It's almost Christmas. This morning I glued a tiny silver star to the pointy top of my foot-tall metal Christmas tree on my desk, and now I am going to treat you, my friends, to a wonderful story. My magnanimous friend wrote it from the nonfiction side of her brain--she's usually all about true but funny. This story deserves your attention. I happen to know it really happened. In AR's own words:
As some of you may know, Fred & I have been helping to
distribute free fruits and vegetables twice a month to folks here in
Aromas. The program is only 2 months old. A grandmother has
volunteered to help us on 4 different dates and brought her 6 year old
granddaughter along. The little girl is just precious and always
anxious to help. She’s bagged carrots for people, gave out loaves of
bread to families, sorted through tomatoes and passed out candy canes to other
children and their parents. This last Tuesday night I asked her what she
hoped Santa would bring her for Christmas and she replied “An American Girl
doll. That’s all I want.” The look on the Gramma’s face said it all, and
then she shook her head back and forth saying a silent “No. It’s not going to
happen.”
Wednesday morning found me entertaining out of
town friends, but Wednesday afternoon I was desperately trying to figure out
how to get my hands on an American Girl doll. At this late date, the
American Girl website would not guarantee delivery before Christmas.
I called the Gramma to get permission to try and get her
granddaughter the doll. I told her, “It may not be brand new, but I’ll
try my best.’” To which Gramma replied, “Once she sees the doll she’ll
never know the difference. “ I went on line; things were looking
kind of shaky. I thought, I’ll call our daughter, Chantell, she’ll know
what to do or where to direct me. She’s a busy mother and didn’t answer
her cell phone, so I left a message ~ “I need to find an American Girl doll for
a little girl that helps hand out food to the needy. It’s the only thing
she’s asked for and her family just can’t afford the doll at this time.
Can you help me find one? It doesn’t have to be new but I want it in good
condition.”
I didn’t hear back from Chantell, and I didn’t hear back, I
knew something must be wrong, maybe she’s sick. Checked my e-mail.
Nothing. At 7 p.m. I perused “Facebook.” Much to my surprise, there
was a message from Chantell to all her Facebook buddies, with a request, for an
American Girl doll, to fulfill a sweet little girl’s only Christmas
wish, a little girl who helps her (Chantell’s) parents pass out food for
the hungry and needy.
For all my complaining about kids using social media, I have
to say, when it works, it WORKS! Not one, but two of Chantell’s friends
volunteered American Girl dolls and clothes. Another friend said she made
American Girl clothes and would be happy to donate clothes so the doll will
look beautiful. The doll is being picked up today, and will be priority mailed,
to be under the tree on Christmas “from Santa.”
I haven’t stopped crying. My heart is
over-joyed. What a wonderful gift we’ve received. May you be as
blessed as I am.
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Love, ARand best wishes from Baby Hooter for a very
Merry Christmas
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