I have been searching and searching for a title for this blog post. Can't seem to come up with one because every name seems so insignificant as to what the blog is about. It is about love, the power of giving, the pure kindness of people, it is about the most basic of needs, food, clothing shelter, something I think we all take for granted. Most of all it is about God and how he intervenes in the times when we need him most.

This year we came together as a family and realized how fortunate we are in that we all have most of our needs taken care of. Though we might not have everything, we sure have a lot. So instead of exchanging gifts we decided to try in some way to give back, to make sure in some small way that a family may have some of those basic needs for Christmas this year.

We asked Fr. Pires at our church if he knew of a family that might be in need this season. He did and it was then that our whole plan came into action. This is a family of 4 from El Salvador, Mom and Dad and two girls Erica who is 8 and Cathy who just turned 2. They moved to West Valley 2 years ago. Dad had a good job in construction and mom worked at a day care by the house. About 6 months ago the family was awakened by the sound of an intruder, dad fought off this mentally-ill man and in the process was stabbed in the back by a shovel. He has since had 3 surgeries and still cannot work. Mom works very hard, but $5/hr. doesn't make ends meet for a family of 4.

It was then that our family went to work and we wrapped all of the presents at out family Christmas party, and I will tell you it meant more to everyone there than opening any gift ever would. There were clothes, pajamas, boots and toys galore for the girls and jackets, hats and gloves for mom and dad. There was money and food and gift certificates and it filled the entire back of our car. THE OUT-POURING OF LOVE FROM OUR FAMILY IS INDESCRIBABLE! All you have to do is say the word need! What a testament to the power of love!

So last Monday night our family along with Fr. Pires delivered the gifts. Thankful doesn't even begin to describe feeling in that room. Fr. translated what the dad was saying through tear-filled eyes, "there are no words to describe how thankful I am to all of you, you are a blessing ,thank you, thank you, thank you!" You could literally feel his gratitude.

My gratitude goes to that beautiful family...I thank them for allowing us to share in the true meaning of Christmas! They are and will forever be part of my heart. You needed us, but more so I think we needed you!