Its Christmas... spare a thought

[KalamityKel]

Christmas is almost here, everyone's running around stressed out thinking of the turkey that needs to either be bought or defrosted, the dog has chewed and ripped a pile of the presents left in the corner, the kids have nearly demolished the Christmas tree when trying to put the fairy on top, you feel slightly sniffly (could this be the beginnings of man flu?!!) and grandma is complaining there's not enough chocolate on these nuts... oh dear what to do it's soooo stressful! Why is it always YOU that has a tough time at Christmas? Is it really JUST you? Are you really that hard done by? What about others out there who may be having a worse time of it this year?

This year has certainly been a tough one for myself and family but instead of feeling sorry for myself I shall be thinking of those much less fortunate than me.

I shall be thinking in particular of my brother and his family who, after losing his house in a fire, is technically homeless, has no belongings, no toys or clothes for the kids and also lost all but one of his beloved cats. I shall be thinking of all the support friends and neighbours (all of whom are not particularly well off) have shown to all those effected and the closeness/unity is has created. Also, giving my thanks to the fire services who did such a wonderful and hard job even when reviving little Max (kitten) and how the worst case scenario was avoided - instead of lost pets it could have been body bags being brought out of the now condemed building.

I shall also be thinking of those who have recently lost loved ones either through death or separation/broken down relationships. Of those who've lost jobs.

Of those whose child who has lost touch with parents and family leaving them with no knowledge as to their where abouts or well being. Who have also left children of their own wondering where they've gone. Of those who couldn't handle life and needed to escape and help which wasn't available.

Those who wont be having the turkey, roast potatoes, gravy, Christmas pud, the works but will have to settle with just baked beans on toast as the weeks takings just wasn't enough to stretch to spaghetti hoops. Who will be sitting in the back room of their house huddling together to keep warm.

I shall be thinking of many different people in different circumstances and I shall look at myself and think myself lucky I have all that I do and will never be ungrateful, especially at this time of year.

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Excellent Post!

Its refreshing and re-assurring to know that some people still have a Heart and Soul and Conscience.

Well Said KK.:)-D

[Pickle]

Great post Kel. So sorry to hear of your brother's house fire. What age are his kids? I'm about to have a clear out of toys and would be happy to donate some if they'd be useful? They're for baby to around 2 years. Also have loads of baby boy clothes up to about 18 months.

Such a horrible thing to have happened, but thank goodness they are all OK. Must be horrible to have lost the cats though, on top of everything else :(

[sanity girl]

Dear Kel

I am also about to have a toy and clothes clear out and I am likely to have some soft toys, and women's clothes size 10-12, so let me know if your brother and his family could use something.

Best wishes to you and your family,

Molly

[KalamityKel]

Many thanks for all your kind wishes and offers. Everything is much appreciated.

My brother has 5 children - 18months, 2 1/2, 5, 7 and 8. They are currently between homes, staying with us and other family members and so space is rather limited. I think for the time being we are holding off further donations until after Christmas.

Thanks again

Kel -xxx-

[KoolBananas]

((((((((((KK)))))))))) I'm so sorry to hear of your losses I do hope everyone is recovering slowly.

At this time of year it is always good to have a kick up the bum and be reminded of others in need of help or just simply who are worse off than ourselves.

I shall also spare a thought and say a prayer or two.

((((((all))))) <-- virtual hug

:)-D

[Smeltz]

Hi all!

I've been "lurking" around for some time and after reading this very heartfelt post felt it time to speak up as it were.

KalamityKel I too am very sorry for your brothers family. 5 young children? Wow that must be tough!

Your other points have made me sit back and think a little. I guess we never really take time out to think of others outside of our own circles and certainly not consider how this time of year may effect those less fortunate.

Thank you KalamityKel for putting things in to perspective somewhat.

Merry Christmas!

Smeltz

[Keef]

Good on ya Kel! I always used to say that xmas was just a horrid time when lonely people were reminded of how lonely they were (I was not in the best way at this stage of my life). I still believe that to a point, and like to see posts like yours that show there are people out there who care.

I have ultimate respect for those who give up their time to work in soup kitchens and the like, they put me to shame!

I don't think everyone should feel a huge guilt whilst tucking in to their dinner, but it can do no harm at all to spare a thought for others!

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

Your post just made me cry. I hope they are all comfortable with supportive family. It's frightening to think that it could have been so much worse.

My 10 year old gets loads of stuff at Christmas from her Dad and we will be sorting out the older stuff, toys and clothes etc after Christmas, so if you have no space and they could use any of it, I can store it in my loft or garage.

[karter]

Sorry about this KK. Hope that they will be ok and that insurance covers this. I too have two boxes of cuddly toys that need to go so if you can use them just let me know.

Thoughts to those less fortunate than ourselves...