Happy Holidays!

It's that Time of Year Again...

This is when my family has always begun gearing up for togetherness, fun, and tradition. For me, the season always begins the first of November, that last of the countdown to my birthday on Veterans Day. I remember, growing up in the Wood River Valley, it ALWAYS snowed on my birthday. Often, it was the first snow of the year.

Then a few weeks later, it was time for Thanksgiving. What I love about these memories is the warmth and comfort of our house. That wonderful smell of cinnamon sticks simmering in a pot of water on the wood burning stove, the mouth watering scent of onions and celery sauteing in preparation of mom's great stuffing. We'd spend the morning getting the house clean, and the afternoon watching football, setting the table, and best of all....eating! The whole family was always there. My memories of this holiday are warm and comfortable, happy.

The day after Thanksgiving we decorated for Christmas, because as much as we loved Thanksgiving, Christmas was the day we were really anxious for. The lights were put up outside (if they hadn't been left up the year before so we wouldn't have to go out in the cold.) The whole inside of our house was decorated with garland, the tree (of course), stockings, table cloths, you name it. My brother and I even strung lights in our bedrooms. Again, this was a holiday full of warm, cozy, family memories. I love being with my family.

And this is why it's hard for me to understand why this is the busiest time of the year in child protection. Inevitably, we ALWAYS get kids right before Christmas. Last year we got my 10 year old on Thanksgiving, and I figured, wow, we got our Christmas Angel early. Then we got a 9 year old boy and his 10 month old sister at 3:00 in the morning on Christmas...we had three Angels last Christmas. We do what we can to make them feel comfortable and part of the family for the holidays, but really, the kids who've been with us a few months or longer are having a hard time being away from their families during the holidays...you can only imagine what it's like to be ripped from them ON the holiday!! Last year we were lucky because we had an extra bike from the giving trees, and were able to give it to the little boy from Santa. He was amazed and excited, and it helped him deal with his situation a little better. Not a lot, but even just a little works some times.

I can remember when Stacie was with us, the first two years were especially hard. She somehow got it in her mind, both years, that she'd be going home in time for Christmas. Of course she didn't because she was with us until she went to college. But the closer to the holiday it got during those two yeras, the more depressed she got. No matter what anyone said or did to help her realize she wasn't going home, she denied it. We were eventually allowed to have her mom come to our house, and started inviting her over for Christmas day. But even that isn't the same. It's not like having your whole family surround you and sharing in family traditions you've known since birth. Ironically though, Stacie now usually spends Christmas with us.

This time of year is supposed to be a time of peace and love. Unfortunately, for 100's to 1000's of kids in country this year it will be a time of loss and grief. It's already started...I have two new 5 year old girls from different families. They both came to me last week. One, thank goodness, gets to go home tomorrow. But the other will probably be with us quite a while. It's starting earlier this year. Last week we were called about 12 different children and were able to take two. That's a huge sudden influx of kids. That's a lot of family violence, neglect, abuse. If you're of the mind, please pray for all those children who may lose families this Christmas, and hope their loved ones get help before it's too late. Thank you for reading.

Tune in again to read tales about the adventures from the Angel Retreat.

Donations to fund the needs and activities for the angels who live with us are always welcome.