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Saturday, December 22, 2007

The Spirit of Christmas

This year our family adopted a needy family in our area and today we took our gifts to their home. Our family was a single dad with 3 girls ages 7,4 and 14 months. Their mother left them about 10 months ago and have not heard from her since. The dad works, but as you can imagine, times are difficult for then this time of year emotionally and financially. We arrived at their single wide mobile home that was not in the best shape. They had space heaters keeping the house warmed. The oldest daughter is mentally retarded and has the mental capacity of about a 1 year old. The other two girls are fine physically, but I could tell that the 4 year old definitely has some emotional issues.

Hazel gave each of the girls their toys and insisted that they open them right then. The oldest was not able to really play with anything, except some of the "noisemaker" toys that we gave the 14 month old. Hazel being 4 herself, really got into giving the 4 year old her toys. We gave her a pink guitar, which is one of the things Hazel wants from Santa, 2 Barbie dolls, a cabbage patch doll, some clothes, a dry erase and chalkboard, some puzzles and books. Hazel picked all of these things out at the store. I was so proud of her. The 14 month old got some books, and other toddler toys like a rocking horse, play cell phone, etc. The look on their faces was absolutely priceless. I wish I would have had my camera. We gave the dad a grocery store gift card and some clothes for him and the girls.

It was the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Hazel was so great with the girls and most of all, she learned that we are very fortunate and she loved giving toys to those girls who practically had nothing for Christmas. The dad was so appreciative all he could do was cry. That's pretty much all I could do. I can't wait to do it again next year.

Guys, this is what Christmas is all about. I encourage each and every one of you, to help someone less fortunate next Christmas. You will not regret it!
Merry Christmas!

2 comments:

Shelby said...

Sandy,
We did the same thing this year for a family with a single mom with 5 children under 8 and it really does make you feel so good! What a great way to teach our children humility. So cute that Hazel got so into it!

Shelby

Kayne and Thomas said...

Sandy! I was crying just reading this. That was amazing!! I am so proud of you all for doing that and I am sure it will be the best thing you do this Christmas. You are right. That IS what Christmas is all about...sharing the love of Jesus with others. So priceless, awesome and amazing! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. We love you all and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!!