With so much declining so rapidly with my father, I am looking for rays of light where I can find them. Elfing has always been, and continues to be, just that.
With the initial donations from a week ago, I have been filling wish lists already. Toys for tiny tots, some much loved and desired clothing items for older kids, warm boots for up north, a frilly bathing suit for down south, and as always, food.
I hate that avoiding hunger is always on Santa's wish list. No one has been naughty and is deserving of food insecurity. (Yes, the child tax credit is helping, but there are myriad circumstances, and each life is different in their immediate needs - shelter, meds, heat, clothing.) But I am happy we are always able to fill that void, if even for a while. Providing a parent a respite from the daily mantra of "failure" that rings in their heads is a gift all its own.
I was able to talk to my father about Yes, Virginia the day before we had to move him to Memory Care. He was lucid and understood, and more importantly, he smiled. He smiled that Christmas smile of his that I have reveled in all my life.
The clock is ticking, items are proving more difficult to find, and the delays in shipping are no joke. So if you can donate, please do so I may continue filling these wish lists sooner rather than later. While there has yet to be a Yes, Virginia season that did not see me rushing around on Christmas Eve fighting the clock, let's do what we can NOW. (Paypal > Send Money Person to Person > lsharp03@aol.com)
Linda
Resident Elf & Ray of Light Seeker
Recent Comments