There are acts of kindness that stay with us forever.

Those haloed moments that remind us how much we truly matter.

Christmas has always been and still remains the hardest time of year

For those struggling to feed little mouths.

It is often a mixture of joy and despair,

Of rejoicing and regret for our circumstances and misfortune.

But almost always, we are reassured that the world has not forgotten us.

About 37 years ago, me and my two tiny men

Were anticipating

Our happiest Christmas ever.

Having skimped and saved and sacrificed throughout the year

For this most Wonderful Season,

The 11th hour found me still short of funds-but not of cheer.

Most of the little dreams my boys had written in their letters to Santa Claus

Were now boxed and bowed and well hidden.

It would again be a Jubilant Celebration of life and love-

Of giving and receiving and sharing.

Between this and that,

Unexpected expenses and days flying off the calendar,

I began searching my purse and coat pockets,

My couch and my chair,

Hoping to find a dollar or two

I'd lost or forgotten somewhere.

It must be Faith that keeps us smiling in those impossible moments,

And leaves us believing that all will be well.

There were now but a few days to go,

And still no money

For a little tree and Christmas dinner.

I opened the envelope addressed to me,

And stared in disbelief at a check with my name on it.

A check in the amount of Twenty Dollars!

I held a small fortune in my hand.

A gift from above-

A gift of love

from The Salvation Army.

I have never questioned how they got my name or knew my need.

I accepted as always,

God's Divine presence and mercy and love.

Our little tree was Beautiful and out Christmas dinner a Feast!

And we tithed well that year.

C Dianne Baumgartner 2012

[Edited 12/5/18 10:08am]

Thank you for your comments and your time. Hoping to shine a light on The Salvation Army - They Really help people. Merry Christmas.