Well with Christmas being only about a month away, and my WH living with the OW, I started thinking about what this Christmas will be like. I got to the point of almost dreading it, until I started thinking about Christmas' past. Then I remembered my best Christmas ever. It was 17 years ago. My boys dad got laid off from work in the fall, and then had a heart attack. We had no money for Christmas presents or even a nice meal. My friend and I got involved with a program called Christmas Wish in the Bay Area. People donated presents that kids in foster care had requested. Our part was delivering them. My friend and I and my kids drove all over the area for 3 weeks up until Christmas day taking presents to children that didn't even have a family. My kids knew that we were bringing special gifts to children that couldn't even be with their mommy or daddy. On Christmas Eve, we drove all through the poorer side of town, looking for an address. We ended up in an alley where we had to climb up some stairs, go across some roof tops strewn with beer cans and whiskey bottles until we found the place. A little boy answered the door. He was all alone. We told him we had a present for Jacob. His face lit up and he accepted it with a huge smile. Over the years I have always remembered that Christmas Eve. Since then we have had some wonderful holidays, full of glitter and nice presents, but never one that matched that night 17 years ago. I would like to ask all here that are going through terrible turmoil and heartache to join me in doing something in the true Christmas spirit to make this the best Christmas ever.

believer,

Wow! Got me crying. What a beautiful story. I am motivated to find something similar.

Isn't it true, though, that through the act of giving, our own troubles are lessened. Even as simple a thing as reaching out to someone here on this board, telling them we care, we are sorry for what they are going through and that they can make it.

Giving...what a wonderful, God-given thing.

*S*

Sparkle - You are right. Posting on this board really helps. That's the good part of being cheated on. The suffering opens your heart to others in pain. Anyway I am already thinking of things to do this Christmas. Every year I get an athletic bag and my boys and the neighborhood kids fill it with items for a homeless person. Then on Christmas day, we drive around and find someone to give it to. Also this year I want to do something for a family that is having a hard time.