Its Almost Here
Friends,
First I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for your time. I write these messages as personal therapy if you will but I post them in hopes maybe someone out "there" in the blog-o-sphere might get something out of it. So thanks once again.
Second, I don't want to alarm you but um, Christmas is coming!!!! In 69 days we will be wishing each other a Merry Christmas. How do I know this? Cause this morning's local paper reminded me with a big photo of Santa getting himself primed and ready (story was about preparations for the Macy's Day parade in NY and of course that parade ends with Santa). It got me to think of holiday seasons of yesteryear and my first reaction was a big smile on my face. As I thought more I remembered those holiday seasons which weren't as good and it gave me an idea, but I need your help. That in a moment.
Prior to that, a quick story. When I was a young married guy, I was stationed in Washington, DC. For those of you who live or have lived there you know how expensive life is there. I was struggling financially and for the first time had to consider the reality of sorta canceling Santa's visit. I entrusted my troubles to a friend at work, not for him to feel bad about me or to fix my problems, but just because needed to vent and he was a good friend. He, in turn went to an organization on the military base which supports troops and their families. They had implemented an "adopt a family" program where the soldiers of military units would contribute toys, food or financial gifts and a group of the servicemembers' spouses would deliver them to a family in need. A few weeks after my conversation with my friend, a minivan drove up to our house and a pair of wonderful ladies stepped out, knocked on my door and said "you are not alone, Merry Christmas" and proceeded to empty their van of the gifts they brought. I get emotional even writing this because I can honestly tell you, as deep and dark a place as I was just moments before, I was spilling over with thankfulness and awe just a few moments later when they knocked on our door. The ladies didn't want us to feel weird or to think we were "charity" to them, so they quickly left the gifts under the tree (imagine the Christmas tree from the Charlie Brown Christmas special here), left bags full of groceries to include a complete Christmas dinner on the counters of our kitchen, and disappeared. They wouldn't tell us who they were or how they heard about us, they just reiterated for us to never forget we were not alone. It took me weeks to find out who they were and after the holidays (which were the best my family and I ever had) I took pictures of the kids playing with the donated gifts to the unit commander and to those angels of ladies so they knew how much we appreciated their assistance.
It took me a few years to get myself "together" financially, but as soon as I was able to, every year since, I have found a military family in need and done the same for them those ladies and that unit did for us. I always say the same thing those ladies said to me. No matter how busy I am or what personal troubles I have, I put it all aside to do this one thing each year.
The strange thing about giving is, I think I get more out of it than the recipients do. Every year feels better than the last. This year, I encourage you to consider if you can, to give in one way or another. It doesn't have to be financial. Maybe its through volunteering at a soup kitchen. Maybe its through donating old jackets and blankets to an organization which gives them to people in need. However you do it, please do. And if you're on the other end of this situation, please tell someone around you. I get the whole "pride" thing. Believe me, I am a stubborn and proud person who rarely asks for help with anything. But there are so many organizations and people who are willing to help. The bottom line is this is the time to ask for help. You are not alone.
Here's where I would ask for your interactiveness. Maybe you have a story similar to mine. Would love to hear your stories of Christmas giving or receiving. Not just for posterity's sake but because someone who reads this might be inspired to give from your story.
Also, if you know of local or national organizations which will be helping those in need this year, please post as well. I challenge you to think past your personal situation, your personal life, and consider sharing your good fortune with those who aren't as lucky right now. Looking forward to hearing your stories.
First I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for your time. I write these messages as personal therapy if you will but I post them in hopes maybe someone out "there" in the blog-o-sphere might get something out of it. So thanks once again.
Second, I don't want to alarm you but um, Christmas is coming!!!! In 69 days we will be wishing each other a Merry Christmas. How do I know this? Cause this morning's local paper reminded me with a big photo of Santa getting himself primed and ready (story was about preparations for the Macy's Day parade in NY and of course that parade ends with Santa). It got me to think of holiday seasons of yesteryear and my first reaction was a big smile on my face. As I thought more I remembered those holiday seasons which weren't as good and it gave me an idea, but I need your help. That in a moment.
