Sebastion....

Today was an especially emotional, and trying day for me as I fed the homeless under the viaduct. It was beautiful, but difficult if that makes sense. I was INCREDIBLY succesful in the small clothing drive I organized. Many, many kids, and adults are now in their new winter coats, and gloves thanks to all those who donated. I had one little girl who will be 3 in March come with no socks or shoes. We quickly wrapped her in blankets, and I was able to hold her, and put on her new Tinkerbell socks, and pink boots, along with a coat that she gladly put on, and LOVED! Her brothers' name is Sebastion, he's 7 years old. I gave him a bunch of Braydons old clothes, and snuck in a few more than I was supposed to. Sebastion was awfully quiet at first, barely even whispering as I spoke to him. I think he was confused by all the treasures coming his way. The mother and father were probably some of the nicest and gentle people I have ever met. I was able to talk with them, (yes, they let me leave my post so that I could get this family prepared for the cold). Sebastion and I talked about Christmas, and his favorite tv characters. He really wouldn't talk much at all, and I felt like I just wasn't earning his trust in any way, shape or form. After I went back to work, he came up to me, and said, "I know who my favorite character is, it's SPONGEBOB". I was floored, was he talking to me? Was he smiling at me??!! After that Sebastion didn't leave my side, talking and laughing and fist pumping with me! He asked me if I would be there next Sunday, and told me he was excited to see me, and he couldn't wait. I then started asking him what kind of toys he likes, and things he likes to do. He likes books, and cars. Trust me, I will come bearing gifts for this little guy, and his sister next Sunday. How could I not? He had me wrapped around those cute little fingers of his the moment he told me about Spongebob. I looked over, and saw his mom and dad both tearing up, and watching our interaction. I went over to them, and wrapped my arms around both of them, telling them they will get through this.... They were incredibly joyful, and grateful. As they were about to leave, Sebastion ran to me, and gave me a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. I hugged the rest of them, and turned around with tears in my eyes, brokenhearted, and touched. One of the men that helped form the organization asked me if I was okay, I sobbed and said, "no, no, I'm not okay". How could I be, Sebastion and his family were walking 4 blocks in the snow to go to the homeless shelter they were staying at. I so wanted to run after them, and do whatever I could. I cried for a really long time, I couldn't stop the tears, and as I looked around many more were crying with me, deeply touched by what they just saw.

I know I can't save the world, I know that I can't save them all, and that some of the homeless that I feed, are they because of the choices that they made... I just like being with them, I love the feeling of surrounding myself with people not just wanting, but doing things for people. My spirit is being fed. I wish I could do more, but just being there helps.... ask my new friends, they will tell you the same thing....

Sebastion, I can't wait to see you next Sunday, so bring your fist pumps, and hugs! Thank you for your kindness, and for being my new friend, I promise Santa is going to come and see you this year, and it will be magical!!

Love,
Melanie

4:12 PM | | 5 Comments  

Christmas Cheer, Feeding the Homeless, and the SNOW IS HERE!!






I always think, I'm going to blog today, no not today, tomorrow. Then before you know it, weeks have passed us by, and I haven't written a thing! But there is sooo much to say!! Where do I begin?

Feeding the homeless: Here is where this all began, for the longest time I have wanted and needed to do some sort of service, but lacked in doing so. I called Drew, (my cuz) who is always involved in something, and in the know with this sort of thing. He gave me a few options, and I decided that feeding the homeless under the 500 South Viaduct downtown Sunday mornings would be absolutely perfect for me! Cold, or not, I knew this is what I wanted and had to do! The alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. I gather the parka, layers of clothing, wool socks, 2 beanies, 2 pair of gloves, and toddle off around 6 to be sure I am there by 7, because I was forwarned if I were late, I could possibly be turned away. This experience has taught me much, and fed me more. I cannot believe what I have seen. I am thrilled to be there, and I almost feel a slight buzz in the air the entire time we are there. It's hard work, it's a lot of work, and it's freezing cold. BUT, after 5 hours I climb back in my car, crank up the heater and come home to my family; to my warm house, my favorite flannel sleeping bag, my favorite spot on the couch, watching movies with my family. I am blessed! Some of these people live on the street, sleep in the park because they have been turned away at the homeless shelters due to overwhelming demand. Some of these people start lining up before we get there, as if they have been looking forward to this since the last Sunday breakfast.  


This last Sunday Braydon wanted to come with my, yes my 10 year old was totally okay with getting up at the crack of dawn knowing full well how cold it was outside to come with me, and experience feeding the homeless. I am so proud of him, so proud of his emotions, and how much sympathy he had. He saw a mom with a baby in only a onsie, and helped the mom by carrying her food for her. He came back visibly shaken, and worried sick about both of them. He worked so hard, and never complained although our fingers and toes felt as if they were falling off. He gladly jumped in wherever he could to help, and especially loved washing the dishes because the hot water felt sooo good! I love you Braydon, and I thank you for choosing me!

I started a small clothing drive to get warm clothes, because truthfully I saw one too many children with out coats, one too many babies in only a onsie, one too many kids without gloves, one too many men with only a t shirt on, and one too many women with only a dress, and slippers, and her bare legs poking out. I could take it no more! I mentioned to a few people that if they had any coats, hats, jeans, gloves, sweaters, sweatshirts that I would gladly be taking donations to take down to the Sunday breakfast, and donate to my new friends. I have already had an enormous response, and have been emotionally charged at what people are willing to do. I had a coupld people give me some new items, that they went and bought because I asked for donated items. I couldn't believe it! I am stoked to take the treasures, and excited to know that we have helped boys and girls, women, and men... babies to get a little bit warmer during this cold time of year. The first Sunday I went, we served 494 homeless and families in need. Thank you everyone, your kindness is overwhelming, and I am grateful to know you!


Christmas decorating: For those of you that know me, Christmas decorating makes me sooo happy! I love the trees, the berries, the lights, and ornaments. I love it all! I love decorating my house during the holidays, and shopping, and giving, and playing in the snow! Here are some pictures of the decorations! Braydon and I got on the ladder, and put some bulbs around the chandelier, and he was hilarious, because he's afraid of heights!

SNOW IS HERE: Seriously, this is awesome! I think I just heard that little click on my bindings when I step in my snowboard! Tonight we broke out the snowblower, and all played in the snow, Carter could hardly wait to get out the door, and was a trooper the entire time we were out there. Is there anything prettier than the snow falling, (when your not driving)? Is there anything better than watching your kids making snow angels?


8:38 PM | | 5 Comments  

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