Right after the Newtown tragedy, my best friend from high school posted a request on Face Book for help for two of her 5th grade students. Their parents were out of work and the kids (growing insanely fast, as kids are wont to do) really were hurting for new clothing, shoes, etc. Months ago, when I was employed, spending a couple hundred bucks on something like this would have meant eating at home a lot more during the month, but it would not have kept me from paying a bill. Now that we are a one-income household, every dollar must be carefully considered (a work in progress for me--something that is sure to bite me in the rear end at some future date.)
I really wanted to help these kids though. I could do nothing for those 20 lost children in CT, but I could certainly do some small thing to help these two kids. I looked at all of the accounts--all of the Giftmas money had been spent, money in the checking account was already accounted for...then on a hunch I checked my Pay Pal account, where all of my money from my readings go. I'd had used this account to supplement Christmas spending as well and was pretty certain there was a 0 balance. Strangely enough, I still had a balance of $65--just $10 shy of what I need to buy both boys "cool" shoes.
As an extremely poor kid growing up, I can't tell you the importance in kid/teen world of having "cool" shoes. Other kids are ruthless and generic brand shoes from the big box store don't cut it. A day after they arrived, I got this message from my friend:
"The shoes were a hit! I wish you could have seen their faces! They said to tell you thank you! The rest of the kiddos kept complimenting their shoes and the boys smiled all day long!!!"
So thank you, all of you, who have made my first year on Etsy wonderful. I've always known I had great clients, but this tiny bit of serendipity you brought into my world was a great way to end 2012. Have a blessed and safe New Year!
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