FEBRUARY 26, 2020
It Takes a Village
A term frequently used and just as frequently dismissed. Prior to this week the saying meant nothing more than a cliché to me. But prior to this week, I had yet to witness the absolute beast of a village that has shown up for the Watson family.
Wednesday marked the first of many fundraisers as both Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria’s Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Ranch locations opened their doors for all Watson Nation supporters. Originally only planned for their Rancho Santa Margarita location, the overwhelming response graciously prompted Selma’s to open the fundraiser to their Ladera Ranch location as well. Our village happily supported by filling up both locations, showing up in full-force, complete with Watson Nation gear and ready to drink and dine.
Today our Watson Nation village hosted a bake sale at Ike Arnold Park in Robinson Ranch, complete with WatsonNation, and Girl Pack apparel, Disneyland ticket raffle, and more baked treats than you could ever eat in a lifetime. All of which baked and donated by the loving Robinson Ranch village that has and continues to support Megan and family during this horrific time. Customers, from grown adults to small children, were overheard refusing to accept the change from their purchases. Stories of supporters paying $40 to $100 for a single cookie was a common theme. Needless to say, the original $1,000 goal was exceeded and quite frankly blown out of the water. Organizers of the bake sale presented Megan with the funds raised this afternoon, immediately bringing Megan to tears, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Truthfully, the words escape me as I try to convey the palpable spirit of love and support that this fierce WatsonNation exudes. Upon entering Robinson Ranch Road our residents are greeted with black and yellow ribbons adorning every tree, sign, and post. Iowa Hawkeyes flags hang on the houses of even the most staunch West Coast sports fans. Handmade WatsonNation posters hang from street signs, black and yellow balloon columns lovingly affixed to traffic signals, “WatsonNation” permanently displayed on the elementary school marquee. You can’t enter our “hood” without tearing up and physically feeling the love that has brought our village together.
This village, this team, this FAMILY has devotedly displayed the absolute best of what humanity has to offer. What Megan is facing is beyond comprehension for those of us lucky enough not to be in her position. Most of us will never know the deep, dark, grief-stricken road Megan and her boys currently find themselves on. But I am confident the loving light this village continues to provide will help illuminate their long journey.
Looking back to even one month ago, I can’t even fathom how we have found ourselves here. It defies all logic, defies explanation, defies reason. I have found myself at a loss for words multiple times during this entire process. What I can say is this; if you feel astray, alone, or have personally lost faith in humanity, come take a look at our Robinson Ranch community. Come take a glimpse of what this village...what humanity is capable of. Come and see that even during the darkest hours, a little light still manages to find its way through.
#WatsonNation
#EffSTSS
More fundraisers announced and yet to come. Please stay tuned and show support.
Celebration of Life details posted. All are welcome, all are invited. Please RSVP WatsonNation21@gmail.com
https://linktr.ee/watsonnation