“My brother and sister had over 10 cavities, poor hygiene, and had been physically and mentally abused. I tucked them into bed. ‘You’re finally safe with me,’ I cried. I went from being responsible for one puppy to being the sole provider of my long-lost, 13-year-old twin siblings by night.”
“‘Dad says y’all are going to wrap presents.’ Huh? The LAST thing his dad and I are doing back there is wrapping—oh, wait.”
“I swear I packed Snowflake and all of her accessories Matt bought over the years to make her laugh. When I unpacked, she was nowhere to be found. I thought maybe she would forget. She did not.”
“We were careful with every single thing we did. Masks at all times, sanitizing, social distancing. There was no way I had it. I was ashamed and terrified my baby could die inside of me.”
“I felt very drained. I kept running to the bathroom every 5 minutes. My shoes wouldn’t fit, and my face was starting to look and feel puffy. Our precious child was now going to help Mommy fight for her life.”
“I tried to sleep in the same room as my brother, but the foster parents wouldn’t allow it. Imagine being stuck in a snowstorm, clothes stripped, your soul feeling empty and cold.”
“My husband made me a promise. ‘We’ll have our own Christmas tree next year.’ I felt hope for the first time in 3 years. My mental health waned as the pandemic continued with no end in sight. But I kept coming back to his promise and what it meant to me.”
“She looked lifeless and was covered in wires. ‘You are so loved. I fought so hard to be with you.’ I soon became too weak to hold her. I realized I was bleeding. I tried to say, ‘Something’s wrong!’ but I passed out.”
“’When can I visit?’ I didn’t have an answer. He’d lived in a residential facility for almost 2 years. I’m his second chance.”
“I wondered, ‘Does anyone see ME and what I’m doing?’ There was a Christmas package sitting in the pew. I saw the power of kindness. We all need a little of that this season.”
