I read this twice with sadness and hope. I have served in soup kitchens, donated to food drives etc. Helping others was something ingrained in us as kids by good parents, scouts and church. But it was always distant. Those less fortunate. This year it has hit so close to home. Long time friends trying to hold onto their homes. Some won, some lost. Untold number of friends unemployed looking at bleak or non-existent Christmas's. Friends bypassing meals, cigars, soft drinks as they hang around the shop. It is so close this year I can see feel and taste it. Bleak.
Then a little ray of hope. People do care. People can do the right thing. Whomever gave your family the basket. People like Bill who help fallen comrades. People on this board who help others in need. Not out of charity. Not out of a sense of requirment or place or respect. Out of hope. Hope that somewhere, some how, life will be a little better for another human being. It's all we have folks.
God bless you and your family my friend. Your story has given me hope.
