An angel in McDonald's.......

5 years ago I sat in McDonald's with a very sick 6 month old and a busy 4 year old and cried......

I cried because an Angel gave me a Christmas gift in McDonald's.

My little Emma was very sick, in the Doctors office literally weekly.  We were strapped for cash.  Between Dr. bills, Insurance premiums,  and living expenses in general our budget was pretty tight.  4 years ago in December  I had taken Emma to the doctor, we stopped at McDonald's on the way home to grab a quick  bite.  In line a man stood next to me, to my guess he was in his 50ties.  He wore scuffed boots that had seen fields and many miles, he wore a button down western shirt and jeans. He was my guess a farmer.:)   He kindly smiled at me and commented on my cute baby.   I smiled and said "thank you", took our tray to the table and began handing food to my children.

The man walked up to my table as he was leaving, his lunch bag rolled in his rough hand....he then slid a one hundred dollar bill in front of me and said "Merry Christmas" and walked away.

I called after him in shock.  I said "Sir, I can't take this."  tears welling in my eyes.

He smiled and kindly pushed my hand back and said "Buy your kids some gifts with it and have a Merry Christmas."

He then walked outside and got in his old pick up and drove away as I stood shocked.

I will never forget him......He didn't know me....or my situation....he was my angel in McDonald's.   I think of that kind man every year at this time.


I felt the need to share this story because at this time of year we can all be someones angel.  In a world where sadness and evil is so voiced through media, we can be the change we want to see in the world.  I'm so thankful I have healthy children and we can pay the bills and still have some extra left over.....but for others, just like myself, 5 years ago, that's not the case. 

My challenge this holiday season to all of you is be someone's angel.  Weather it be your time, money, or simply donating used clothing and toys to local organizations.  Be someones angel.....and expect nothing in return, you will feel the true spirit of Christmas and teach your children a wonderful lesson.

I can't drop money in strangers laps yet, but this holiday...... random acts of kindness will be a gift I will give and I hope you do the same.

10 years

I have been thinking about this post for a while now.  My husband and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary November 16th, today.

Ten years ago.....I was a girl and he was boy.

Now.....we have changed.

He's a Father and I, a Mother...

I'm filled with different emotions when I think of the past ten years, the laughs, and tears, the triumphs, as well as falls, but most of all, the joy.  We have lost a Mother, been given three beautiful children, felt pain and desperation, and yet the most powerful love you can.  We ventured into parenthood without a handbook or a paddle.  And somehow have not damaged our children.  He is always there to listen when I need to "swak" or laugh or just sit quietly.  He's been my rock that's always there. 

I realize now that  marriage is like the ocean, constantly rising and falling.  Waves come and go everyday.  Sometimes he's a little hard to find when the tide rises as am I, as I guess in all marriages, but under the waves my rock will always be there.....I need to remember to enjoy the beauty that constant change brings and know the tide always goes out.  You just have to wait.

Thank you Mr. Tverdy for 10 years of wedded bliss! I look forward to 60 more! I cherish you.....and love you very much.

Crystal