It's officially "that time of year," the holiday season.
My son Cade has nearly worn the ink off the toy catalogs he's been flipping through. I remember being his age, circling all the wonderous things in the Sears Wish Book (remember those?). I remember the thrill of opening the gifts... I also remember the disappointment of NOT getting something I really wanted.
I can't give my kids everything they want. I can try to give them something more - a sense of gratitude; tools to cope with disappointment; learning to practice the yama apigraha, or non-covetousness. I know all these things are true, and worth much more than the dollars spent on toys. Yet I still feel a little guilty.
Cade, Jojo, and I went to 3 Dogs & A Chick on Saturday. Nicole Poch has long supported the Military Working Dogs, and their handlers. The purpose of Saturday's social was to raise money, fill gift boxes, and give thanks to those military personnel and the dogs who are overseas this holiday season, missing their families as they put themelves in dager every day. Cade made a very funny holiday stocking that I'm sure will bring a smile to someone's face. I sent a card. Afterward we all went across the street to the Landing and played at the park. I was thankful for the beautiful weather, for the time spent with my eldest son and my number One dog. Cade even convinced me to wade into the VERY cold water of the Santa Rosa Sound so he could watch Jojo swim.
That's why it's important to give to those less fortunate. When you're short on cash, give time. When you're short on time, give shelter. When you're short on shelter, give thanks. How many of us just want to be thanked?
Thanks to Nicole Poch and the rest of 3 Dogs & A Chick; thanks to author Catherine Mann, a PAWS volunteer dog foster (she has a mama and her newborn puppies in her home right now); thanks to Nikki Headley Swedberg and the rest of Friends of Walton County Animal Shelter for working hard to find good homes for homeless pets like Osmirik; thanks to Cade for spending time with mommy; thanks to Dan for staying home with (sleeping) Connor so that I could enjoy an afternoon out; thanks to Jojo for being the most awesome dog ever.
And every once in while, be sure to thank yourself.
My son Cade has nearly worn the ink off the toy catalogs he's been flipping through. I remember being his age, circling all the wonderous things in the Sears Wish Book (remember those?). I remember the thrill of opening the gifts... I also remember the disappointment of NOT getting something I really wanted.
I can't give my kids everything they want. I can try to give them something more - a sense of gratitude; tools to cope with disappointment; learning to practice the yama apigraha, or non-covetousness. I know all these things are true, and worth much more than the dollars spent on toys. Yet I still feel a little guilty.
Cade, Jojo, and I went to 3 Dogs & A Chick on Saturday. Nicole Poch has long supported the Military Working Dogs, and their handlers. The purpose of Saturday's social was to raise money, fill gift boxes, and give thanks to those military personnel and the dogs who are overseas this holiday season, missing their families as they put themelves in dager every day. Cade made a very funny holiday stocking that I'm sure will bring a smile to someone's face. I sent a card. Afterward we all went across the street to the Landing and played at the park. I was thankful for the beautiful weather, for the time spent with my eldest son and my number One dog. Cade even convinced me to wade into the VERY cold water of the Santa Rosa Sound so he could watch Jojo swim.
That's why it's important to give to those less fortunate. When you're short on cash, give time. When you're short on time, give shelter. When you're short on shelter, give thanks. How many of us just want to be thanked?
Thanks to Nicole Poch and the rest of 3 Dogs & A Chick; thanks to author Catherine Mann, a PAWS volunteer dog foster (she has a mama and her newborn puppies in her home right now); thanks to Nikki Headley Swedberg and the rest of Friends of Walton County Animal Shelter for working hard to find good homes for homeless pets like Osmirik; thanks to Cade for spending time with mommy; thanks to Dan for staying home with (sleeping) Connor so that I could enjoy an afternoon out; thanks to Jojo for being the most awesome dog ever.
And every once in while, be sure to thank yourself.
RSS Feed