This Good Deed

---was done by Chante

So far this year I have been doing things that may qualify as good deeds. Ever since I can remember my mother and I have donated unwanted toys, clothing, movies, cds, and even furniture to the Salvation Army and Good Samaritan causes. I have been giving a lot of my stuff away since I entered college and do not really have a lot of room for things. This year alone we have filled more than ten bags. I've actually lost count! And we're still filling some bags currently! I think it is better to donate things to those less fortunate than to try to sell them over the internet for a profit. We have a bag full of coats and boots to donate to try to keep people warm this winter season. I have also donated to foundations like the Round up for Kids that JCPenney sometimes does. I have sent almost everyone I know and old friends from highschool Christmas cards. After Christmas my family is going up north to Michigan to visit my grandmother. Ever since my grandfather died a few years ago she has had trouble paying bills and has had her heat and electricity cut off and can barely afford food. We're bringing her and her dog food that should last her and my mom has been sending her money to pay for food and bills. She has been really depressed and I know that it will make her year to have visitors!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to read all these 'letters' and to make us all realize what really matters during the holiday season, helping others and trying to make our world a better place!
Chante`





---this good deed was submitted by Robyn


Jamie, Karla and little Lula,

I have been thinking about your little boy Theo quite a bit since I read about him, and his very important Christmas stocking, yesterday morning. In grief there are indeed opportunities to find something meaningful, something more than all of that other terribly dark and cloudy stuff. But it takes an immeasurable kind of strength to do that. Easier said than done, right? So I am in awe of you as a family...and you should be too!

My father committed suicide in September of last year. So of course I know that whole mess of grief far too well. The circumstances of his death couldn't be more different than your baby boy's. But I want to thank you for reminding me that life and death are tricky things that are hard to contain or understand. And most importantly, thank you for giving me the confidence to choose to keep my fathers presence around during the holidays. Not to keep quiet about him or to pretend everything is the same without him like I think people in life sometimes expect. I will actively think of my father and his life, not his death, because of what you have given me with your story about Theo.

As for my good deed...I went to The Salvation Army Angel Tree and I chose a little boy about your sons age at his last Christmas. I spent a very fun hour or so shopping for that little boy at Target and I spoiled him rotten because I figure all kids deserve that now and then. I thought about Theo and the child who will get those gifts under the tree and I felt pretty damn full of love. I hope you all get some of that love this year too because its wonderful.

Thank you again. Jamie, your writing class was just what I needed for my head to get straight. This made my heart feel better.
Merry Christmas!
Robyn