Giving Back

by Kay Heitsch

My Mom came from a family of 14 children. Christmastime wasn't always the best. However, there was a man who went out of his way to make the day special.

Over the years, my Mom talked about how this guy would come out on Christmas and bring candy to her brothers and sisters. Mom never forgot his kindness. I believe because of the kindness shown to her at Christmastime, Mom made it a point to do unique things for the less fortunate.

Mom was a great baker, and she did bake cookies, but she wanted a variety to give away. There was a lady in town who made cookies. Mom would place an order, and when the cookies were ready, we would go over and pick them up. I well remember the wonderful smell of cookies when she opened the door. After we had the cookies, I'd help Mom divide them up on plates, and we would deliver them.

One summer, we went back to Mom's hometown. As I remember, she bought some flowers and candy at a local store. We then drove to the person's home who had given Mom's family the candy on Christmas so many years before. Mom knocked on a large wooden door. An elderly, frail man answered. Mom introduced herself and thanked him for the kindness he had shown her family so many years before. Then she handed him the flowers and candy as gave him a hug.

I'm thankful I had a Mom who taught me to give. I may have been an only child, but I always gave toys, etc., away to children who had less than I did. She taught me, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.