Kindnesses for Christmas Eve

From Liz:

Hey there favorite family!

Since you started this tradition I have been conscious of random acts of kindness; this notion has become part of everyday life. Thank you for that. Theo's picture is still on my fireplace and I visit him often.

Today I raked leaves in our lawn and swept the walk. While I was at it, I did my neighbors' walks too. The exercise was good in the cold and now my one neighbor who has arthritis doesn't have to worry about it. That makes me happy. Your family makes me happy too.

Sending much love,
xoxoxoxo
liz

From Evy:

Hey Mr. F,
I had just bought a scarf from the store for myself for winter and as I was walking to get back on the metro I saw a man who was cold and very pale and had on these ripped pants and a worn out jacket with holes in his gloves. He was laying down with a pepsi cup next to him that had a couple of coins in it. So I walked over, took my scarf off, and gave it to him. He was so grateful for it.

I hope you that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Mr. F.

Sincerely,
Evy G.



From Pam and Dawn:

Jamie, Karla, & Lula,

I have been a witness to so many acts of kindness this season, and I always think of Little Theo. There is so much need in the world around us it seems overwhelming to figure out how to help sometimes.

I have a coworker who is a very dear friend of mine. Her 24 year old son has a condition called TTP, and she found out right before Thanksgiving that his kidneys have failed and that he will be a dailysis patient indefinitely. He lives in Memphis with his girlfriend and 4 month old baby boy. My friend really wanted to spend some time with her son and grandson over the Thanksgiving holiday, but finances were very tight and I could see that she was worrying about how to fund the trip.

The day before she was supposed to leave, I decided to ask a few of my co-workers if they'd like to chip in to help out with her gas money. Word began to spread around and people from all over our department started approaching me and contributing. In a little less than an hour, I had collected enough money to cover all of her travel expenses and her hotel room while she was in Memphis. I was so moved by the outpouring of concern and that people really wanted to make sure she was able to make this trip. When I gave her the envelope, she tearfully shared with me that she had been very troubled about how she was going to come up with the money to make the trip. She, her mother, and her younger son were able to spend 4 days with her son and his new family in Memphis and she was able to meet her grandson for the first time. She even had enough left over to purchase some items for the baby.

Dawn and I also participated in adopt a needy family again this year and will be making a donation to Noah's Children in honor of Theo.

Happy Holidays- we love you.

Pam and Dawn

From Andrea, Charles and Isabelle:

We love the idea of Theo's Christmas Stocking, what a wonderful tribute to your amazing boy. We decided to give a gift to our local animal shelter. We packed up a box of supplies for the animals in need. Since we lost 2 cats this year we had some extra things around the house, like toys and a lambswool blanket. Then we went to the store to buy cat & dog food and some other needed supplies. I donated this to the Richmond Animal League, and they were so appreciative. We also made a monetary donation. There are so many homeless cats & dogs in need of homes, especially now with the economy being so bad and donations being down.
Thank you for reminding us what is really important in life and inspiring others through Theo to make the world a better place.

Love,
Andrea, Charles, & Isabelle

From Helen Ruth:

Merry Christmas, Jamie, Karla and Lula,

Ah, so many common names here. My sister is Carla and my grandmother was Lula! AND Jamie is my beloved colleague! How much closer can I get to your family?

I confess, I don’t have any magnificent random acts to report but I do want to let you know that I applied for and received a grant from the United Methodist Thrift Shop Foundation in Durango, Colorado. The grant is now on its way to Southern Sudan where it will be used to build a shelter for some Sudanese Orphans who sell their crafts in the local market of the Kakuma Refugee camp. Instead of sitting out on the dusty streets, they will now have a nice shelter to house their items and to protect them from the elements. I probably won’t ever meet these children but maybe their young lives will be improved by this assistance.

Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year.

Love,
Helen Ruth