When I was a little girl, about seven my siblings and I walked into the kitchen to see my mom crying and sitting with her head on the table. We were all frightened. Turns out our family was having financial problems that year. My parents were so embarrassed. We all were prepared to have a near empty Christmas and be OK with it.
Christmas morning we awoke to see lots of gifts, clothes, candy and of course a doll for me. We knew most of it was not new. There were tags that said Merry Christmas from the Salvation Army. But for some reason, it felt like the best Christmas ever! I was just so happy we got anything. We never had that problem again, but I never forgot.
Now, I can never pass a Salvation Army kettle/bell ringer without putting some money in it. As a matter of fact,I am now fascinated with them!
This was in San Francisco. Check it out! They take credit cards!
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Thank you so much, The Grandmommy for taking the time to share this Christmas memory. Your parents' love was exhibited in their desire to provide a nice Christmas for you and your siblings at all cost. That's what Christmas is about, everlasting love.
Visit/follow The Grandmommy's blog, Big and Little Creations.
Merry Christmas!
dbg
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What a great story! Puts new perspective on the Bell Ringers from Salvation Army. You never know who you will be helping!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Phyllis!
Deletedbg
A beautiful story from Grandmommy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story, Grandmommy! It really helps me to remember the true meaning of Christmas. I always try to give to them as well! Especially when they are standing outside in the cold weather up North ringing their bells, always with a smile on their faces. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely story. I was a bell ringer for "a day" back when I was in college. My first day on the job was one of the coldest winter days ever. Unfortunately it was my last day as well. The temperature was going to drop even lower the next day. My Mom told me that I didn't have to do that, but that I needed to find something else to do for my long holiday break away from school. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi everybody! Glad you enjoyed my little story. A big HUG to you Debbie for publishing it! GIVE GIVE GIVE!:-D
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. It was my pleasure!
Deletedbg
I have been reading all the stories, but Grandmommy's really gave me pause. I have ALWAYS avoided the Christmas bell ringers just because I don't like the bell noise and now I feel like a proper jerk and rightly so.
ReplyDelete