Do you have time to bring someone else a little joy at Christmas?

Bobbie · 12-22-2005, 03:54 PM

Several years ago after a terrible divorce I found myself all alone at the holidays. My parents were a couple states away and I couldn't afford to travel to see them. I sat and cried for the longest time and finally told myself it was ridiculous. It wasn't like I didn't have friends that I could have gone and seen I just didn't want to impose on their holiday.

So I sat and tried to figure out who else is sitting there lonely on the Holidays. It hit my like a ton of bricks. There are several nursing homes in the area. I went to our local dollar store spent $20 dollars that I really couldn't afford to spend, baught some cute little Christmas items, bundled up my then 4 month old baby and headed for the closest nursing home.

I felt kind of silly when I got there but I marched myself to the front desk and asked "do you have any residents that could use someone to visit with them, I am all alone for the Holiday and would like to spread some Christmas cheer." At first the receptionist gave me a blank look, then she said "that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard." I spent the whole day visiting the elderly residents, giving each a little gift and letting them fawn over the baby.
It was one of the best Christms's I have ever had.

Many of these people are left alone this time of year because their families are busy with their own Holiday stuff. We now make it a family ritual to go visit the nursing homes at Holiday time. The smile on the faces of these people is the greatest gift you can recieve.

Bobbie

Alcestis · 12-22-2005, 03:59 PM

That's such a lovely story

I can't promise I'll do that this Christmas but I'm hoping to do some volunteer work next year and will bear nursing homes in mind. How wonderful of you to turn a sad situation into such a lovely experience.

Zib · 12-22-2005, 04:25 PM

How sweet of you. I'm sure the opportunity to visit with your baby was the best treat you could have brought.

DisneyPrincess · 12-22-2005, 04:29 PM

Last year me and DH lived in MD far away from any family...He is in the Marine Corp and had to work, along with many of his men. I decided to have Christmas for all the Marines who couldnt go home to be with family. I cooked dinner for 15 Marines and it was a BLAST. We had so much fun and I felt soo good giving the guys a real christmas. I would do it again in a heartbeat

Rhino77 · 12-22-2005, 04:29 PM

That's awesome, and without a doubt, the only way to feel better and bring joy to your own soul, is to minister to somebody lonely and broken.

My Grandma used to be in a nursing home for that last two months of her life. She had gotten into advanced Alzheimers, and my Mother and I could no longer care for her. Well, I used to visit her every other day or so, and as I'd walk through, I got to know some of the residents. They would be so excited to have a young visitor that was not associated or on staff in the care center.

That is a noble effort you participate in, and I will think of doing that myself once again, it is truly fulfilling.

sandooch140 · 12-22-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b_bopen

Several years ago after a terrible divorce I found myself all alone at the holidays. My parents were a couple states away and I couldn't afford to travel to see them. I sat and cried for the longest time and finally told myself it was ridiculous. It wasn't like I didn't have friends that I could have gone and seen I just didn't want to impose on their holiday.

So I sat and tried to figure out who else is sitting there lonely on the Holidays. It hit my like a ton of bricks. There are several nursing homes in the area. I went to our local dollar store spent $20 dollars that I really couldn't afford to spend, baught some cute little Christmas items, bundled up my then 4 month old baby and headed for the closest nursing home.

I felt kind of silly when I got there but I marched myself to the front desk and asked "do you have any residents that could use someone to visit with them, I am all alone for the Holiday and would like to spread some Christmas cheer." At first the receptionist gave me a blank look, then she said "that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard." I spent the whole day visiting the elderly residents, giving each a little gift and letting them fawn over the baby.
It was one of the best Christms's I have ever had.

Many of these people are left alone this time of year because their families are busy with their own Holiday stuff. We now make it a family ritual to go visit the nursing homes at Holiday time. The smile on the faces of these people is the greatest gift you can recieve.

Bobbie

What a wonderful person you are, Bobbie!

I give to a few charities but to give your time to someone is priceless.

Bobbie · 12-22-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandooch140

What a wonderful person you are, Bobbie!

I give to a few charities but to give your time to someone is priceless.

