For six years now, Alexis has stood on the sidelines as our home has filled with toys for strangers. She has helped to open boxes, check off lists, and organize piles. She has proclaimed some toys "SO awesome!" and begged for others. At the end of it all, however, she always watches as all of the toys leave.
I long ago explained why the toys leave. I have told her that they are going to kids who need them because sometimes life is hard. I think Alexis understands.
Actually, I know she understands.
I don't want to get into the details because the world is far too small, but recently Alexis mentioned something that she heard at school. It was the kind of something that breaks your heart because even if it's only 10% true, it's 100% awful. The long of the short is that there is now a mother and daughter living with a friend because of an awful situation.
Alexis told me this week that the daughter says there will be no Santa this year. Third graders tend to spin the truth into something a little bit different, but I think the core truth is that money is tight for a family this year, so they will be cutting back on gifts.
Alexis asked if any of the Christmas Crazy toys could go to that girl. When I said that we couldn't really do that, she asked if she could give one of her gifts to that girl.
That oldest daughter of mine carries her heart around in her hands. She was born that way, but you have helped to direct that empathy and kindness. You have shown her that strangers can make a difference, that kindness wins, and that the holidays are about giving.
You've given her a chance to see magic happen.
Thank you for that. There's not much of a better gift you all could give me than the opportunity to show my girls what giving looks like.
It's the end, folks. This is the last week for putting together a giant pile of magic. The Amazon wishlist will be closing on December 8th. You can deliver items to Anchor & Anvil through December 12th and please do. Right now there is just one lonely item sitting in the box there. PayPal will also be open through December 12th. The button is in the sidebar over there ----->
Let's finish this.