Prior to that, a quick story. When I was a young married guy, I was stationed in Washington, DC. For those of you who live or have lived there you know how expensive life is there. I was struggling financially and for the first time had to consider the reality of sorta canceling Santa's visit. I entrusted my troubles to a friend at work, not for him to feel bad about me or to fix my problems, but just because needed to vent and he was a good friend. He, in turn went to an organization on the military base which supports troops and their families. They had implemented an "adopt a family" program where the soldiers of military units would contribute toys, food or financial gifts and a group of the servicemembers' spouses would deliver them to a family in need. A few weeks after my conversation with my friend, a minivan drove up to our house and a pair of wonderful ladies stepped out, knocked on my door and said "you are not alone, Merry Christmas" and proceeded to empty their van of the gifts they brought. I get emotional even writing this because I can honestly tell you, as deep and dark a place as I was just moments before, I was spilling over with thankfulness and awe just a few moments later when they knocked on our door. The ladies didn't want us to feel weird or to think we were "charity" to them, so they quickly left the gifts under the tree (imagine the Christmas tree from the Charlie Brown Christmas special here), left bags full of groceries to include a complete Christmas dinner on the counters of our kitchen, and disappeared. They wouldn't tell us who they were or how they heard about us, they just reiterated for us to never forget we were not alone. It took me weeks to find out who they were and after the holidays (which were the best my family and I ever had) I took pictures of the kids playing with the donated gifts to the unit commander and to those angels of ladies so they knew how much we appreciated their assistance.
It took me a few years to get myself "together" financially, but as soon as I was able to, every year since, I have found a military family in need and done the same for them those ladies and that unit did for us. I always say the same thing those ladies said to me. No matter how busy I am or what personal troubles I have, I put it all aside to do this one thing each year.
The strange thing about giving is, I think I get more out of it than the recipients do. Every year feels better than the last. This year, I encourage you to consider if you can, to give in one way or another. It doesn't have to be financial. Maybe its through volunteering at a soup kitchen. Maybe its through donating old jackets and blankets to an organization which gives them to people in need. However you do it, please do. And if you're on the other end of this situation, please tell someone around you. I get the whole "pride" thing. Believe me, I am a stubborn and proud person who rarely asks for help with anything. But there are so many organizations and people who are willing to help. The bottom line is this is the time to ask for help. You are not alone.
Here's where I would ask for your interactiveness. Maybe you have a story similar to mine. Would love to hear your stories of Christmas giving or receiving. Not just for posterity's sake but because someone who reads this might be inspired to give from your story.
Also, if you know of local or national organizations which will be helping those in need this year, please post as well. I challenge you to think past your personal situation, your personal life, and consider sharing your good fortune with those who aren't as lucky right now. Looking forward to hearing your stories.
Jose my story is EXACTLY the same as yours. As a young enlisted soldier and a single mom there was more than one Christmas that the only gifts my girls got were from a charitable organization on base. One year we didn't even have a tree -- we literally drew one on the inside of an MRE box I brought home from work and propped it in the living room. It devastated me that I couldn't provide any better for my kids than I got growing up. That was a long time ago, and I've come a long way.
ReplyDeleteNow we adopt a military family EVERY year through the local chapter of the Warrant Officer Association. I usually try to choose a family with a girl around the same age as my youngest daughter (who never lived through the poverty her older sisters and I did) and make her shop with me and wrap the gifts no matter how busy she is. I can't imagine its a tradition we'll ever stop.
And whenever I look around our sumtuously decorated home every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's and spy the piles of gifts under the tree, I often get teary thinking of that year we drew a Christmas tree with crayons on the back of an MRE box.
Hi Jose!
ReplyDeleteNick T. here. I really enjoyed reading you blog. Very touching. I look forward to doing some stories on the "Angels" you speak of and the Military does indeed have wonderful people and programs! In case you're wondering why I am up at 0320 in Hawaii... I spent my Friday night editing a story which I hope will be on my FB page very soon if my computer doesn't crash ... again!
Tomorrow night I will shoot Military Spouse and Wounded Warrior Appreciation night at Aloha stadium when Hawaii plays Nevada. These spouses are some of the "Angels" that help take care of military families during deployments and we know how much our Warriors sacrifice. Again it was great to read your blog and your story touched me. I would also like to add how much i still appreciate all the selfless support you gave me at SRTV. Take care my friend!
Nick
AMEN, MY BROTHER!
ReplyDeleteFeel wonderful to give than to receive - when it's done with love. Thanks for this post. Is there a website for this organization? If Santa leaves me an extra dollar or two, I'd like to donate to them.