Welcome...

We invite you to remember your loved ones who have died by committing an act of kindness in their honor. Love, kindness, generosity, sharing, these are the gifts we can give to them.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

December 26, 2012


From Jon Heaslet:

Jamie –

One difficulty with my ‘job’ is separating my self from my work.  When I assist someone, is it my job?  Is it what I do?  Is it who I am?

Regardless, it has been a joy for me this month to visit elderly persons who can no longer come to church.  To take gifts to families who otherwise would have precious little under their tree or in their stomachs.  To visit patients in hospitals.  To acknowledge that at this time of year, not everyone is deliriously happy.  There are many tears shed during this month, tears at the memory of an empty chair at their table and an empty place in their heart.

And so I thank you for the encouragement to make something of this month more than adding to the bottom line of retailers.  As Dr. Seuss said, “Maybe Christmas means just a little bit more.”

I’m sorry for the loss of your son, and grateful that his memory is alive and continues to bring joy to you and your family.

In gratitude,
Jon 
Rev. Jonathan L. Heaslet


From Lydia Armstrong:

I've been stretched a little thin this holiday season. I'm working two jobs, and am short on time and extra cash. I racked my brains for the first couple days of receiving this email for what I could do in the limited time I had, and in the end, I decided to keep it simple. I smiled at people and said hello to them. I gave out as many compliments to strangers as I could. I told my mother I loved her. I kept my big mouth shut when the guy at the Kroger customer service desk was short with me. I tried to be as nice to everyone I encountered as I could, and all the while I kept in mind your boy Theo. Merry Christmas, Fueglein Helbert family, and may your holiday season be bright.


From Lakilya "LaLa" Dozier:

My good deed for this month was giving out twenty four meals to the people in Monroe Park during exam week. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas/break.


From Pete Hanley:

This year I had paid for a parking spot on Broad Street, but only used ten minutes of my time. I saw some guys getting out of their car, and scrambling for change, so I gave them the rest of my parking ticket. Thought about Theo's Stocking right after.
Hope you had a good fall semester, and have a merry Christmas and happy holidays.


From Helen McGrath:

Well, for Theo's stocking, I have been taking care of my three older grandchildren while their Mama and Daddy take care of the newest baby and keep the ship floating. I have not whined, complained, told on the kids when they misbehaved or were mean to me. I gave up my place in a cash register line every single time I was in line and gave up close parking spaces to other shoppers. Thank you Theo, I am a better person.

 
From Sara Weaver Lundberg:

Hi Karla!

I wanted to let you know that I volunteered in the infant room for our Christmas Eve service at church in memory of Theo and for Theo's Stocking.

I held and loved on a crying little, cute, chubby baby. I loved it and snuggled him up!!!!

Blessings to you, Karla.

XOXO - Sara, your MISSister.


From Anonymous:

I visited a friend on Christmas Eve who really needed some company. She is struggling to deal with life changes and grief and loss issues of her own. Spending this time was healing for both of us. I also donated to the MISS Foundation in Theo's memory.

I  LOVE YOU. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

From Anna Madland Bender:

For Theo's stocking  this year, I gave complimentary  visits to a family that has been coming in to see me for a long time. They have recently had a large cut in their finances and they couldn't afford chiropractic care. The wife started getting migraines again and the husband was afflicted with Bell's Palsy. Everyone now though is healthy in time for the holidays!

Love you!

Dr. Anna


From Anonymous:

I don't like to talk about the kindnesses that I do in Theo's memory, I feel like somehow it makes it seem more about me than him. I try to keep in mind his spirit, his beauty, his life  and his gift all season, all year. In that, I try to be a little nicer, even when it is really hard for me to be nicer. I try to remember that it's really about love. Love is the law. I let people out in traffic, I leave big tips, I get doors, I carry stuff when people need help carrying things, I tidy up where it needs tidying, I try to make things a little easier for people how ever I can see a place to do so. This year though,  in addition to every day kindnesses, I am  glad to have helped make it possible for two children, 8 & 11, to have a little merrier of a Christmas this year.  I gave a dear friend money to help her children have a little more beauty and magic in their Christmas this year. Their dad is gone, and is not helping,  or even communicating, she is heartbroken and struggling. They deserve a little bit of fun and light. I am glad we could help, even in some small way, to make this season a little brighter.

Thank you Theo.