The Spirit of Christmas

I was tagged by Tug. It’s a special tag and I am happy to participate.

OK Here are the rules:

1) Post a note about a blogger you would like to see something wonderful happen for. Maybe one whose posts have touched your heart in one way or another. Include details as to why you admire them and what you wish for them. Be as supporting and affirming as you can.

I want something wonderful for Miss Britt. I am still getting to know her, but there are times that she writes things that I feel in my heart. I have been as low as she has been and sometimes I still find myself there. It is those extreme moments of darkness that I want to reach out to her and give her a glimmer of hope. I know that during those moments of darkness it is hard to even see past the next minute. I want to give her joy and happiness and peace and, maybe even, a little snow. God bless you Britt. I hope the next year brings peace of mind and heart to you.

2) Post your favorite memory around selflessness, giving, or doing for others. Something that has actually changed you.

This is my favorite story to tell. Thank you, Tug, for the opportunity.
In 1989 at Christmas time, I was a single Mom of a 3 year old girl, Ashley, who came down with the chickenpox. I had no money for medicine or soothing treatments, no money for food to feed her while we were at home for the duration of the illness (she normally got fed at daycare, my parents or Jason’s parents–we were married when she was 4 1/2–while I was at work but I couldn’t take her to any of those places while she had the chickenpox) and it was Christmas time, too, so I had no money for any of that, either. One night, we were going to change the message on our answering machine for the holiday. I asked Ashley to sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas for part of the greeting because I knew that they had been working on it in preschool for their program. Initially, she wasn’t going to be able to participate in the Christmas program because of the chickenpox and at the time we were making the message, that’s what we thought, but later we found out that the whole preschool class got the chickenpox so they ended up postponing it until after Christmas. Anyway, I was feeling pretty down. I was going over and over in my mind how unfair all of this was and that her bio-father never had to get up in the middle of the night to comfort her or watch as she was uncomfortable and itchy or wonder where her next meal was going to come from or worry that he wouldn’t be able to get her anything for Christmas. All that was in the back of my mind as Ashley sang the song for the answering machine. At the end, she said, “Merry Christmas, Mom & Dad, we love you!” She instantly knew that she had spoiled the surprise that would have come at the end of the program. It didn’t matter to me. It happened at exactly the right time for me. I burst into tears. I just swallowed her up in the biggest hug. Moments later, the doorbell rang. I went to answer the door and there was one of my coworkers, Carol, with several bags of groceries. It was as moving as Ashley’s song. I swallowed her up in a hug and told her what had just happened and we both cried. I will never forget Carol’s generosity at what was a very difficult time for me. It changed me because I quit feeling sorry for myself and realized that those that I loved all around me weren’t going to let me or Ashley starve and that everything always would work out. It has become my mantra, “everything will always work out”. It isn’t always easy to remember, but it’s there when I remember to use it.

I know, it sounds sappy, but it is honestly a true story.

3) As a postscript, name one thing you will actually do for someone in your life before December 31 that is born out of joy.

Just taking care of Isabelle for Ashley. I thoroughly enjoy having Isabelle, even though she wears me out. (I am not as young as I was when her mommy was that age.) More than just enjoying having Isabelle though, I am just glad to help Ashley out. She really does work her ass off to support herself and her daughter. She does so without any governmental assistance and with inconsistent financial support from Isabelle’s father. I appreciate how hard it is to raise a child under these circumstances.

4) Tag 3 other bloggers who will play the game and find the spirit. Don’t forget to leave a comment on their blog so they continue to share the good feelings.

I know you guys will do this justice. You are all awesome.

Finn
Metalmom
Lynda

I know you all know at least one blogger that you would give anything to ease their struggles if you could. I know you probably all have memories or stories that have made you who you are. Finally, I know that you will all be giving lots of joy to those around you in the coming weeks. Please take it as an honor that I chose you to pass this on.

Merry Christmas to you all.