Did you read the title of this post and immediately think of the presents that will be under the Christmas tree for your family and friends? If so, you are not alone.
Everywhere you look there are articles and ads for the best gifts this holiday season. From the latest technology to the top toys, we are constantly led to believe that it’s all about the material things.
Don’t get me wrong, I love showering my family with gifts. Even though our children are all adults, it’s still magical to see their faces light up as they open their presents. We have been blessed with everything we need. This really struck home with me the past week and I wanted to share an experience I had. Here is how it all transpired…
I’m a blogger and recruiter so it isn’t odd for me to have FaceBook open on my second computer monitor as networking is a huge part of both businesses. Call it fate or just luck but I glanced over at my monitor to see a post from a young mother asking for yarn to make a Christmas gift for her son. I immediately knew I could help. It seemed like a simple request and I have a lot of yarn so I replied for her to send me a private message of how much she needed and the colors she would like.
We corresponded for a couple of days as I became familiar with her situation. Here is what I know: She is a single mother of a 5-year-old boy and another baby is on the way. There is family in the area but they struggle with finances as well. That may be true but I also get the feeling that she doesn’t want to ask for help. Yes, she knows how to crochet and can sew. She has one crochet hook and a sewing needle but no sewing machine. She recently lost her job when her babysitter quit caring for her son.
My motherly instincts kicked in! I offered to make blankets for her son and the baby. Soon I was digging through totes, craft supplies, and crochet patterns. I was on a mission. It didn’t take long and I had a basket of yarn, crochet patterns, and crochet hooks for her to make a gift for her son. There is also a small gift set of toy cars that somehow made it into my shopping cart over the weekend :).
I was so excited to be able to help this young lady so I shared my project with someone “in my circle”. Instead of being empathetic as well, they shrouded my excitement with negativity. “Does she know who the father of the baby is?” and a few other comments not needed. It hurt. I don’t need to know the whole situation. I just know that she is asking for help and I am able.
Helping her is what I want to do. It’s what I HAVE TO DO! I’m not looking for praise or any recognition. I was a single mother at one point in my life. I was able to provide what we needed. However, there are many more that can’t.
What are the best gifts this Holiday Season and throughout the year? I hope it’s love, kindness, generosity, caring, and support. I know that’s at the top of my list to give.
XOXO Kim
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