Help. This child's circumstances hurt my heart.

This morning I had the opportunity to meet Jamie. He had come to our store (I am in retail mgmnt) when we opened, and came back later (he lives about an hour's drive away) when there was a problem with his product.

Jamie told me he was trying to make this a good Christmas for his 5 year old son (John S). He looked like he wanted to tell me something. I asked if he was okay. He looked at me, paused, and said "Last month, my wife died. She died on the 8th, our anniversary was the 18th, then Thanksgiving, now Christmas. I've had better days.".

I have no idea of Jamie's financial status. I do know that my heart broke. I intend to deliver some toys to Jamie's son John. It has to be hard for Jamie to concentrate. If I can do something small to make his son have a good day, I want to.

Jamie said he'd seen better days, but I am sure he will have even harder days ahead.

I am not asking for anything but prayer. If any of my friends feel the urge to help, wonderful (you can e-mail me at johncbickford@gmail.com).

Merry Christmas to you all - John

Christmas future is far away, Christmas past is past, Christmas present is here today, bringing joy that may last...

What a great attitude adjustment song! This is Carpe Diem with a Dickensian twist! Through traditions, we can emulate prior Christmases, but we cannot relive them. Through planning, we can prepare for Christmases to come, but a lot can happen between now and then.

I have figured out for myself that I don't have to overdo. I don't have to overspend. I simply have to make an attempt to make our Christmas happy. That needs to be my focus.

THIS MOMENT, THIS CHRISTMAS, slow down and make someone happy. You will find that by making someone's Christmas merry, yours stands that much better a chance of turning out merry as well.

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!