Kids asking Santa for basic items

[ELLE-TN]

My comments to you last year were not directed at you personally. These specific people deserved those comment. Remember, I grew up in a 5 person household barely above the poverty line.

Ironically, I found out 6 hours after my last post that those family members took a trip to Vegas instead of visiting us when we offered them tickets. They also have made very rude comments about us to other family members. When confronted, they attacked us. No matter what we do, they'll see us as second rate.

So our stock pile grew much larger today and the items we can not use will be donated. I am not going to help anyone as self-centered and abusive to our kindness.

I know your comments were not intended for me personally. I am so sorry that you have been mistreated and taken advantage of in the past and in the present. It is very unfair of people (even family) to treat others with such blatant disregard. I simply do not want to see you stop trying to help others as there are many out there who would appreciate your generosity and certainly need your kindness offered. I'm sending a big hug your way as I am afraid that this new development has put a damper on your Holidays. I promise there are good people out there!

[CW&M Mom]

Mothernature, I think you are doing a wonderful job in teaching your son some valuable lessons. It is very important that we teach our kids strong work ethics. It is also important that we teach our kids to have good manners and to appreciate all things in life. I don't mean to offend you but I also think it is important to teach them the "gift of giving and being compassionate to others." I am truly sorry that you had a few bad experiences last year which seems to have scarred you and ruined your interest in continuing to be a giver.


I also remember how hurt I was reading your PM's because at the time my family had just fallen into very unexpected hard times with my husband loosing his job and the Holidays coming and three kids who depended on us. I also remember how embarassed I was when Queen of the Hive contacted me saying that HCW wanted to adopt my family for Christmas and provide gifts for my children through the HHH. I remember when I had read about the Secret Santa through HCW and how I had thought and thought about asking to sign my kids up but I was too ashamed. So when I got that unexpected invitation from QOTH I was so totally humiliated and at first I had wanted to turn the offer down but after much consideration I accepted as I didn't know what else to do and it was like a little miracle that we needed. I've always been the one on the "giving" end and I found it very hard to be on the "receiving" end. I'd like to say that things have improved and I'm back where I'd like to be in life but that would be a lie. Times are tough right now and when you've been knocked down it takes time to get back up.

Our situation here is still very tough and making ends meet is difficult. My husband and I are doing all we can and still it just isn't enough. During the summer both my DS16 and DD14 worked. DD just did a babysitting job which wasn't so bad but My DS got up at 5 a.m. to be at work by 6 and worked 10-12 hour days 5-6 days a week so that he could earn money. I sat and cried many many days until my DS could come home from his job. I don't think it's fair for a kid that age to "have" to give up his summer and do a "man's" job. Did he enjoy it? NO WAY! He did it because he "needed" too. He saved his money instead of blowing it on movies, putt-putt, video games, etc. .. like normal teenage boys would do. He used the money to buy his clothes and supplies for back to school. He also bought things for his brother & sister. He still has money set aside for car insurance and anything else that might come up. And, I have to tell you more than once he has given me money just because I've needed it.

Sitting here typing this is making me bawl like a baby and I don't mean to ramble on and on, but honestly there are good people out there who do appreciate things that others do for them. There are people just like my family, who are hanging by a thread and really need somebody to throw them a life preserver. By looking at my family, you might never know the extent of our difficulties as we hide it very well. I've yet to apply for public assistance even though I should have over a year ago. But, I'm tired of struggling, I'm tired of doing without, and I'm darn tired of being poor. I want things to go back to normal! I want to be able to do things to help other people because I truly understand. I've been there and I've been through it and unfortunately I'm still going through it.

IMO one of the greatest lessons that we ever learn...is not just to give....

but to receive

It is the most humbling experience to live a life where one normally can just take care of things by themselves and not have to depend on other's through kindness or compassion or empathy for ones situation. But the true lesson and one that IMO we all desperatly need to learn...is TO submit and rely on other's when we are in need.

When it comes to people who are rude or ignorant or prideful or deceitful when it comes to helping them. I prefer to look at it this way. So I don't go to religious...if one wants my full opinion google "Pitch ones tent" and Lot.

We can either pitch our tent at the good or the bad. We can stare at the good or the bad. If we pitch our tent at the bad and only look at the bad...then our view is only going to be of the bad. And it will destroy us...whether that is psychologically or what not. If I pitch my tent at the good and observe the good. Then I have a better filter when the bad walks past the good. And I typically can deal with the bad appropriately and without getting bitter about it. I am always continuously getting "filled" when I look at the good. Where As...if I pitch my tent at the bad...I am continuously getting drained.

[ELLE-TN]

IMO one of the greatest lessons that we ever learn...is not just to give....

but to receive

It is the most humbling experience to live a life where one normally can just take care of things by themselves and not have to depend on other's through kindness or compassion or empathy for ones situation. But the true lesson and one that IMO we all desperatly need to learn...is TO submit and rely on other's when we are in need.

.

Very well stated and very wise! I've been told that by two people in my life...both of them were preacher's wives.

[TeePee]

I have given a little to families but given more to my humane society. I KNOW those who use my gifts appreciate it more than they can ever say LOL!