| Thoughts From The Editor - Jan 2010 |
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In life, its not the gifts we receive that define us as a person, it’s the gifts we can give to others that help to make us who we become. I would have to say this was one of the best holiday seasons I have ever had. No, I didn’t get the new car I asked for from Santa or the maid that I begged my family for as I was tripping over their toys and heading to the wash machine, this year I got something that I cannot put a price tag on, I got the gift of seeing my children, my friends and my community give to those in need. I know to some people that may not be as great as a new car, but to me it was a feeling I will not soon forget or one I would not trade the greatest of gifts for. During our first “Holiday Cookies and Cans” event we were able to ship out 25 packages of homemade cookies to our local troops overseas and give dozens more to our local Senior Citizens. We were able to fill two food pantries and stock up a home of a Colonia family in need. All this, due to the overwhelming response of the people in this community. Whether you baked, dropped off cans or donated your time to help us put this event together (or lent me two blue Tupperwares that we couldn’t empty fast enough because they kept getting filled up with donations, thanks Ed Wagner) it all made a difference. On a chilly afternoon in December, I tagged along with 10 Woodbridge Police Officers and Santa as they volunteered their time to bring Christmas toys to local children who otherwise may not have had a Christmas at all. The appreciation in the eyes of these caregivers as Santa gave out presents to their children was enough to move grown men (ones who wear blue) and this reporter to tears. As we went from house to house in a parade of red lights and sirens I felt proud to have been asked to come along on Santa’s ride. For tonight, these young lives were given hope, compassion and the gift of Christmas, by those whose job it is to serve and protect, and serve protect they did with true grace. Thank you Detective John Roesler, for allowing me to be a part of this special evening. When another family came along to my attention just a week before Christmas, I made a few calls to see if we could help them. Once the word spread, people began asking how they could help, what they could give. That same afternoon I found out about them, a woman called wanting to help a needy family. When I told her about a family with young children that needed help, this senior couple came to my house with not only the ham they were going to donate they came with a turkey also. In their eyes, you could see how much it meant to them to be able to help. Baked goods were dropped off, toys were wrapped up and a plan was put into place. Dinner would be cooked and toys would be delivered to this family Christmas eve, with love from our Colonia community. All we needed now was to get it all there, enter Colonia Fire Department. Without hesitation and always willing to help, CFD and Santa came and picked up the toys, the food, the chefs, our children and delivered us to the steps of this family. Surrounded by own children and my friend Marianna’s children, who so graciously volunteered to help cook the dinner, we entered the home of this family with 5 small young children, three whom have special needs. And there before my eyes, the miracle of Christmas unfolded like I had never witnessed in my life. As I stood back and watched the Firemen, our children and Santa embrace this family that they had never met, just as the policemen did to the other families the week before, my faith in humanity was renewed . So keep the car and all the other gifts that money can buy because to me knowing that compassion and love is still alive and thiriving in a world that is constantly filled with uncertainly and challenge, is a gift worth receiving every year! Happy and healthy new year to you and your families. |
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