Thank you, but I would like to believe that we all give what we can. I just wanted to throw it out there as an idea for others, I know at times I need a little push in the right direction to get me in the spirit of giving.

Bobbie

gotogirl · 12-22-2005, 09:03 PM

What a wonderful idea! I've been thinking about getting my dog trained to be a therapy dog and going to nursing homes. Now I'm going to check in to it.

JustDoYou · 12-23-2005, 12:39 AM

What a wonderful thing for you to do for someone who needed it!!! This is a great idea, not just during Xmas, but anytime of the year. I've worked in nursing homes. There are some wonderful people there who are neglected!!

You have a huge heart

!!

Hugs,
Angie

JustDoYou · 12-23-2005, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackielbrown04

Last year me and DH lived in MD far away from any family...He is in the Marine Corp and had to work, along with many of his men. I decided to have Christmas for all the Marines who couldnt go home to be with family. I cooked dinner for 15 Marines and it was a BLAST. We had so much fun and I felt soo good giving the guys a real christmas. I would do it again in a heartbeat

Jackie,

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only Marine Corps/Military Spouse who does this. I am literally a world away from any of my famlly as is most all of our "young" Marines in hubby's shop. This is what I've done every Thanksgiving, Xmas and New Years for the past 3 years. I told DH that if none of us could be with our immediate family...we'd all be with our USMC family. I love it!! I cook a huge meal, then we sit around and karaoke or play Dance Dance Revelution. It's a great time and it's much appreciated!!!

Hugs,
Angie in Okinawa
Proud USMC Wife

Ma Bailey · 12-23-2005, 05:27 AM

You all are SOOOOO AWESOME!!! I am going to do better and start making "a difference". Thanks for the little push in the right direction.
Merry Christmas from my little bitty heart to all of your BIG HEARTS! >^.,.^<

mitsyg · 12-23-2005, 06:24 AM

I think what you did was awesome. What all you have done I should say. Well yesterday I called our local place that gives to the less fortunate and asked if they had any children that needed gifts. The lady told me, "we do have one 11 yr-old boy who we don't have anything for yet". I left that morning with my two children and we went to the store and picked out something for the little boy. I explained to my 9 yr old daughter and my 5 yr old son about giving to those who aren't as lucky as we are. Knowing that we will make someones Christmas a "little" brighter is what this season is all about. We also made Christmas cookies for an elderly lady in our town that doesn't have any family locally.

uniquelymade · 12-23-2005, 06:39 AM

I just took a group of 6th grade girls from my Sunday School class to visit the nursing home in our area.
WE ang Christmas Carols and gave out goodie bags.
Those people were sooooo Glad to see us.
It really touched my 6th grade girls.
They were like we want to do this again.
We plan to do it once everyother month throughout the year.
Today we as a family are going to go do some yard work and visit with an elderly lady who is widowed and lives by herself. This is good for my children to see.
We also reach out to foster children on Saturdays with a basketball & Cheerleading ministry that we put on at the Children's home.
The Bible says that this is true religion to visit the widows and orphans.
God bless you all!

Bobbie · 12-23-2005, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uniquelymade

I just took a group of 6th grade girls from my Sunday School class to visit the nursing home in our area.
WE ang Christmas Carols and gave out goodie bags.
Those people were sooooo Glad to see us.
It really touched my 6th grade girls.
They were like we want to do this again.
We plan to do it once everyother month throughout the year.
Today we as a family are going to go do some yard work and visit with an elderly lady who is widowed and lives by herself. This is good for my children to see.
We also reach out to foster children on Saturdays with a basketball & Cheerleading ministry that we put on at the Children's home.
The Bible says that this is true religion to visit the widows and orphans.
God bless you all!

What a beautiful gift you have given these girls and the elderly people who's lifes they touched.

Bobbie

uniquelymade · 12-23-2005, 04:27 PM

Thanks.
We just got back from visiting the widow.
She was so sweet and so appreciative of us coming.
She is 95 years old!

