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Finally, after what seemed like an hour of torture, old Santa would take a huge bag off his shoulder. Suddenly behind him would be a stack of wrapped packages as tall as Santa himself. My parents shopped from the Sears and Roebuck catalog - it must have taken days to complete the order and wrap it. My father decided long years before that his children would have the biggest and best Christmas he could afford. He rarely bought anything on time, nor did he ever get around to taking out a loan to make an indoor bathroom, but he made sure we had lots of toys and clothing for Christmas. My mom once told me they spent the rest of the year paying off the Sears bill and then toted another up the following November. I am grateful.
I have carried on the tradition... I don't think I told the railroad track story EVERY year, but I will pull it out for my grandchildren some day. I've over extended many budgets through the years to make sure the number of packages were equal, the amount of money spent the same for each and that it was the biggest and best Christmas. I tried to strike a balance between commercialism and spiritualism, teach that it is better to give than receive.
We have 7 grandchildren; I am grateful. As a grandma for the last 9 years, I admit, I haven't been even close to rational. My children are trying to teach me that presents can be over done. (I guess I taught them well.)
Gradually we have pared things down. This year we are adding one thing. As many of you already do, we have adopted a family to shop for this holiday season. We are looking forward to giving. We are looking forward to SHOWING all the little ones how good it feels to give. We are looking forward to seeing them receive the GIFT of giving. I am so incredibly grateful.
Happy Holy Days,
Carolyn
"Thank you for your phone support. I really enjoy talking to you. I feel that you really understand well what I have experienced and am experiencing... I realize that even though my own mother just couldn't be there for me... I was able to take that and turn it around for my own kids and be the best mother I can be... I have raised (my girls) on my own for the last seven years with no help whatsoever financially or physically. I did whatever it took to make ends meet and put a meal on the table every night... It was not easy by any means, and it was stressful and I had a lot of anxiety and depressive moments, but yet I didn't fail, I did not crumble, I stuck it out... I taught them about love, kindness and respect for others, and loyalty to each other... No one raised these kids, I did, and I am proud of who they are becoming and of myself for a job well done.
Alexandra Melendez with her kids
I am working hard at controlling my thoughts and my panic feelings. I am trying hard to under react and float with them. I am listening to the relaxation tape a lot now, it helps me unwind. I work out almost every day now... Thank you again for all your support!"
Alexandra Melendez, PA
"Thanks for your kindness, there have been many growth spurts lately. I do feel I'm getting better. I try to be more up when things are going wrong and try to live in the present moment... My husband is a miracle. His new heart valves are one year old. We have a lot to be thankful for. You are all the best and nicest phone support group in the world.
Connie Graye, husband and new adoptee from
Rescue Society, Stuart
Love,
Connie Graye
continued...
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