The Christmas project will always seem like a miracle to me. I had an idea. I posted that idea on Facebook. People got very excited about the idea.
The YMCA stepped up to provide a venue. People are volunteering their time, people are donating. A tech person has created a poster for it.
She will add the times tonight, it will go live tomorrow. Under discussion is whether a newspaper will offer free ad space. A television reporter might be coming out on the 12th to talk to the organizers and volunteers. Members of the local Democrats have expressed interest in participating.
Although it is being thrown together in a short time frame this year, a woman at the Y knows a group from Pittsburgh who have been doing this for 25 years. She wants us to meet up with them after the holidays and figure out how we can turn this into an annual tradition.
Crazy.
Something interesting that I realized today: Life has bit me hard and as a result, I have always been a guarded person. I mean I have always known this. I have known since childhood that there was something wrong with me. It is hard to explain, so I won't, but I know that I piss people off. I always have.
This is a project that has the potential to make a huge difference. If I want to be a part of it, I need to let my guard down.
Today, it occurred to me that for all the focus on giving, I might be receiving the biggest gift of all - a new vision of myself and a changed perception of the world around me.
First, there is nothing wrong with you. People like to convince us that we are the problem but I call bullshit.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I had to laugh when you wrote, you piss people off. Me too!
Third, what a wonderful thing you have done. You had an idea, you found other people to help, and now it's happening. You do good things Debbie.
Oh, people don’t like me either, but I do, so I’m fine.
DeleteCongratulations! This is wonderful and it really does seem like a Christmas Miracle all thanks to you. I must admit that I tend to piss people off too. My nephew and I discussed this recently and he said "we can't help it, we are Taylors and it's in our blood" which made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI have goosebumps! It is a Christmas Miracle and will make so many children happy. And what a relief to parents struggling to provide a Christmas for those children. And really, a relief to the parents of plenty who want to share.
ReplyDeleteYour thought became a reality! So wonderful! Let your guard down, enjoy! What a merry time.
I know that there are people who don't appreciate the me that is me. A lot of people think I am too loud and that I am very opinionated. And, actually, I get more opinionated every day these days, lol. It doesn't bother me, I know when I am right and I admit it when I am wrong.
The flyer is fabulous!
DeleteThis project sounds like it might be very successful.
ReplyDeleteAs for the cryptic, we will find out in time I suppose.
Debby you never struck me as being a guarded person, but no matter--this is such a wonderful thing. Agreed with Miss Merry, it's a great flyer and I am keeping my fingers crossed all goes well. Of course it will go well.
ReplyDeleteI am me Ellie, I keep adding my name and it will not come up. I love what you are doing and all the people that have jumped on with you.
DeleteIt is me below here
DeleteAs long as you are you and feel comfortable with yourself you are okay. I think knowing and being able to call you my friend is a blessing to me. People tell me I need to do this or that, but I don't want to, I want to be me.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas project is a miracle, bringing out the best in people at a time when needed the most! Life is hard, and it is refreshing to know there are so many kind people pulling together to spread holiday joy to kids in need. You have a good and kind heart. Cali
ReplyDeleteI think you've brought this whole activity and your resulting epiphany about yourself. Because there's nothing wrong with you at all, never has been. People who think that are wrong. You're a star.
ReplyDeleteThis is then a gift to all those kids/families and a gift to you, too. (Even if you were fine the way you were.) I do love a Christmas Miracle! :)
ReplyDeleteSo you get more out of this project than you thought.
ReplyDeleteAre you certain you’re really pissing people off, and you’re not just overly sensitive or insecure? I mean this in the most supportive way possible, not accusingly, since I have heard these same words used unkindly… Or, maybe the personality flaw is in the people who get pissed off by things you say that need to be said and heard?
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful idea! How great that it's come together so quickly and with such support. I can relate to pissing people off. It looks like many of your readers understand as well. I think too many people expect perfection in others, although they themselves are far from it. Keep doing what you do.
ReplyDeleteThis has really taken off in a big way, so well done, Debby. Without you, it would not have happened and if it becomes an annual event, that's even more wonderful.
ReplyDeleteA real life Christmas miracle! How wonderful! I’m so happy it’s all coming together so well- I admire you, and all the people working together to make it happen. There’s definitely nothing wrong with you!😄 Wishing you and Tim and your family a cozy Thanksgiving. Xo, Rigmor
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers that it all goes well and those kids will have a nice Christmas because of your hard work. Gigi
ReplyDeleteIt’s so cool that your idea has gained such traction. Good for you. It would be terrific if it grew to become permanent.
ReplyDeleteYou had an idea and it has been given wings. What a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have a theory- some of us are put here to piss people off. It is our duty here on earth.
Maybe the people you piss off need to be pissed off for their own growth and development? So you are basically providing a service?
ReplyDeleteCeci
You do many, many good things, Debby. This is a great event and it wouldn't be happening without you! Hurray for you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Debby. Gigi
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool, what you have facilitated. You really did good!
ReplyDeleteAh, the guarded thing. I get that. Mine came from childhood. People weren't safe in my life, so, I learned to never need anyone, and became hyperindependent. That followed me into my adult life. However, I have learned not to have unsafe people in my life. (Thank you, years of therapy) I have created a beautiful life now where I can be who I am, I can ask for help, I can ask for what I need, AND the best part is, I get to help others. If being my authentic self pisses others off, well, then that's their deal to work out, not mine. As my therapist has helped me understand, there is a vast difference between "nice" and "kind and good." I am not nice, I am good. YOU are good, Debby.
ReplyDeleteLarry is very defensive person, always looking to take a comment the worst possible way. It is a trial to live with! He has eased up some over the years, thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled that your idea has taken root and is growing on its own! What an accomplishment, Debby. Knowing people will benefit must be the best feeling.
I think EVERYONE pisses EVERYONE off. It's human nature! You're no different from the rest of us! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this project is taking off and seems to have legs (mixing metaphors?) to last beyond just this year.