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Faith renewed
Nov. 8th, 2017 01:20 pmFor the last two years, I have been doing what I call an "Ashley Advent Box". They are in memory of my friend Ashley, who used to send random boxes of gifts to people because she thought of them and felt they needed a cheer. When she passed away I picked up her banner and did the boxes. 24 little gifts to start opening on December 1st. Some items are silly little things (like a yo-yo or a can of silly string) some are practical things (potholders, gloves, etc) but nothing more than $5 for each present.
I pick the recipients around Thanksgiving so I can start shopping on Black Friday and Boxing Day. this time last year I had decided one of this year's recipients would be my friend Mindy. I have known her since she was 14 and I have watched her grow into a strong, independent woman who still has a great laugh and adores Grimmy.
Over the course of the year as I prepped the box for her, her lift turned upside down. Career change for her, her husband's employment going from fun to miserable to "i'm giving my notice without a backup". I felt even more that it was meant for her to be one of the receivers of an Ashley Box.
So last weekend I sent her box to her via the SCA delivery system (a mutual friend was at the same event as I was and could deliver it to her this week).
this morning she posted to FB about how timing was great. She and her Husband had come to the conclusion that because of their situation, they just couldn't do Christmas this year. no lights because of the added expense to the utility bill, no big tree because they couldn't afford it, no exchange of gifts between them and family would get things like "I'll come help clean the garage come spring". But this small box of gifts would allow Hubby (who loves Christmas) the ability to have the holiday experience.
I knew Ash had been guiding me to make sure Mindy and Kevin had a holiday.
but in the comments another made a comment that made me tear up. He said that he knew a guy and if she told him how big a living room they have, he will make sure they have a big tree.
For Mindy and Kevin, I am happy.
I am happy to know there are others who will do what they can to help.
I pick the recipients around Thanksgiving so I can start shopping on Black Friday and Boxing Day. this time last year I had decided one of this year's recipients would be my friend Mindy. I have known her since she was 14 and I have watched her grow into a strong, independent woman who still has a great laugh and adores Grimmy.
Over the course of the year as I prepped the box for her, her lift turned upside down. Career change for her, her husband's employment going from fun to miserable to "i'm giving my notice without a backup". I felt even more that it was meant for her to be one of the receivers of an Ashley Box.
So last weekend I sent her box to her via the SCA delivery system (a mutual friend was at the same event as I was and could deliver it to her this week).
this morning she posted to FB about how timing was great. She and her Husband had come to the conclusion that because of their situation, they just couldn't do Christmas this year. no lights because of the added expense to the utility bill, no big tree because they couldn't afford it, no exchange of gifts between them and family would get things like "I'll come help clean the garage come spring". But this small box of gifts would allow Hubby (who loves Christmas) the ability to have the holiday experience.
I knew Ash had been guiding me to make sure Mindy and Kevin had a holiday.
but in the comments another made a comment that made me tear up. He said that he knew a guy and if she told him how big a living room they have, he will make sure they have a big tree.
For Mindy and Kevin, I am happy.
I am happy to know there are others who will do what they can to help.