DisneyPrincess · 12-23-2005, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDoYou

Jackie,

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only Marine Corps/Military Spouse who does this. I am literally a world away from any of my famlly as is most all of our "young" Marines in hubby's shop. This is what I've done every Thanksgiving, Xmas and New Years for the past 3 years. I told DH that if none of us could be with our immediate family...we'd all be with our USMC family. I love it!! I cook a huge meal, then we sit around and karaoke or play Dance Dance Revelution. It's a great time and it's much appreciated!!!

Hugs,
Angie in Okinawa
Proud USMC Wife

Even though I wasnt with "family" for Christmas it was one of the best holidays ever! We ate, drank and played x-box!

I think it is great what everyone does to help out those who are less fortunite!

Bubbles · 12-24-2005, 01:44 PM

Talk about making lemonade out of lemons in a bad situation!!!!! What a great story. There is nothing that lifts my soul more than to help others.

zay · 01-20-2006, 04:34 PM

What a lovely story Bobbie.....thank you for helping take care of Gods people.

12-22-2005, 03:54 PM	#1
Bobbie I'm a giver! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sky Country Posts: 7,926 Gallery: Bobbie Stats: OMG	Do you have time to bring someone else a little joy at Christmas? Several years ago after a terrible divorce I found myself all alone at the holidays. My parents were a couple states away and I couldn't afford to travel to see them. I sat and cried for the longest time and finally told myself it was ridiculous. It wasn't like I didn't have friends that I could have gone and seen I just didn't want to impose on their holiday. So I sat and tried to figure out who else is sitting there lonely on the Holidays. It hit my like a ton of bricks. There are several nursing homes in the area. I went to our local dollar store spent $20 dollars that I really couldn't afford to spend, baught some cute little Christmas items, bundled up my then 4 month old baby and headed for the closest nursing home. I felt kind of silly when I got there but I marched myself to the front desk and asked "do you have any residents that could use someone to visit with them, I am all alone for the Holiday and would like to spread some Christmas cheer." At first the receptionist gave me a blank look, then she said "that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard." I spent the whole day visiting the elderly residents, giving each a little gift and letting them fawn over the baby. It was one of the best Christms's I have ever had. Many of these people are left alone this time of year because their families are busy with their own Holiday stuff. We now make it a family ritual to go visit the nursing homes at Holiday time. The smile on the faces of these people is the greatest gift you can recieve. Bobbie __________________ PROUD MEMBER OF THE GETTIN' SERIOUS CHALLENGE 85 pounds gone since March 12

12-22-2005, 04:29 PM	#5
Rhino77 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Bernardino, Ca Posts: 698 Gallery: Rhino77 WOE: Carb Moderation Start Date: August 1999	That's awesome, and without a doubt, the only way to feel better and bring joy to your own soul, is to minister to somebody lonely and broken. My Grandma used to be in a nursing home for that last two months of her life. She had gotten into advanced Alzheimers, and my Mother and I could no longer care for her. Well, I used to visit her every other day or so, and as I'd walk through, I got to know some of the residents. They would be so excited to have a young visitor that was not associated or on staff in the care center. That is a noble effort you participate in, and I will think of doing that myself once again, it is truly fulfilling. Last edited by Rhino77 : 12-22-2005 at 04:31 PM.

12-23-2005, 12:39 AM	#9
JustDoYou MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: F'Burg, VA (finally content here) Posts: 2,022 Gallery: JustDoYou Stats: 228/206/175 WOE: Doing what works	What a wonderful thing for you to do for someone who needed it!!! This is a great idea, not just during Xmas, but anytime of the year. I've worked in nursing homes. There are some wonderful people there who are neglected!! You have a huge heart !! Hugs, Angie Last edited by JustDoYou : 12-23-2005 at 12:45 AM.

