Last week I unexpectedly received a package. In it were the most gorgeous pair of earrings.
I wore them for the first time last weekend as we celebrated my son's birthday. It took awhile for me, for all of us, including my son, to even begin to want to celebrate anything in the midst of so much grief and horror from the loss of the babies and their protectors in Newtown.
But my son's life is always at risk due to health issues. He has a big surgery coming, yet another in a long line that traces back decades. I just couldn't let his birthday go by without being so thankful that in spite of everything he has endured, he is still here.
So the family gathered. I cooked his favorite food and made a cake. Showered, dressed and then put on the wonderful earrings sent to me by Secret Santa kossacks.
The amazing people who gifted me with our own Lorinda Pike's beautiful earrings helped get me through the last few heart breaking days and to share love with those I love.
The earrings are so beautiful. So stunningly, delicately, made. Everyone loved them and I was so honored to be able to explain to my family that people I value, people I respect and care for on this crazy political blog, wanted me to have them.
I've been wanting to write a diary thanking the generous hearts who sent me such a lovely gift. But equally so, I've been wanting to say thank you to so many of you for all that you do to uplift spirits and hearts.
This time of year, and especially with the grief we're all carrying because of what happened in Newtown, your acts of kindness have consequences far beyond the opening of a package.
Your generous spirits are touching so many hearts this season in multiple ways.
Through your wise gift buying, you've been supporting kossack artists and artisans listed in Sara R's amazing Kos Kataloque.
Your holiday shopping has not only enabled you to check things off your shopping lists. It has also kept the lights on, paid for car repairs and the rent for some of our fellow kossacks.
Because of you, Fineena was able to stay in her home. Because of you, she was able to get the meds she needed. Because of you, she was able to go on and make even more of her scrumptious scarves and cowls.
She's even been working on pieces in shades of orange to celebrate this amazing Daily Kos community, something to think about if you're heading to the Presidential Inauguration in January. There's nothing like a scarf or cowl with orange woven through it to help you keep track of fellow kossacks. Or for them to keep track of you! :)
As always, it's the caring behind the gift that matters most.
Because of you, our own llbear and Sara R are receiving two gorgeous paintings from our own DavidW.
What you didn't know is that because of you, David was able to get his car running again so he could make it to much needed doctors appointments, just another of the unintended consequences of your caring hearts.
Everglades (oil on canvas 24x36") by DavidW
You've been putting food on the table, heat in homes, and providing warm clothes with your donations to Okiciyap.
Did you also know that your generous actions have let people know that they are not alone and forgotten?
You should.
Which is why I wanted to write this, because what you do matters more than you know.
Whether it's buying a subscription for a fellow kossack or donating to the site, it matters. Buying a gift made by a fellow kossack for friends and family, matters. Buying a gorgeous photograph to hang on your wall or give as a gift, matters in ways unseen.
White Sand Sunset
New Mexico's stark white gypsum dunes are bathed in pastel hues at sunset.
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico.
©2012 LumaPhoto.com
What you've done through the years has touched more lives than you know or I could possibly list. What you've done has helped so many, including me, keep going through difficult times.
I'm putting on the beautiful earrings again tomorrow. We're celebrating a birthday and a god daughter being home for the holidays.
The anonymous gift givers will go with me through the day, along with all the rest of you who have touched hearts in unexpected ways. You'll all be there when friends ask about the earrings, as they surely will. You'll be in other places and in other hearts as we all share this holiday season and the days and months beyond. It is part of the unexpected consequences of caring, just like this diary.
Thank you for all that you are and do, always.
Happy Holidays and all Blessings to you and yours
7:13 PM PT: Update: From edrie in the comments
because of all of you, my beloved tee is being
brought back to me through the eyes of davidw...
because of you, my jewelry is being shared and, for the first christmas in decades, my bank account isn't red...
still a long road ahead, but it is easier to walk with friends by your side!
bless you all and may your holidays be joyous!
EdriesShop Is GlowNZ back yet?
by edrie on Sat Dec 22, 2012 at 09:00:14 PM EST
http://www.dailykos.com/...