Advent 12

 Let's just pick up where I left off. Those missed days are NBD.

(No big deal.)

To be honest, I'm finding these journal-type prompt questions uninspiring. (My dream December destination? or, My heart is filled with love when I think about ...) Blechk. 

But you know what I DO find inspiring? Conversation with friends who bubble with enthusiasm when they talk about something/anything with passion. 

Recently I was out for dinner with M. When I asked her what she's been up to lately, she started to glow when she told me she had just finished doing her favorite Christmas activity. "It's that Gift Giving Opportunity at London Drugs. The one where you take a name tag off their Christmas tree, and buy some of the items on their wish list. It's always for a senior, living in a care home. Someone who doesn't have family and receives no gifts. 

Every year I look forward to choosing a name. This year, I looked at a few name tag options, but when I saw the one for Alice, who is 85 and blind; I KNEW she was my gal. She asked for some sugar-free candy, and a sweater or tshirt in size medium.

I spent the afternoon choosing a number of high quality, super soft, beautiful coordinating sweaters and shirts for her, not able to decide which ones to give her. And, seeing I'm diabetic, I know the best low/no sugar treats out there. I was so excited to get a good assortment for her. 

When I got home, I asked B (husband) which clothing items he thought we should wrap, and he said, Give her everything. They're all so perfect."

RIGHT?!?

She was grinning and buzzing. 

I love it when I get to see the natural high people get when they've done something (outrageously) (anonymously) generous. Also (wildly) personal. And (totally) perfect. 

I don't think I've ever thought twice about that London Drugs Giving Tree. Or buying gifts for seniors. 

I just loved everything about her story. 

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After writing out that ^, I opened Facebook to grab a photo, and this was the first story on my feed:

We want to HELP if we can.

my name is Sam, my fiancé is Tori. we are life long locals, Chilliwack/langley and we feel an overwhelming sadness, and calling to help in any way we can.

we have 1 extra vehicle, we can lend. we have 2 dogs 2 rabbits, and we are able to house more if needed. we aren't able to provide any hospitality to livestock bigger than a goat but we would try if we could

if you need a place to stay we have a spare room. im a HD mechanic, with years of fab experience, i have access to any peice of hd equipment or lift you may need and tori is a commercial scuba diver. I also dive but I don't think there's anything we can help with under water. we both know boats so if yours is floating we could save it and keep it at our place in the driveway. our cars can be parked on the street. we are in a very safe neighborhood in north Vancouver.

neither of us knows what we can offer but we are both professionals who deal with water every day either above or below. if we can help you, we want to.

we are praying for you all and if there is anything we can do please ask. if you know someone who needs help please share. and if you can help and we get overwhelmed, I will forward them to you.

you aren't alone and tori and I want you to know that. please reach out even for the littlest thing.

I don't know this young couple, but whoa. People are amazing. 

(For anyone reading this blog post in the future, or from a part of the world that is unaware of our current situation, an atmospheric river dumped ten billion gazillion litres of rain water on us and the resulting floods have put parts of Hwy #1 (and surrounding low lands) under water. More rain is forecasted in the coming days. We. Are. Wet. )

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Three Things I'm Thankful For:

1. Inspiring meals this week with incredible friends. (On Tuesday I was with a friend who is writing a series of stories based on the Women of the Bible for a study with a group of older ladies (in their 80's and 90's). She read us the stories she'd written about Elizabeth (John the Baptist's mom) and Mary (Jesus' mom). OY. She made their lives real and honest and alive and relatable. 

2. I am so thankful for Canuck Place's Children's Hospice. (Karyn's niece is getting exceptional care, and her family is getting much-needed support during these difficult days. If you could contribute towards Karyn's goal of raising $150, you can do so here. )

3. I am thankful for machines that see deep inside us. And I'm thankful for smart people who know how to interpret those images. 

Thanks for dropping by,

xo