12-23-2005, 06:39 AM	#13
uniquelymade Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: florida Posts: 765 Gallery: uniquelymade Stats: HW:233 GW:165 CW:216.8 WOE: Whole foods Low Carb Start Date: 12/8/08	I just took a group of 6th grade girls from my Sunday School class to visit the nursing home in our area. WE ang Christmas Carols and gave out goodie bags. Those people were sooooo Glad to see us. It really touched my 6th grade girls. They were like we want to do this again. We plan to do it once everyother month throughout the year. Today we as a family are going to go do some yard work and visit with an elderly lady who is widowed and lives by herself. This is good for my children to see. We also reach out to foster children on Saturdays with a basketball & Cheerleading ministry that we put on at the Children's home. The Bible says that this is true religion to visit the widows and orphans. God bless you all! __________________ Allergic to wheat & soy. Hypothyroid

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12-22-2005, 03:59 PM	#2
Alcestis MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2003 Location: New England Posts: 1,713 Gallery: Alcestis Stats: 12/6/6 5' 8" Borderline large frame WOE: LC Start Date: 12th September 2005	That's such a lovely story I can't promise I'll do that this Christmas but I'm hoping to do some volunteer work next year and will bear nursing homes in mind. How wonderful of you to turn a sad situation into such a lovely experience.

12-22-2005, 04:25 PM	#3
Zib MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: usually at home Posts: 1,625 Gallery: Zib WOE: Atkins Start Date: Summer 1998	How sweet of you. I'm sure the opportunity to visit with your baby was the best treat you could have brought.

12-22-2005, 04:29 PM	#4
DisneyPrincess Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: N.C. Posts: 20,855 Blog Entries: 48 Gallery: DisneyPrincess Stats: Heavy/squishy/lean WOE: Gluten/Wheat free Start Date: Every day is a new opportunity to make it count!	Last year me and DH lived in MD far away from any family...He is in the Marine Corp and had to work, along with many of his men. I decided to have Christmas for all the Marines who couldnt go home to be with family. I cooked dinner for 15 Marines and it was a BLAST. We had so much fun and I felt soo good giving the guys a real christmas. I would do it again in a heartbeat

12-22-2005, 09:03 PM	#8
gotogirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 2,142 Gallery: gotogirl Stats: 148/116/120 5'3" WOE: Atkins for Life Maintenance Start Date: August, 2005	What a wonderful idea! I've been thinking about getting my dog trained to be a therapy dog and going to nursing homes. Now I'm going to check in to it.

12-23-2005, 05:27 AM	#11
Ma Bailey MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sevierville, TN Posts: 1,677 Gallery: Ma Bailey WOE: Atkins and Organic	You all are SOOOOO AWESOME!!! I am going to do better and start making "a difference". Thanks for the little push in the right direction. Merry Christmas from my little bitty heart to all of your BIG HEARTS! >^.,.^<

12-23-2005, 06:24 AM	#12
mitsyg Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: South Texas Posts: 647 Gallery: mitsyg Stats: 210/181/165 5'8" WOE: My own lcing thing Start Date: Oct. 2003	I think what you did was awesome. What all you have done I should say. Well yesterday I called our local place that gives to the less fortunate and asked if they had any children that needed gifts. The lady told me, "we do have one 11 yr-old boy who we don't have anything for yet". I left that morning with my two children and we went to the store and picked out something for the little boy. I explained to my 9 yr old daughter and my 5 yr old son about giving to those who aren't as lucky as we are. Knowing that we will make someones Christmas a "little" brighter is what this season is all about. We also made Christmas cookies for an elderly lady in our town that doesn't have any family locally.

12-23-2005, 04:27 PM	#15
uniquelymade Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: florida Posts: 765 Gallery: uniquelymade Stats: HW:233 GW:165 CW:216.8 WOE: Whole foods Low Carb Start Date: 12/8/08	Thanks. We just got back from visiting the widow. She was so sweet and so appreciative of us coming. She is 95 years old!

12-24-2005, 01:44 PM	#17
Bubbles Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Live Free or Die Baby!!!!! Posts: 10,100 Gallery: Bubbles Stats: 140 lbs of flabby fun WOE: All the time Start Date: Feb 2003	Talk about making lemonade out of lemons in a bad situation!!!!! What a great story. There is nothing that lifts my soul more than to help others.

01-20-2006, 04:34 PM	#18
zay Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,243 Gallery: zay	What a lovely story Bobbie.....thank you for helping take care of Gods people.