What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
I remember back in December 19, 1985, near Christmas. When the kindest thing happened to me. Read my story.
The weather was bitter cold and nasty and very snowy outside; I just finished putting up my artificial tree. My children Joann, five, and Robert, three, and I strung popcorn for our little artificial tree, while baby Andy slept. We were all delighted to see our tree, all decorated with handmade ornaments and strings of popcorn. It took us all day. Robert ate more popcorn than he strung.
Evening came fast, and the children got tired and crabby; Andy woke crying, needing to be fed and changed. Joann and Robert, being so tired, went to their rooms and fell asleep. I fed little Andy sitting in my rocking chair looking at the tree we all decorated.
I began thinking to myself, “How am I going to afford gifts under our tree?” I can’t have Christmas for children with nothing to open. I am a newly divorced mother. My ex-took everything but the children’s things. I even had to sleep on the floor, as he took the bed. And most all the furniture when he moved out. At least he left the children’s stuff and my mom’s artificial tree. The ex-loved the real thing, so my mom gave me her old tree.
I worried about all this and the children. I cried for a while, said a few prayers while feeding the baby. Little did I know, some friends of mine knew what my ex did to me. They put our names into the Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council program. I was clueless about what that event entailed. I found out on December 22 — my birthday.
Not knowing how gift giving to my children this Christmas was going to be. It was very depressing to think about until December 22, when I heard a knock on my door. I answered it with my baby in arms. The person introduced themselves from the Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council Program and asked if Debra Richter lived here; I said yes; why? Being puzzled.
She said, “The Waukesha Motor Company in Waukesha has chosen my family to help this Christmas season. They were told my story; about being newly divorced with three children.” Tears began trickling down my face. (They’re doing it now, remembering). My prayers are being answered.
That company gathered enough items to fill two station wagons that parked out in front of my house with food and gifts. Enough to last the children and me till the New Year and beyond! As I began putting the items away, I couldn’t believe what they all brought. There was ham, turkey, all the trimmings; milk for the kids, homemade desserts, even certificates for me to get formulas for my baby. This is all inside the first car.
As I saw the second car being unloaded, I could see all the wrapped presents. One by one individually named, they placed them carefully under my small tree. It looked beautiful overflowing with gifts when they were through. I was so thankful for their thoughtfulness and generosity. I hugged each and every one who brought things into my home. Tears flowing, thanking them for making my first Christmas alone with my children a happy one.
This is one Christmas I’ll never forget. I have passed it to others, playing Secret Santa to children less fortunate than mine. Being an Easter Bunny delivering baskets full of joy. I just wanted to give to others the feelings I received that day, December 22, 1985, and the wonderful memories, never to be forgotten.
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