Blog

You’ve Been Asking Questions, The Answers Are Yes and Yes!

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Since we announced our partnership with Minuteman Building and Preservation to bring bags for a boost to medical professionals battling COVID-19, I’ve received a lot of questions. While we hope you take advantage of ask a contractor, many of you asked if you can donate specifically to send a bag for boost to a medical professional. The answer is yes! Venmo us or send a check to 1 Maria Lane Hopkinton, MA. Since the items are slightly different for these …

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Exciting Partnership to Boost Medical Professionals on the Front Lines

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The MRP Project has joined forces with Minuteman Building and Preservation, Inc. to bring bags for a boost to medical professionals who are selflessly fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.   Due to the cease construction in MA, Minuteman is now offering virtual construction consulting. But instead of taking payment for these services, the company is suggesting a donation to The MRP Project. In response, we’ll put together bags for a boost. Jay Murray, Minuteman’s Owner, will deliver the bags …

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Don’t Ask, Just Do It

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I recently had a conversation with a family member who is going through a difficult time. She said one of the hardest things to answer is the “what-can-I-do-for-you” question she often gets from friends or family. I’ve touched upon this before, but my family member really drove the point home. She said, “I don’t even want them to ask the question. I just want them to take action.” She went on to say that it’s hard to be that blunt …

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Coping with COVID-19 with Art

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I hope everyone is staying healthy and sane. These are trying times. No doubt about it. As some of you know, I work as the internal communications manager at a federal agency in Cambridge. Our facility houses about 500 federal staff and approximately 500 contractor support staff. I’ve never been busier. Our Center’s director tasked our communications team with helping our staff feel connected, safe, and hopeful. We have a virtual huddle each morning to discuss topic ideas for our …

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Self-Care Tips for Uncertain Times

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There’s not much certain about the future right now except that it’s uncertain. And for some people, that’s really scary. I wanted to share a brief story and some self-care tips for uncertain times.     After Mike died, I felt very anxious about the future. A therapist told me to always remember what the flight attendants tell you to do with the oxygen mask on a plane. Put yours on first so you’re in a good position to help …

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Everyone Comes Before the Parent Grieving

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Michelle Steinke-Baumgard lost her husband in a plane crash in 2009. She’s gone on to become an author, speaker, and fitness coach. I follow her blog because what she says really resonates with me. Michelle recently reposted a blog post from a few years ago. I wanted to share an excerpt with you. The last line illustrates why The MRP’s bags for a boost program has received amazing feedback. Everyone comes before the parent grieving. The fun and self-care items you …

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Grief and Gratitude

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Grief and gratitude. These words don’t seem to fit together. But Kelly Buckley, a mom who lost her son, says grieving with gratitude saved her. Read the excerpt from her article:     My younger son Brendan and I agreed that if we could find “one little thing” each day to be thankful for, we would get through this. Each day we would look for simple blessings and I would write about it. On particularly difficult days, I could not …

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One Thing You Need to Do for a Grieving Person

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I’ve been asked to speak about grief next month. The group wants me to discuss things people should do (and not do) for grieving people. In preparation for this talk, I’ve been doing some reading and talking to people who are on grief journeys. Because everyone’s grief is unique, it can difficult to know what to say or do. However, the one universal thing we can all agree on is that we want you to acknowledge our loved one has …

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We Need Your Feedback on A Potential Social Support Initiative!

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Recently, we met a non-profit who could help The MRP Project with its mission to provide hope through social support. In a nutshell, it’s another way to let an adult facing a hardship know you’re thinking of them. Our bags for a boost continue to be a great success. We now have an opportunity to add a twist. But before we move forward with the idea, we’d like your feedback. Read on and then let us know what you think. …

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New Bags and Save the Date for our First Annual Fundraiser

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Thanks to your generous donations, we’ve been able to purchase new, durable, and weather-resistant bags. We’ve gotten great feedback from our bags for a boost recipients. Once they empty out all of the awesome items, they’re able to use the bags for other things. We’re also excited to announce the first annual MRP Project fundraiser will be on March 14. Starting at 6 p.m., the fundraiser will be at Pinecrest golf course 212 Prentice Street, Holliston, MA. We’re so grateful …

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What Are Grief Triggers and Tips for Coping

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A grief trigger can be anything that causes a wave of intense grief to wash over you because it reminds you of a loss that has happened to you. Yesterday’s helicopter crash, where nine people lost their lives and five families were forever changed, was a trigger for me. I immediately started googling the victims’ families. All of them in a blink of an eye now living in an unthinkable nightmare. I’m heartbroken for all of the people who are …

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Grief Can Be Debilitating

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I was talking to someone the other day. We both agreed grief can be debilitating. It’s just hard to function some days. I like my job, but I remember dreading going into work and actually doing the tasks I needed to do. A friend of mine is a stay at home mom. Before her husband died, she loved being at home. She volunteered in her kids’ schools, met friends for lunch, cooked, and cleaned. She was content. After her husband’s …

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