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Isaiah 58:7a ...Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless into your house.
The Key Peninsula/Gig Harbor area has been home to me and my family for 34 of my 43 years. During those years, I have donated clothing, household items, and food to local food banks as much as I can throughout the year, never expecting, of course, that I would one day be in need myself.
Several years ago, my daughters and I fell on hard times and the holidays seemed bleak. By Thanksgiving, I still had not found employment. The girls had just entered high school, and though they had never asked much for Christmas even in good times, I felt despair in knowing I would not be able to give them much of anything that year. We did our best while I continued looking for work, but finally had to seek help from a local food bank to make ends meet. A short while later, we received a call from the food bank telling us a local family wished to “adopt” us for Christmas. About that same time, my job search finally paid off and my first day of work was to be December 20. That day, we woke to several inches of snow on the ground and no power. I had no way to get to my new job and no number to call them. We were not the only ones snowed in, however. The food bank was unable to deliver Christmas to many adopted families. Though the families and the adoptees generally remain anonymous to each other, our “family” decided that if it meant the difference between our having or not having a Christmas, they would make the delivery personally. Not only did our family bring gifts in abundance, they also delivered a van full of groceries, including laundry and cleaning supplies, and everything imaginable for Christmas dinner. As if that wasn’t enough, this wonderful man drove me to my new job and later called to find out what time I finished so he could drive me back home!
This true story of the spirit of Christmas always brings tears to my eyes. We never heard from our adoptive family again. We understand they left the area some time ago, but their gift of love and generosity will never be forgotten. That Christmas, which looked so dismal, remains one of our most cherished and treasured holiday memories.
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Merry Christmas. May you be as blessed as I am!
Several years ago, my daughters and I fell on hard times and the holidays seemed bleak. By Thanksgiving, I still had not found employment. The girls had just entered high school, and though they had never asked much for Christmas even in good times, I felt despair in knowing I would not be able to give them much of anything that year. We did our best while I continued looking for work, but finally had to seek help from a local food bank to make ends meet. A short while later, we received a call from the food bank telling us a local family wished to “adopt” us for Christmas. About that same time, my job search finally paid off and my first day of work was to be December 20. That day, we woke to several inches of snow on the ground and no power. I had no way to get to my new job and no number to call them. We were not the only ones snowed in, however. The food bank was unable to deliver Christmas to many adopted families. Though the families and the adoptees generally remain anonymous to each other, our “family” decided that if it meant the difference between our having or not having a Christmas, they would make the delivery personally. Not only did our family bring gifts in abundance, they also delivered a van full of groceries, including laundry and cleaning supplies, and everything imaginable for Christmas dinner. As if that wasn’t enough, this wonderful man drove me to my new job and later called to find out what time I finished so he could drive me back home!
This true story of the spirit of Christmas always brings tears to my eyes. We never heard from our adoptive family again. We understand they left the area some time ago, but their gift of love and generosity will never be forgotten. That Christmas, which looked so dismal, remains one of our most cherished and treasured holiday memories.
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Merry Christmas. May you be as blessed as I am!
I am sorry to hear you went through a time of distress with your girls but so happy to hear someone was there to lift you up in your time of need. Thank you for sharing your story. It is so nice to hear there are such kind people in the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. Things haven't been as horrible for our family, although I found myself unexpectedly unemployed last August and finally got back to work this past July. We were in a place we never imagined, but I truly believe in karma. We too are blessed to have such wonderful family and friends, and things are getting better each day!
ReplyDeleteWow Shar...I'm speechless. That is the truest meaning of Christmas. TFS!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas :)
hugs
Cassandra
Awwwww!!!!!!!!! that's so sweet!!!! I wub ya
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for you struggles, but so touched by the generosity and kindness revealed to you. It sounds like an amazingly blessed Christmas! Thank you for sharing this memory with us!
ReplyDeleteWow, how great is God! Your story sent me 15 years back. I was going to school and DH was without a job. My 4 DD wanted a star tree top she wanted to put on our bare tree. I remember literally counting pennies to afford the star that she so much wanted. The star was the only thing that decorated our tree. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed how few comments when this is one of the best stories I've read this season and has so encouraged me. It is a difficult season for dysfunctional families. My husband has been ill since May and we raise our two grands. We no longer own a home and money is a major issue as medical bills and vehicle repairs, etc. escolate. We were devastated to learn a few days before Christmas that our daughter is in jail. However, God blessed us with a peaceful Christmas. It was quiet and few gifts but we have each other. Thank you for sharing your story-it blessed me!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how God provides. Thanks for sharing your story. It gives hope that there are still some great people in this world.
ReplyDelete