~Ashley McBryde
Yesterday, I got the sweetest birthday card from my daughter, Mikayla.
She also got me a new angel tree topper. The old one we’d had for years, fell apart a couple years ago. I’d just been using a star, instead. She knows I love the angel tree toppers, though, so she got me a new one. That was so incredibly thoughtful! She included a great big pack of my favorite candy, Reeces peanut butter cups, as well.
Mikayla’s boyfriend gave me this beautiful poinsettia plant, too!
I also received a late birthday present, at 9:03 this morning. Our power cut back on! I stood in my kitchen, with tears in my eyes, celebrating the relief that this is finally over…for us. For many families, getting back to normal will take months, or more. For some, their lives will never look the same. I know how blessed I am. I’m very grateful for everything I have. Something as simple as electricity means more than we consider, until it’s gone. Mikayla’s good friend, and her parents, lost their home to the tornado. They lived only a few blocks away from us. They were staying in a hotel, but their reservations have expired, and there are absolutely no available rooms around here, right now. We invited them to stay with us, until they can get into a temporary rental place. Their insurance has already compensated them for the costs of renting another home, and moving whats left of their possessions. However, finding a rental home takes some time. I truly want to do as much as I can, for all of our neighbors who weren’t as fortunate as we were. I’ve seen lots of people volunteering their time, talents, and offering anything they can to help. We’re often bombarded with news reports of people looting, stealing, and scamming. What we’re not often told about, is the thousands of people out here spreading kindness and compassion. The people giving with joyful hearts. These people don’t expect to be noticed. That’s not why they do it. I see them, though. The good deeds outweigh any evil among us, beyond measure. This community has a beautiful spirit, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Chronicles in Submission 