I knew instantly what I had to write about this week. Last Christmas I related the sadness that comes to me with the Holidays.
You can read that post
here as most of my readers haven't been with me that long.
Once again, this year, I am compelled to give to those less fortunate. I am not in a great financial situation, but every time I want to feel sorry for myself I come across something that pushes reality right between my eyes. I had already completed my annual obligatory Angel Tree donation. It always gives me great pleasure to imagine a child experiencing Christmas joy due to my modest efforts. 
I was grocery shopping at Piggly Wiggly (for the majority of you who have no idea what the hell that is, it is a supermarket chain, primarily in the south). 
As I was checking out I noticed an Angel Tree. I had to investigate, as there were still a few dollars remaining in my checking account. It was an Angel Tree for senior citizens in nursing homes. I was intrigued by that concept. I have always thought of needy children at Christmastime, but the image of an elderly person alone and forgotten was particularly hurtful to me. But what broke my heart was the list of items the participants were asking for: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, denture adhesive, writing paper and pens, and hand lotion. I always considered Christmas presents as whimsical and fun. I could not imagine being at a place in my life where I felt toothpaste and soap and other necessities of life were considered treats. I shuddered to think of my situation being such that I had to depend on a stranger’s kindness to prevent my dentures from becoming airborne during lunch. No, I don't wear dentures. But if I did, I would prefer they be affixed. At least in public settings.
Well, as you can imagine, I removed several requests from the tree and tomorrow I will be going to Costco. Some geezers are getting a six-pack of toothbrushes and a demijohn of liquid hand soap. I wonder if anyone from my previous Thursday 13 post could use some Polygrip. Maybe Borgnine.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday Scribblings - "I knew instantly....." - 12/14/08
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11 comments:
I think you might be a Saint. I got a tear or two just thinking of those folks left alone. Wonderful post!
they say the best way to feel happy with yourself is to give to others... what a beautiful expression of love... i hope you find happiness in having this opportunity to give....
whatcha gettin' scooter????
B.J.:
I am nobody's Saint. Everyone who knows me and reads your comment will be rolling their eyes and making gagging noises. I just hate when there is such a disparity between the haves and have-nots, and it is magnified at Christmas.
Paisley:
Skooter has Christmas every day.
Hi, I'm here from Sun. Scribblings. That Angel Tree is a beautiful concept. Many people don't realize that even others, not just the older folks, want and need necesseties. I give those things during the holidays and regularly to shelters, but not nearly as much as I'd like to. I have to remember even one tube of toothpaste helps! Like you, I'm financially strapped, but I'm not where we once were and it's the best present to us to give to others. IT's what makes the world go round.
I remember Piggly Wiggly! Particularly when I visited relatives in Arkansas when I was a kid.
You have a kind heart.
you have a good heart. Giving to seniors is Not something we usually assume needs taking care of. Thanks for a nice reminder.
I wish my cardiologist agreed as to the wellness of my heart.
Great post. I had not thought about the elderly, but I guess I should have. All alone, their friends in the same situation as they are or maybe already gone and their families, well there is no telling where their families are or even if they have one.
My Grandma always told me, "it is much better to give than to receive". I doubted her, but as time went on, I understand and know that she was right.
Well Mr. Ramblings, as I have long suspected, or rather have known, you are the human equivalent of salted nut roll. All crunchy and rough on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. You can't fool me...never could. But always remember no good deed goes unpunished. By showing your soft underbelly here on your blog, we all know your secrets and most likely will not let you forget that you are opinionated but fair, tough but giving as well as a caring human. WE WILL remind you of this at any given opportunity. Have a wonderful Christman Mr. Ramblings !!!!! Give Skooter a big hug from Wyoming co
Good on ya!
There was a great article in the local paper on the weekend about a local politician who also happens to be the Minister of Justice with the govt. It turns out for year his mother organized a Christmas plan to fill a whole bunch of knapsacks with toiletries to be given out to the people who have to live at the homeless shelter. It's now a family affair...they've been doing it quietly with no fanfare for a long time. This year, they are filling 200 knapsacks to take over to the shelter.
Enjoy your trip to Costco. :)
I too had not thought about the elderly doing without Christmas gifts. Thank you for rambling about. I will definitely be looking in my community to see if there is such a tree here for seniors or if there is a senior center that needs gift. Thanks again.
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