This year I spent a number of weeks in deep thought about doing a holidays page. There were a couple of issues that were weighing very heavy on my mind and I did not feel in the Christmas spirit. A few days after Thanksgiving I was given the opportunity to work in a job that helped me resolve these issues. This is what I would like to share with friends and family because I feel that it is the basics of Christmas.

I had the great opportunity to work as a Bell Ringer for The Salvation Army. I will NEVER forget the blessing that were bestowed upon me by the people that passed by my kettle. I saw a number of children of different ages that were being shown (if not by parents than by grandparents) the importance of helping people that are less fortunate than they are. I saw again first hand how a SMILE, a GREETING, opening a door and wishing someone a good day and a good Holiday Season transformed how another person was feeling.

Five days before Christmas I found out that my father had lost everything in a house fire. That day my smile was not quite in place when I first started ringing my bell. It wasn't long before I ended up with tears streaming down my face. People that I did not know were asking me where they could send donations to help him specifically in his time of need. I felt truely blessed beyond measure.

I was shown that even though our country is in turmoil and strife, there is a certain segment of it that will not alow the CARING and CONCERN for others to be swept aside as UNIMPORTANT. To everyone country wide that stopped by a kettle THANK YOU and HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY SEASON. TO my friends and family I WISH for you a SAFE and BLESSING FILLED HOLIDAY SEASON.

TABLE OF CONTENT PAGE