Every year I take one weekend out and volunteer to man a salvation
army collection kettle to raise money for an organization that helps
millions of people every year. From survivors of natural disasters..
to crime victims to those homeless and hungry, the army is there
without regard to race or religion, political persuasion or
age.
This year has been the worst I've seen. And I want to cry because
this whole mess we're in could have been avoided and we would not
be in the ditch we now find ourselves in.
People are avoiding me. There are no longer the smiles and the
greetings. Its as if our inherent heart has been stolen.
Last year my kettle was filled. This year I can feel the cold
chill as people look down as they walk past me. I know their
plights. I understand that they too are struggling and for some of
them the pain of losing their jobs (or the fear) makes them act
like this.
Never mind that many still drop in some coins. I always drop in something when I walk by a homeless person or a kettle knowing that but
for one single act, I could be the one on the street or the
one needing someone else's act of kindness.
I also know that I and the other 60 million lazy selfish baby boomers
sat back and let this happen. We all knew it was coming but were
too busy to force change until we saw how we had been screwed by
the rich and the corporations and the wall street thieves.
That's what hurts this holiday season. That this whole mess could
have been avoided.
My parents were lucky enough to have lived thru the nazi concentration
camps. Their belief was that we will forgive butwe will not forget.
I have a tough time forgetting.
So the next time you walk by a kettle...drop a coin in...it will make
you feel like a million dollars.
Happy holidays...god bless...