Hank's Wish Trip ~ Dreams Come True!!! *update 11/28 post 46*

[hematite153]

You have given me great moments of joy by sharing your story here for all to read. I'm sorry that things are rough right now and I will join the others in praying for you and your family. (Btw, it could be said that I'm saving my prayers for someone that matters--you matter! The amount of love that comes through your posts is fabulous.)

 

[Lambflock]

I want to say thank you to each one of you. You all are so caring and sweet. The posts, pms and emails.

I am sorry about being such a "Debbie Downer". Things are hard right now and there isn't anything I can do to fix it. That is hard for a control freak like me.

I hate that this Christmas is one that I can't do anything about. I don't want my kids to learn that Santa isn't real. That mommy and daddy just can't afford the gifts you asked for. That is a real crappy feeling on top of all the other stuff: like Hank's health right now, our living situation and like everyone esle the no money thing.

Again, thank you for the notes and prayers.

 

[hematite153]

I hate that this Christmas is one that I can't do anything about. I don't want my kids to learn that Santa isn't real. That mommy and daddy just can't afford the gifts you asked for. That is a real crappy feeling on top of all the other stuff: like Hank's health right now, our living situation and like everyone esle the no money thing.

We grew up very poor and Christmas morning was always a fun time despite the fact that we never got the fancy gifts that our peers did. My mother did things like put oranges and apples in our stockings, we usually baked together, we spent time leading up to christmas making gifts for each other, etc. Last year, my DW and I were struggling financially at Christmas and we went to the dollar store and each spent $10 on gifts for the other's stocking. We had a great time picking out a combination of things the other would use and joke gifts.

I know you've got a lot going on and things are tough, but, if you can, try to remember that Christmas isn't about the money you spend on it, but, is about the time and love you share together as a family.

 

[iu97alum]

I want to say thank you to each one of you. You all are so caring and sweet. The posts, pms and emails.

I am sorry about being such a "Debbie Downer". Things are hard right now and there isn't anything I can do to fix it. That is hard for a control freak like me.

I hate that this Christmas is one that I can't do anything about. I don't want my kids to learn that Santa isn't real. That mommy and daddy just can't afford the gifts you asked for. That is a real crappy feeling on top of all the other stuff: like Hank's health right now, our living situation and like everyone esle the no money thing.

Again, thank you for the notes and prayers.

Awww.. I hope things look up for ya'll soon.

Do you know that the favotie christmas of my dad and uncles was a completely homemade one? My grandmother saved cans, cereal boxes, rice boxes, etc, from the kitchen and found a refridgerator box and made a store for them! My grandfather at the time worked for NCR so he was able to get a free cashregister (one that didn't work) and they STILL talk about that christmas.

Remember, it's not all about the gifts but the memories you make.

 

[Shanka]

Hey Janel! Things will be ok. It's ok if your children find out about Santa. They will eventually anyway. Hey, they may already know.. I found out there was no Santa in grade 1 at school. I just kept it going for my parent's sake.
I think some if the ideas that have been given are wonderful ones! You can make this an incredibly memorable Christmas if you put a little energy into it. How about making one of those free slide shows about your trip and have a family viewing time. Have the kids talk about what things were their favourite things. Pop some popcorn and heck..have a popcorn fight. That sure would be memorable. If you are really stuck on this Santa thing you could have Santa leave the popcorn and a note about the "1st Annual Popcorn fight" (instead of snowball fight because you are in Florida. That could be FUN! Go for a walk and talk about how some people don't even have a home to put lights on. Perhaps you could, as a family, volunteer at a shelter of some sort.
You could go to a dollar store and just pick up a few things each. You can get through this Janel. Things will be fine and kids really understand so well. Hang in there! Oh, and nice to see you over here.....

 

[Lambflock]

Please understand that I know that it is not all about the gifts! I know the real meaning and I know that it is also about the memories. I try to make everyday a memory. I am very thankful for my family and the things that we share and do.

