Of all the things my mother has given me through the years...none is more important a fulfilling as the love for giving. No matter how little you think you may have....there is always a way to give something to others. It may be you can only afford a smile or a hug, but oh how wonderful to give!
Today, as in year's past, Doug went with his company to a economically stricken school here in Austin. These kids don't have a lot to look forward to this Christmas. While I am out searching for the "perfect gift" and trying to find my niece that special Hannah Montana toy, these kids are wondering if the electricity will be on or what they will eat without the school provided meals during holiday break. That is where the giving heart steps in and makes a difference.......
Each child is asked to fill out a "wish list" with the aid of teachers and staff. Those wishes are then placed on a tree at Doug's work for the task of kind folks to go out and touch lives. Big words, I know.....but if you could see how one small Spider-Man action figure rocks a 6 year old boy's world, you would understand.
We try to touch as many kiddo's hearts as we can.....each year we take several children's list and add theirs on to our family list. As we find ourselves dragging and wanting the never ending shopping torture to end, we pull out one of those lists and find ourselves revitalized....reminded of what the true meaning of Christmas and giving is.
This year Kaelan had her school program and Christmas party, so we did not get to go with Doug to deliver the goods to those eagerly awaiting children. It is truly a sight to see the tugger loaded with presents, slowly making its way down the street from Doug's division towards a run-down elementary school surrounded by over a hundred excited little people.....it gives me goose-bumps.
I am so proud of my awesome husband and his company for doing something so special and meaningful. The funny thing is......Doug came home today feeling like he received so much more than he gave......strange how that works.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
-Winston Churchill
Nothing says Christmas like a viewing of "Polar Express" with your best bud on an overstuffed beanbag..........
