Christmas Wish Gave Me A Future

I was 19, had two jobs and was going to school full-time. The schedule was crazy and less than fulfilling. I couldn't eliminate anything because Christmas was approaching and my tuition wasn't paying for itself. I was so lost in life and needed something - anything - to show me a new direction. That's when Christmas Wish came into my life. 

Listening to the radio, I heard about an opportunity to gift to families in the community through donations. At that moment, I stopped focusing on myself (for once) and became determined to find a way to help. After hearing stories of families struggling to keep the heat on, mothers worrying about their little ones not receiving gifts from Santa and hard-working families who couldn't catch a break, I realized that I needed to give of myself in whatever way I could.

I emailed the radio station to get more information on how to donate and to let them know that I would make myself available to help with Christmas Wishes in whatever way they could use me.

Little did I know just how much that one offer would change my life.

I started by counting change from donations in a small conference room and was quickly asked to do more as the need increased in the community. I couldn't believe just how blind I was to other people's struggles because I was so focused on my own. Every little thing I did, filled a space in my heart. I was part of something that brought joy to others. Hope. A little reminder that miracles can happen and people truly care - even those you will never know.

The moment that changed everything was when I had the opportunity to be the one to bring Christmas to a family on behalf of the community. I walked up to the front door of a home that needed so much. My hands were full of toys for the kids and I couldn't wait to tell this hard-working mother that her power had been paid for. Santa would be visiting her kids this year - all because of the kindness of perfect strangers. All because of you and me and every single person who gave just a little to make this happen.

When we are going through our own struggles and feeling the stress of life, it is easy to feel alone and even invisible. The instant this mother opened her front door, tears filled her eyes. Someone had paid attention. Her miracle had arrived. People cared. I will never forget that morning and the feeling that when we all come together and give just a little bit, we can truly change the lives of others. The thing is: we have the ability to make it happen over and over again for our friends, families and neighbors.

That holiday season changed everything. Because of my decision to stop looking at myself and start looking at others, I was given an opportunity I never even thought was part of my future. They hired me.

Fifteen years later, I'm still in radio, I met my husband, I've traveled around the country, I've become the mom of the sweetest little boy and I always ALWAYS give to Christmas Wish. I guess I could say that it feels like my own little wishing well. Being involved opened my heart and showed me there's so much more to life.

Miracles happen and lives can be changed. All it takes is one small step in the right direction.

Will you be part of a miracle?

Every Christmas morning as I watch my son's excitement over Santa and gifts and the magic of the season, I think about the families who didn't think they would be feeling the same way. Those families are waking up and watching the excitement on their kids' faces wondering who they could possibly thank for this gift.

That's my story. What's yours?