I posted about my feeling and what I was going through inside. Please don't make me feel bad for that. I want my kids to still believe. And I know that they do!

 

[iu97alum]

Janel - I don't think anyone wants you to feel bad! We all understand wanting out kids to believe in Santa. Trust, me I'm an adult and still want to believe!!

 

[mrsmiller]

Please understand that I know that it is not all about the gifts! I know the real meaning and I know that it is also about the memories. I try to make everyday a memory. I am very thankful for my family and the things that we share and do.

I posted about my feeling and what I was going through inside. Please don't make me feel bad for that. I want my kids to still believe. And I know that they do!

Janel

I've been in your shoes many, many times and I do understand , we mothers are like that, my kids believed in santa until we had to tell them the truth this year and believe me they had no idea!!!



Linnette

 

[hematite153]

I posted about my feeling and what I was going through inside. Please don't make me feel bad for that. I want my kids to still believe. And I know that they do!

I'm sorry if you felt that I was trying to make you feel bad for your feelings--that wasn't my intent at all.

I was just trying to reassure you that even though it feels bad you can find a way to help your kids continue to believe. I liked the idea of Santa leaving popcorn so that you could have a popcorn fight (in the yard I hope) because it can really tie into the Santa story in that he's trying to find a way for you to have a 'proper white Christmas'. I also liked the idea of spending a couple of hours volunteering somewhere as a family. That way Santa could leave smaller presents and a note that says something about how much he was thinking of them and how great they'd been all year. The note could continue with something along the lines of...

"there are so many people in need this year that I've had to keep my gifts smaller and enlist the aid of specially anointed Elves. Because you've been so great and smiled through such rough times I was wondering if you'd be willing to be one of my special Elves this year? [insert info about volunteer project here]"

Okay, I've no doubt said too much. But, the take home message that I'm going for is that your pre-trip report and your trip report have made it clear to me that you do a terrific job of loving your kids and giving them everything you can and helping them believe in magic in the midst of trying times. I'm sorry that you've been feeling blue and this is a good place to vent. Please know that there are dozens (hundreds? thousands?) of people here who care about you and hope you find a way to feel better.

 

[Shanka]

Janel, nobody was trying to make you feel badly at all. We were just suggesting some ideas. I am sorry you are so down right now. Let's change the topic and hear the rest of your wish trip story. ok?

 

[mom2lilnick]

Hugs Janel, I would love to hear about the rest of your wish trip when you are ready.

 

[maroo]

hugs from here, too!

ready for more of your report whenever you are! Take your time!

 

[Lambflock]

Thank you!!! You all are so wonderful!! I am in awe!!

I will try to update after the Holiday. Hank is sick right now are we are trying to stay out of the hospital. We spent last Christmas there are hated ever moment. So pray hard for him!! We are also going to go to NC to see my DH family. They have never been with the kids on Christmas morning.

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

 

[teresajoy]

Thank you!!! You all are so wonderful!! I am in awe!!

I will try to update after the Holiday. Hank is sick right now are we are trying to stay out of the hospital. We spent last Christmas there are hated ever moment. So pray hard for him!! We are also going to go to NC to see my DH family. They have never been with the kids on Christmas morning.

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

I hope all goes well and you stay out of the hospitals!

 

[Khalana]

Oh, no! I hope Hank gets better and that you're able to avoid that dreaded hospital (*shudder*) this CHristmas!

 

[HeatherSue]

I'll be praying that Hank feels better soon.

 

[gcast1]

Many prayers being sent for Hank's healing and for you all as you travel. We love you guys! Can't wait to hear more about your trip when things settle down. Big hugs to all!

 

[hematite153]

Good luck! I hope you get to spend Christmas at home.

 

[SueM in MN]

More prayers and pixie dust on the way to your family.

 

[Shanka]

I am crossing my fingers and toes that you stay out of there. We just got back from our local hospital after a stay for Sienna. Not fun at all! Hang in there and if you still have my phone number feel free to call me if you need to talk.