Tis the season.........

I must share a story with you..........my husband is a member of a group called the Juda Fore Fathers.  It's a local group of men and woman honoring the memory of some loved ones by forming a not for profit group that donates money and time to a number of causes in our area.  Contribution are done locally, and they even will contribute to families that have fallen on hard times due to fire, illness or death in the family.  It's a fantastic group and I'm proud to live in a community that is home to such a group.  

Last night, one of the law enforcement personnel came to give a talk about the upcoming "Shop with a Cop" program. It turns out that they have approx. 100 kids to shop with this year and each of them is given $100 to spend on family members. Some buy food, some buy gifts for siblings and parents, and some just want to buy warm clothes so they can go outside with the rest of the kids during recess.  If this doesn't choke you up, you are a stronger person than I.  I had no idea the need was so deep in our area, Monroe has a population of about 10,000 and I guess I thought the biggest need would be the more metropolitan areas.  Boy, was I wrong. 

As a mother, I can't even fathom how it must feel to have a child that needs a  coat, hat, mittens and boots and  not be unable to provide these basic items to keep them warm.  It makes me want to weep when I hear a child ask for a warm coat for Christmas, when other children  think they need the newest video game for under their tree.  

I haven't been able to shake the feeling that I need to do more.......just.......more.  We are so blessed, and I feel it's time to pass those blessings around a bit more than we have in the past.   So.....tonight I'm going to town, buying a bunch of warm outer wear for kids and donating it to the Homeless Coalition along with the hats I've knitted.  No child should have to go through winter without a coat and boots, and by giving to them, I'm really giving to myself.  Giving is addictive, and the more you give, the more you want to give, it's just a great feeling and I don't know anything else that gives me such joy as a simple act of kindness to another.  

May we all practice simple acts of kindness this holiday season and beyond.  

I've experienced a few acts of kindness this week after my last post, and am grateful for the warm feeling I get after reading each one.  Every comment was made with the intention of easing my hurt, and bless each of you for reaching out to me in this way, it was appreciated and it worked.