This Christmas would be very lean this year. The longer I’m alive I realize how fast time
passes especially when raising a family. I’ve also come to realize how
stressful the holidays are-never mind the social anxiety and the changes in
routine that upset the family balance-but a lot of the stress boils down to
money. Luckily, our kids are pretty
happy with anything, but they also seem to understand our situation.
Several days before Christmas, a dear friend I met via the
internet, messaged me and asked how I was doing. I am usually really guarded when people ask
such a question, because, really, what can you say in passing, except, “Good,
how are you?”
But this friend I knew,
knew better. She herself is a mother
raising multiple children on the Autism Spectrum. I knew I could really open up to her because
she would understand and not judge. And
so I did. And I felt better just getting
my worries and concerns off my chest.
Several days later, I received a little package in the mail.
It was from my sweet internet friend and her children. They had each sent a “pen
pal” letter to each of our kids and included inside were some gift cards.
I am in awe and feel deep gratitude for my friend, who even
though Christmas was lean for them as well, made the sacrifice of time, words
and money for a family they never met.
This is an example of a Christ-like love. This is what
Christmas is all about and I intend to pay it forward.
Happy New Year, all.
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