He’s bowling the several barrels of wrapping paper down around him, banging them together, giggling as he whacks things to and fro. I watch, fixated by his playfulness. He has no idea what these rolls of decorated paper are for, what will be beneath them tomorrow as he shreds his way to find fortunes and unending smiles. How lucky he is, how lucky we are to have him, sitting here, healthy, happy. Blessed.
I’m peeking from behind the corner of a basket that sits up high on my desk, looking at my toddler eating her “skettis” like a big girl, except she wipes her mouth on her pink Dora sweatshirt as she chews and chews and chews as she draws at the table. The tears undulate in my eyes, trickling across my cheeks as I heave and sob silently, thanking God and fate that we are so very blessed, and that my almost-four-year-old (along with her siblings) are fed well, clothed warmly, and aren’t without anything they need.
I often think of those who aren’t as fortunate, aren’t as lucky as we are, and my heart aches and bleeds for them every night, but especially tonight, Christmas Eve, as they prepare for an empty holiday tomorrow. I wish I could help them ALL, if only I had eleventy-kajillion arms to cook and wrap and sweep them under my hugs to help ease their pain and suffering, if not for good, only for a day, or two. I wish I could adopt each family, bring them all holiday treats and wrapped packages and some comfort, something, anything.
I will never forget how blessed we are, and never forget to give to those who aren’t as fortunate. They are and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. And until then, until a day I can magically help them all, I will continue to help those I can help, those within my grasp, and encourage my children to always do the same.
Tomorrow, as we wipe the slumber from our weary eyes to attempt to awaken enough to match our children’s celebratory calls to meet them downstairs, and as they feast their eyes on the treasures beneath our tree and treasures upon our dinner table, I will count my many blessings, celebrate with my children, but silently wish everyone could do the same.
Never miss a thing! Subscribe today for all kinds of crazy parenting fun!
