticed a shivering old man. He was asking folks for support while standing there with no coat or socks.
David, without hesitation, took off his coat and gave it to this man in need. David probably would have taken off his own socks too, but time permitting, slipped a $20 bill in his former coat pocket. I’ve witnessed selfless actions, and cold winter days in Vermont, time and time again. I never cease to be amazed by David’s generosity and commitment to elevating humanity.
Carey and myself recently had a conversation about the wonderful circle of life and death, how all seasons of life inevitably involve love and loss. How can we love now? This prompted further discussion about various traditions and ceremony that cultures use to support their grieving members. What can we give now?
That is when Carey mentioned the concept of the “white envelope.” She explained that it is customary in Chinese culture to give grievance money in odd-numbered amounts to the family of the deceased in a “white envelope” (白包). Many of you have been asking us how to help David during this difficult time of grieving.
From all of the facebook inquiries and requests we have already received regarding how to send him “white envelopes,” we decided to create this gofundme.com account as a centralized location to receive your kindness and generosity. Any amount is deeply appreciated.
Please do share this privately with anyone who knows David. We also ask that you not publicly post this link or about this during this private time.
With great thanks and love,
Camille, Carey, Paula, Claire & Danielle
Organizer
David Brizendine
Organizer
Winooski, VT