quote:

Originally posted by paulj_in_phx:
Story #3: Which was my best Christmas....

I was about 24 or 25, My oldest was about 4 years old....Jeremy was a little baby, and I had just lost my job over and argument with the boss. I had made really good money up to that point and could not find a replacment job making anywhere near what I was. Any money I had save was quickly gone...and I was being forced to file for bankruptcy. We were going to lose both vehicles, my house, and most of our belongings.

I had already gone to various social services, for financial assistance, picked up a food box here and there. I didnt have any money to pay my utility bills, so was sitting in meeting with the financial assistance departments to see how they could help me; water, electric, phone, and gas.

I was at the end of my rope....working to provide for my family was the only thing I'd ever believed I could do right, and now that was gone. I was very distraught, and really not seeing how i could continue this way. I had found a job, but it was not bringing in nearly enough and was just covering essentials and a little groceries.

I dropped my self back down on my bed and was pretty much giving up...my then wife, bless her heart was so supportive and encouraging....but I had emotionally given up. After a while of just bawling my eyes out in frustration...we went and sat down to do nothing and watch TV.

We lived on a small unfenced corner lot at the time with pretty good visibilty all around. As we sat there, there was a knock at the door. It was probably 8 steps the door as I looked out...no one there. Thinking it was the neighbor hood brats...I ran to the back door and looked out...no one there.

I went back to the front door, and opened it. still no one there...but on the ground was a minimum of 5 bags.

In the bags was food, all kinds of food! Everything needed for weeks! Stuff I couldnt even usually afford to buy myself!

There was also diapers, baby wipes, toiletries...we couldnt believe it!

Btw, we did have a Christmas tree...it was prett sad looking and empty underneath.

The next day I was at the employment office reporting my efforts at job hunting when my wife called me. She said I had to come home right away cause she had received phone call anonymously ...and ..well...so I went home.

The phone call had left an address saying that we had been chosen for something and that we had to go pick it up. So we packed up the kids...and headed to this address.

We ended up at one of the largest Salvation Army buildings I'd ever seen. When we pulled up there we people directing traffic, people with clipboards, and tons of people working everywhere! talk about a well oiled machine. I was glad we had brough the Jeep cherokee...cause as we pulled up they asked our name and looked it up, then smiled and said "Ok, pop the trunk!" So, I did..and people came out of nowhere and filled my vehicle with food, blankets, toiltrieds, deocorations...anything else you could think of. Then a lady appeared on the passenger side as says, Ok pull up into a parking space..Santa's inside waiting! That was all my little girl needed to hear!

So we parked, pulled the kids out...and walked into the building...there was a short line..and people and presents everywhere with laughing, crying, screaming, squealing and christmas music playing....everything happened so fast...I barely even noticed my kid with Santa as I was trying to take it all in. It was all so surreal. People again appeared out of nowhere with arms full of presents for all of us!

Then they helped us load them in to our vehicle.

We didnt say much all the way home...stunned from the experience, Jeremy chewed on a rattle and Allison held onto a barbie doll.

I've never forgotten what they did for my little family that year....how they may have literally saved my life....and give as much as I can EVERY year.

I've dropped large amounts into the kettles over the years...every once in a while being stopped by the attendant, who asks me " Sir, that's a X dollar bill, u sure you want to put that in there?" I just smile and say "Yes, I'm sure".

"I find an insignificant satisfaction in sitting on my television and watching my couch!

Dallas Blair http://www.myspace.com/dallasblair
Lost in Washington state in the rain

DISCLAIMER This is my personal opinion. Please take it as such! If i have offened you in any way please feel free to email me and tell me all about it me at idontgiveArats455@sowhat.com

quote:

Originally posted by smshybug:
Mark that is so sweet that your sister loves you like that.

http://myspace.com/bishop169 The Freak'n Deacon ----Better To Ask Forgiveness Than Permission!