Christmas Wish Always Reminds Me To Be Thankful

Every year I broadcast live from our Christmas Wish office and this year is no different. The office opened on Monday in Towne Square Mall, but I won't be over there until this coming Monday.

Yesterday, Chad called and asked me to go over to the office when I got off the air and help investigate letters. Of course I said "Sure!", but was thinking "Ugh, I'd rather not." Yep, you know what's coming next.... It doesn't take too many phone calls to realize just how lucky and blessed we all are.

I always say during CW that as a parent, I can't imagine how hard it would be to ask for help for your children's Christmas. The amount of courage it would take to even submit a letter asking for help must be pretty high. Yesterday, my assumption was verified.

I was on about the 4th or 5th letter and I read about a young family who had moved out of an apartment, into their own house. They have three young children and with all of the unexpected things a fixer-upper can bring, the parents don't have the ability to provide a Christmas for the children. (Let me just say this, Laura, our main investigator, had given me some tips for making the calls. She gave me the questions to ask and told me to do my best to stick to the questions, because it's easy to get over-taken with emotions. Y'all know me, it doesn't take much for me to get emotional. So, here I go on the phone, ready to get info and get off the phone!)

So, I call this family and the mother answers. When I tell her that I'm calling from CW to verify her information, I hear the tone of her voice change. Even though she remained very friendly, over the background noise of little kids playing, she became embarrassed. Even typing that now, I'm almost in tears. I could hear her disappointment in herself while we were going over where the kids went to school and what size shoes they wore. I did my best to sound as friendly and understanding as I could, without sounding cold and judgemental. Because, by no means was I judging her. What I really wanted to say was, "I can only imagine how hard this is on you and your husband to ask for our help. But, please know, that it's ok. You're going to pull through this and be just fine." But, I didn't... I simply finished my questions and let her go. I knew that if it were me, I would be about to lose it and ready to run in the bathroom and let some of those emotions out in a good cry.

So, when you're going about your Christmas shopping this year, please remember this mother and father. They are trying to do their best, even if that means swallowing their pride and asking for help. This is where YOU can help...

Last year, CW helped almost 1200 families in the Tri-State area have presents under the tree for their children. Some of you adopted entire families, some businesses sent their employees over for a day of volunteering, some dropped off a baby doll, truck or a dollar. It doesn't matter how much you give, as long as you do just that...give!

Because, who knows what our situation may be this time next year. We could be that mother on the phone, holding back her tears as she does what is best for her family.

So, in advance, Thank You for helping the Tri-State through the Christmas Wish office!

If you need it, the CW number is 270-685-0006. If you need to submit a letter for yourself or a family in need, click HERE.