Four days til Christmas

   

I took the above picture this morning just because  I thought it was cute. You know, the way I used the firetruck as a tree stand. And how Winnie The Pooh is such a cute driver. Then I started thinking off and on the rest of the day if it would be appropriate to tell the story of how and when Winnie came to live here. See, Caleb; my seven year old grandson; has only met his father once in his life. He flew out here from Illinois when Caleb was four months old. He carried that big ol' bear through three plane changes and whatever else his day entailed. Every night that Caleb has slept here at my house since then he has had that bear in bed with him. To this day. He'll ask for it if I forget to get it. Justin, Caleb's father, left after that one week visit with big plans to go make something of himself back home, but at 18 years old, with no support or plan, within a year he ended up in prison for drug related crimes. He is still incarcerated.  Well, today wore on and I was finally to the point where I just didn't have any words for a post at all so I was gonna skip it altogether.  A few minutes ago (it's dark--after 7) the doorbell rang. Five or six ladies with a big white garbage bag full of presents! Initially I'm thinking, "Uh. Do you see this house? Who in here might you think needs charity?" (that'd be the old ego speaking). They said they were with a local church who was participating in the Angel Tree Program . That people in places "such as Caleb's father" contacted them with a wish list and they got donations to make these wishes come true.

   The form said "coat or jacket, size 10"

 

and "Action Figures", which they gave him four super cool ones. (and yes; of course I let him open it all. I'm a grandma, for heaven's sake!) Plus a stocking full of candy and a sweetly sung Christmas carol before they left. It was good fortune that he happened to be here at my house, as most nights he's at his mom's. I could hardly nudge Caleb to say 'thank you' because it took all I had to hold back the tears. 

There are small miracles to be witnessed every day. Caleb did wonder aloud, even tho I think he knew already, "Does this mean my dad's not in jail anymore?". The visit and the presents served as a much needed reminder that he does have a father who cares. It is my sincerest hope that this will be Justin's last year spending Christmas locked up.  I also hope that someone reading this may feel their heart grow a size bigger.  It really takes so little to make a huge difference in people's lives. 

     

Comments

[Sue McG]

Oh my goodness Jen, you just made me cry!! I know the story of Caleb's Dad, but I didn't know about the Angel Tree Project. I'm so thrilled that Caleb had the joy of a message and gifts from his Daddy, that is so amazing. I guess it's divine intervention that he was at your home when those ladies came by, a Christmas miracle indeed.

[Nanette]

What a touching Christmas moment. Thank you Jen. Yes, Caleb - there is a Santa Claus. Isn't it hard that youth is spent on youth. I try so hard to let my 20 year old daughter know that now is the time to make decisions that will affect your life positively for many years go come. Some of them get it and some don't. One of mine doesn't. Caleb is a delight. Good things come to pass.

[BrendaLou]

Jen, we've been giving to the Angel Tree Project for years now and it is so great to hear a personal story. That Caleb is such a dear boy. and it IS important he know his father loves him. Here's a big hug for you both all the way from MINN.

[Lotta]

Oh Jenny, you are breaking my heart. What a beautiful boy Caleb is and how lucky you're his grandma.

[Heather]

Thank you for sharing. I know that's a really personal story and probably not the easiest thing to share, but you have no idea the number of people that you touched by letting us into your world.
The Angel Tree program is amazing. I know Caleb feels loved by all of you, but I'm sure it meant a lot to him to know his dad was thinking of him too. I wish you all the best and I hope that Caleb's dad has been able to get his life straightened out so that he can have a real relationship with his son someday.

[Bernie Shell]

Bless you and Bless Caleb! Thank you for sharing....I pray for all the children who are in a similar situation. Merry Christmas!

[pam]

Who wouldn't want to share with a smile like that.

[Cheryl]

Heart bigger, eyes full of tears. Blessings to Caleb. Tt is very obvious he has lots of peole around who love and care about him. Thanks for the wonderful, wonderful post.

[michelleinfantino]

Well there's your Christmas miracle this season. Amazing.

Yes, my heart did grow bigger and my eyes teared up a little. This is just so great for that little boy. To feel remembered by his Daddy is probably exactly what he needs. It's nice to know he thinks of him at this time especially.

Funny--I took one of Taylor's toys to a coworker last week. It was a duplicate (brand new in the package) and I had saved it in the closet thinking a situation might arise. I really didn't think much of it. Thought I'd donate it to Toys for Tots. I knew my coworker's son was going through a rough divorce and had moved into her house (along with his 3 children who go back and forth from house to house). Thought she could give it to her youngest granddaughter. When I dropped it off she was soooo appreciative and hugged me HARD and cried and cried. This coming from a tough cookie of a woman who doesn't show much emotion. I'll never forget it. Got a card in the mail 2 days later thanking me.

Over the years we'll all forget the gifts and the cookies etc. etc. but these are the moments that stick---the real moments.

[Joanna]

This is just such a lovely story - thank you for sharing it with us. The perfect way to start my day:) I bet it makes the world of difference in Caleb's life to know that his father remembered him and cared enough to do his best for him at Christmas:)