Archive: 9 posts

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Hey all, thought I would share this bit of information because it had quite an impact on me. My wife is a Program Manager at a youth shelter for King County here in Washington State. For those that don't know, King County is the county that Seattle resides in - but this has little bearing on my little spiel. This youth shelter houses homeless, runaways and state placed teens at this shelter. Ages range from 10 to 17 years old. 'Most' Christmas's, there are local businesses or churches that 'adopt' the house and buy gifts for these unfortunate teens and my wife will bring these home, check them for appropriateness and to be sure the gifts are divided up equally so no particular child has more than the other and then she re-wraps them and has a new label with that particular childs name (a whole lot better than seeing a 'child 1 age 11-14, boy&apos. This year was a bit different as I was checking to see if she needed any help and I noticed a small pile of scratch paper. On these small pieces of scratch paper was a 'wish list' from the kids at the shelter. The first one I picked up read this: GO HOME White Chocolate peppermint Hershey kisses Cucumber melon body spray Rain boots Shoes 5 DC's Wallet When I read this, goosebumps flooded my body as I read in bold print, 'Go Home'. So I asked my wife who this was. She replied that it was a 16 year old girl and she progressed to tell me her story. This girl was with her biological father who shared his so called love through physical abuse. She was able to escape that situation and move to her mothers house. It was here that she was raped by her Mothers boyfriend. After her plea to her mother and giving the ultimatum for her to choose her own daughter or her boyfriend, she ended up moving to her uncles house because she unfortunately was not of utmost importance. She stayed at her uncle's up until she was kidnapped by her biological father (planned kidnap with two vehicles). Then luckily the state got involved and took her into their custody and she was told it was temporary until they can find suitable placement. Case worker mentioned that it shouldn't be more than 30 days. It has now been nearly 2 months and of course Christmas is around the corner. Take what you will from what I wrote. I have no idea where this girl considers 'home' but on the sheet of paper it was capitalized and underlined. The list was unselfish and from what I took of it, a cry for a normal life that she probably will never be able to experience, at least until she becomes an adult where she can make choices of her own. Apparently last year, there was a ten year old boy who's wish list entailed getting a 'hug' from his Mom. I don't know about you, but that just tears me apart. Hopefully, if any of you are 'able' to connect with a church (or any organization) and perhaps adopt a child or family for Christmas. While it may not make up for what these kids go through, perhaps it will take their mind from the reality of their life... well, at least for a moment or two.

2010-12-18 20:56:00 Author: John82wa Posts: 221

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I have tears in my eyes as I'm reading this. This sort of stuff breaks my heart. I hate that as I sit at home on Christmas getting awesome things from a family that loves me and that I love right back, there's a child somewhere who just wants a hug from their mom. Thanks for sharing this. I have this week off of work. I think I'm going to go see if I can buy a toy or something and drop it off at the local toys for tots. I know it's not much, but at least maybe I can help a kid have a little bit of a brighter Christmas.

2010-12-18 21:21:00 Author: xkappax Posts: 2569

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That... that is touching. It's unfortunate that any person should have to go through this. I'm glad she was removed from such an environment. Bless the people that made that happen. Over the holdiays, I'm donating money for families in need and packing food for them also. I hope it can make someone's Christmas better...

2010-12-18 21:33:00 Author: piggabling Posts: 2979

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GOD! Why do people have to be so rude and sick to their kids.... I'm sitting here sobbing over my keyboard! I hate abusive parents!!!

2010-12-18 22:20:00 Author: chinook3 Posts: 453

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sad... I don't know what to say. I will be doing my best to make someone's life better over christmas.

2010-12-18 22:49:00 Author: Pattington_Bear Posts: 777

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l always go out and go downtown, and give away food, blankets, little tv's to the homeless every chirstmas when l see that smile on their face l feel good inside. I really do hope she finds a family that treat her better.

2010-12-19 01:36:00 Author: Flashwire Posts: 217

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It's around these times that we become aware of how lucky we really are. The most important thing to remember, though, is not that you have a computer to reply on, but rather that somewhere out there there is someone you can count on. And even when it seems like there's nothing left for you, that person will be there and that is more than some others have. I should donate something to a local charity. And you all should too. Perhaps maybe a small toy, or a few dollars to help out. You'll be doing more than giving someone a better Christmas; you'll be reminding someone else that there are those who care for them.

2010-12-19 01:53:00 Author: Astrosimi Posts: 2046

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Well, I hadn't been one to do anything yet this year, but it turned out I was in line at a store purchasing a few gifts for some friends and the lady in front of us was apparently short on her bill and her card kept refusing. She had a gift card apparently that didn't quite cover the balance but that was the extent of her funds I guess. To say the least, my wife and I payed for the remainder of her bill and wished her a Merry Christmas! The bill was just shy of 8 Dollars, so nothing big, but you can tell she was relieved and thankful. So thats one good deed in the books!! Also, thank you for all your responses, my wife has been interested in the feedback since me showing her the post. She seemed to believe most people don't care, but I told her that people on this site were quite unique and was truly a 'community' at heart who's lives are certainly beyond LBP. Just a great group of people!! Anyways, take care and Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20 07:09:00 Author: John82wa Posts: 221

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Having come from a bad past myself, I totally sympathize with people in such situations. It's a horrible world. I am always doing what I can to make it better for someone, Christmas or not.

2010-12-20 07:28:00 Author: Foofles Posts: 2278

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