Giving

I am not telling this story as a way to gain praise or any of that junk. I just want the boys to know what they did for someone else this Christmas and remember to keep doing it.

OK, over the past 4 years we have collected a vast assortment of toys and toy-related products. Some of it got a lot of use, some it very little. All of it though was way more than enough. So, in preparation for this Christmas, Cindy and I decided to give away a lot of the boys excess to make room. We told the boys to pick a bunch of stuff they didn't want anymore or could part with. We told them it was going to go to kids who didn't have as many toys as they did. They got all excited and filled up three big bags full of stuff.

Now, I am a big fan of Craigslist, which is like the poor-man's ebay. You can get on there and list stuff for sale or just give stuff away. I put an ad on there last night about free toys and that I would leave them by the curb. Sure enough, not an hour later...they where gone. Then I got an email from a guy I will call Mr. F. Seems he came by but someone had already picked up the toys. He thanked us for giving him the opportunity and said it had been a very tough year for him and his family including his 2 year old grandson, but we had shown him the true meaning of Christmas. Whoa. Whoa.

So, tonight Cindy and I asked the boys if they could spare a few more toys. They were a little hesitant at first but they relented and we found some cool stuff to fill 3 more bags. I called Mr. F and he came and got them a little while ago. A few minutes ago we got this email;

Thank you so very much.. Our hearts goes out to you and your family. Your kindness will always be in our hearts...Thank You just don't seem to be enough to let someone as special as you know just how much you have done. When our 2 year grandson grows up; one of the stories he will hear will be how your family opened up your heart to help others around CHRISTMAS and how the true meaning of CHRISTMAS and LIFE is to help and give to others. May GOD bless and watch over you today and always and I pray that the world will see the light.

Sincerely,
Mr. F and Family

Boys, that is what you can do with very little effort on your part anytime you want. Give away what you don't need because there is always someone who does. You boys have made us both so proud of you. This was the perfect Christmas present.