Wednesday, December 24, 2008

"Extended" Family

We didn't have a lot of extended family nearby when I was growing up, but our house was always full. My parents took in foster kids for a while during our time in Kentucky. There was one boy in particular that really stuck with us. Not just in length of time at our home, but the place he had and always will have in our hearts as well. I remember the year that he and his sister were with us for Christmas.

His sister was actually a part of a children's home, but she did have some time set aside for visitation with her brother. This Christmas was part of that time. She not only received gifts from us, but there were loads of presents from the children's home too. Every other presents was for her and in the end her pile of loot tripled each one of ours.
They had been through so much and this was their chance to just be kids enjoying the fun filled family Christmas that they deserved. I know we all enjoyed it just as much as they did.

I learned at a young age that the gift of true joy and fulfillment is more than just opening up presents, but it is opening up your home and your heart. I am happy to report that both kids were adopted by an amazing couple and they have still kept some contact with us and are doing well.

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