Christmas was a little different this year, as it was our first without my 'Papa' (my grandfather). He loved Christmas. He loved the company, food, drinks, and of course loved surprising us with gifts. But, he particularly loved surprising Grandma. Each year, especially as his health worsened, he would send my mother and I out shopping for the 'perfect' piece of jewelry for grandma. He gave us no limit. He always said, "Just pick out something really special"! He never got tired of surprising her!
I can remember last Christmas, our family went to the good ol' Muncie Mall. With his lung condition, Papa couldn't walk far, so we pushed him by wheelchair. Often, one of us would sit next to him on the mall bench while the others shopped. I can honestly say... he didn't really enjoy the shopping (especially when my mother and I went b/c we never wanted to stop)! But, he went anyway - just so we could be together! When we got home from this one particular shopping day, he said to us... "You know... next year I'd really like to go to the mall and hand out money to people who are less fortunate than us". This kind thought was very generous, yet we knew it probably was not safe and not the best way to help others. However, this year... we wanted to honor Papa's Christmas Wish by helping someone in need.
We decided around Thanksgiving that no matter how hard we tried, the holidays would never be the same. So, we decided that we would do things a little different this year. Rather than buying for each other, we decided to adopt a family in need. We donated money instead of buying for the adults in our family. This was such a rewarding experience. I absolutely love the satisfaction of helping others. I am so happy to share with you all that we adopted a family this year for Christmas - a mother, father, and 3-year old girl. The mom and dad both work 2 jobs & do not have health insurance for themselves or their little girl. We were able to provide monetary gifts for them to pay off their medical bills and buy Christmas gifts for their little girl. The thank you card we received stated, "You'll never know how big of a difference your entire family has made. Our medical bills are paid off and we were able to by gifts for our family. We can now go to sleep at night without worrying. Your generosity is appreciated more than you'll ever know!"
Simply knowing that we made a difference in someone's life is FAR better than any gift under the tree.
Papa,
You always taught me that I should help others less fortunate than me! As you look down upon me from heaven, I hope I made you proud! You were missed SO very much this Christmas. However, I find peace knowing that your legacy will be carried on!
With much love,
Your princess ~ Nadia
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