Good morning everyone, and Merry Christmas from the Sharp house. We are fortunate to have two out of five of our heart puzzle pieces here with us to celebrate. Toby is in from Denver, Kendall is in from Boston. Daniel joins us in a couple days, and Culley & Sean opened presents with us via Facetime earlier. (If you are on FB (video there), the ultimate gift was opened by T from Culley and Sean. A sequined pillow where a quick wipe across reveals Nic Cage's face.)
As Rudy and I adjust to the changes that their young adult life inevitably visit upon us - that of it being harder to get everyone here - I am happy that some things stay the same.
Yes, Virginia.
Your donations in our tenth year have made magic. I smile knowing how many little faces will be merry and bright as they open toys, clothes, shoes, boots. My heart is warmed as I know three homes are toasty because you kept the gas on. And there will be content tummies, not just today, but for a while, as your help provided $1400 in grocery gift cards to so many in need. Your generosity reached into our own blogmunity to help those among us who are in crisis currently.
While I will share if pictures are provided, I do have some heartfelt words from some, and with their permission to share, I hope you feel the spirit of this day, but even more, the spirit of this incredible community everyday.
Merry Christmas to you all, and much love from the entire Sharp family - of which we consider you all a part.
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Who would have thought some 10-15 years ago that such a ragtag group of American Idol addicts would find each other, build relationships and grow into our own special family thru a blog writer that entertained us with her retelling of nightly events from the show. We have shared life stories, struggles, achievements, disappointments and many other aspects of ourselves. We have been through joy, despair, pain and triumphs. Through it all, we have stuck together and created our safe place.
I don’t have a lot of close family and friends anymore or those I can personally reach out to for support or advice. You folks have become that for me.
I recently shared a request for that good old DGMS mojo that we have seen work it’s magic. Almost immediately after sharing, our fearless leader, Linda Sharp, reached out to me on behalf of our Yes, Virginia fund. I had requested spiritual support. Linda saw there could be a need for more physical support during this time.
Knowing I was going to be out of work and without immediate income until leave of absence funds kick in, there were concerns about immediate needs. A grocery gift card was immediately received. A Honey Baked ham is also in the fridge so there will be Christmas dinner.
Knowing how I am about the grand babies and wanting to share the joy of seeing them open just one gift from Nana, Iris now has a “my first babydoll” waiting, and Gavin will be getting his first Little Tykes remote control car. Being who she is, a second rc car was sent so Randy could drive cars with him. Not to leave anyone out, leggings and socks were also included for Mary.
Just a few days later when I talked to the group again about the horrendous pain that is still with me, Linda again asked what could be done. A sitz bath and soaking salt is now being used several times a day to help with that pain. The softest and most plush blanket I have ever seen is also being used that helps me feel as if I’m floating on a cloud.
So DGMSers, while Linda might be the elf that does the shopping, none of it would be possible without this amazing family of friends. Please know I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring. I may have to suffer for a while, but I will get through this some how some way. Wishing each of you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Have a drink, a glass of wine or an eggnog for me. No drinking for me while on pain meds.
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To my DGMS family, Yes, you’ve helped one of your own. My dear Linda reached out to me to check on things. I never ask for help, too embarrassed . She made possible for us to have a decent Christmas. I’ve been worried about so much lately (my health, my husbands health, Hailey and other circumstances) but I don’t have to worry about a smile on my daughters face Christmas morning. You all are my family. I am blessed to have you in my life and I am humbled and grateful beyond measure. Thank you everyone. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you so much for the video camera that I can use to keep an eye on Cody with. I know you understand how difficult it is when you have a sick dog, and to have to go to work every day and leave him alone was so difficult. With this camera I can look in on him frequently with the app on my cell phone and see what is going on with him and all the rest of the pack.
I know some may not understand, however to me he is one of my kids and knowing I can look in on him is such a relief.
I will promise to pay this forward. You do such great things for the DGMS community and I feel blessed to have found all of you.
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Whew ... What a crazy few days. Funeral last night for a friend and Mom's surgery is in 9 hours so I need to catch some sleep before that, but didn't want to delay any longer in asking you to send my angel a truly heart-felt thank you. The girls and I have had a blast looking through, and playfully arguing over the goods. I'm so thankful to have some new to me items, since even thrift store shopping has been out of my budget. The gift card! Who hoo! I'm letting my youngest pick gifts for her siblings with it, and with the left overs, I'll try to get a vacuum. I appreciate every ounce of help and hope that you and all my sisters at DGMS have given me. It's so hard for me to say "I need help" because most times in my life I've been on my own to figure things out. The pure love, along with the gifts, and the groceries have bowled me over on every level. With everything else going on, I don't know if there would have been anything under the tree (still have to get one??!!!) this year. I love you and appreciate you!
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