When I was growing up, my parents always donated items for Toys for Tots, and brought delicious goodies to the military men and women who were on duty on Christmas/Christmas Eve. It was a very good lesson for all of us kids in the value of giving to those who are less fortunate than you. Though I love and strongly encourage people to give to Toys for Tots, and other like organizations, it was really humbling and beautiful to watch these folks open their gifts and to see the appreciation for each and every one. I will email the mom and ask her to send pictures, as I forgot my camera, but she took many! I will forward them on when I get them!
When we arrived it was immediately obvious this family was very close and had a lot of love to share, but not a whole lot more. The little boy, Daxton, saw the gifts and went ballistic! It was great to watch his excitement. I packed the clothes, pjs and blanket he was given in one big diaper box, cuz I have a lot of those laying around... when he pulled out the blanket, he yelled "new carpet!" It was pretty hysterical.
We shared cookies and hot chocolate as they opened gifts and shared stories. There was raw emotion about the father of the family who passed away the day before Thanksgiving. As gifts were opened, there were many warm smiles and hearts over puzzles, games, and books that were given. Then came the tears as they opened bags containing the essentials - hats, gloves, etc. Also in those bags were gifts cards to home depot and target. I cannot tell you how well spent your money will be. They showed us old outlets that were sparking and in very dangerous condition, and a door that could probably be knocked down with a single blow as it was like cardboard. This family had no room in their budget for the simple things - outlets, pajamas, gloves, hats, a Christmas dinner. Please know your gifts are very appreciated and will be handled with intention and care.
I made homemade hot chocolate which seemed to be a nice treat for all of us. However, at the end of the visit, Daxton (5years old) yelled "the hot cocoa is nasty!" His poor parents were just mortified. It turns out he liked it BEFORE he dissolved his cookies into it, and just wanted a fresh glass:)
On the border of sounding completely tacky, this evening was a gift and reminder for me to be thankful for the deadbolt on my door to keep the nasties away, and a carbon monoxide detector in our home. It turns out I knew the eldest of the ladies in the family as a door greeter in the Wal Mart by our house - we always smiled and exchanged greetings, but I just figured she was like my dad, who would enjoy a job like that in his retirement. It turns out she's barely hanging on, and clinging to memories of her son in law, and helping her daughter get through the loss of her beloved husband. Its amazing how much a sweet smile can hide!
Thank you to all of you for selflessly contributing your hard earned money to provide Christmas for this family. They are working really hard to turn their situation around and be able to do this for another family someday! I hope you all have a wonderful CHristmas with your families ... blessings!
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