We knew we wouldn't be able to give much to our kids this year, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the same traditions this season holds. We still cooked a few goodies, enjoyed company of family we love, shoveled some driveways, and focused on our Savior and how the real reason of Christmas is giving more to others in need then expecting for ourselves. The month quickly flew by and that sad feeling of worry set in a bit knowing our kids would feel a little let down Christmas morning. This is when we received a call from our local Police department asking if the kids could participate in the Shop with a Cop program. They offered to take our kids on the second Saturday of the month and allowed them $145 to get whatever they wanted.
The kids were escorted by law enforcement from the Eagle's Lodge to Walmart. After there arrival Santa flew in on a helicopter. It was overwhelming and exciting all at once. They allowed each child to be taken around in the store by 1 officer. The officer would keep track of the dollar amount being purchased and they were there to offer service to those in need. My husband and I walked around enjoying the excitement coming from our children as they were able to purchase their own gifts. We got to the end of putting their gifts in the cart and our second child, Kolton hadn't quite hit the total so he ran to grab a small gift for Jason and I. He has a selfless attitude and felt bad we didn't get to buy anything for us.
The kids got to have their pictures taken with Santa then have their gifts wrapped by a group of kids from Box Elder school. We were greeted by many people who had heard about our daughters accident and they were all eager to see how she was doing and wish her well. I couldn't help but be overcome with emotion. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I saw all three carts completely full of gifts. Other law enforcement members would want to know Katelyn's story and they were amazed at her progress. As we were discussing it with a few officer we witnessed our children become teachers to all of us. Our children took out one of their gifts and opened them and walked then over to the boxes collecting presents for children who would receive no gifts for Christmas. One officer in particular shed some tears as he heard Kolton, Karson and Katelyn tell us they felt they should give one of their gifts to those kids who wouldn't have Christmas.
We went home with a car full of wrapped gifts and we knew Christmas was more than enough. Throughout the month we would do what we could to help others around us by helping them with small purchases when they didn't have enough to cover their bills. We quickly realized the more help we offered the more we were blessed. We had many friends give us money that helped us pay our small bills and cover those we helped out. We felt so much love for our Savior has his tender mercies that allowed us to give at a time when we felt in need. We had a few extra special friends who purchased some gifts for our children and made the last of the Christmas possible.
We watched those around us turn to giving and putting others ahead of themselves. It was such an uplifting experience to witness prayers being answered by others and their willingness to serve. When Christmas Eve had arrived and we had many groceries because of my awesome employer Kents market and their service. We had the opportunity to have spent much of the week with loved ones and we knew we once again had witnessed another miracle that blessed our lives
Jason and I went to grab the piles of gifts the kids had from others and the two gifts we purchased. By the time we put them out we noticed there were more gifts under the Christmas tree then the kids had ever received. As I took a picture of the amazing sight I quickly thanked my Heavenly Father for knowing our needs and filling in the areas where we felt inadequate. I couldn't help but think of how lucky we were to live in a community where neighbors, friends and family went over and beyond to help us out with so much. We knew this was a Christmas where we were able to feel the Christmas spirit of giving through others. We felt loved and felt our kids were able to receive something they never expected, and they were able to all thank their Heavenly Father for all those who made it possible to have the many gifts they had received!
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