Years ago when my partner and I were
deciding whether or not to have kids, we made two lists. The first was a “cons”
list. On that list were all the pragmatic reasons why it would be difficult. I
was in my forties—too old? There were college savings, education concerns. We
would have four mouths to feed. Then we decided to make the “pros” list. My
partner started out, “The looks on our children’s faces on Christmas morning.”
The next sound was me ripping up the “cons” list. He closed the deal.
As my sons have grown, and are both now
12-year olds, it is no longer their looks of joy of which I am proud. It is
their enthusiasm over what they are excited to give to others. They have been
sneaky, and a tad dishonest lately, but it has all been to slyly slip into
stores to spend their own allowance money on our different family members.
Recently, I met a family who has taken this
spirit to a whole new level. Steve and his partner live in the Midwest. They
count as their family members Steve’s two grown daughters, one daughter’s
husband, and his 13-year old son.
Steve has always believed in giving to
others. Throughout his previous 15-year marriage, he was often a foster-dad,
and gave home at different times to over 100 different children. This year he broached
a philanthropic idea to his family: “Let’s be a substitute Santa for a homeless
family in need.”
His son loved the idea, and his daughters
were soon enthusiastically on board. The family began examining their
budget and how much could be done. It was determined that they could reasonably
put together big packages for two families. That was not enough for Steve’s
kids. How could they reach more people, they asked dads Steve and his partner
“T”. Steve speculated out loud, “The only way we could do more is if we pool
ALL our Christmas gift money for each other, and do this instead.” The
consensus from the entire family was a resounding “Let’s do it!”
Younger daughter “L” told me, “Donating my
Christmas gifts was an easy decision this year. Growing up as a Christian, the
story of the Good Samaritan was told many times. I try to follow this example
and serve those I can, not only during the Christmas season but throughout the
year. Several Christmas’ ago, our family was in need of some help during the Christmas
season and some kind neighbors were able to help us out, so when it was
suggested to help someone else in need it was an easy decision to return the
favor.”
More family members came on board,
specifically former foster children of Steve’s, and contributed. The targets of
the gifts changed as they dug into local needs further. Steve found out about a
program sponsored by the local Pride organization and two churches that fed
homeless youth, mostly LGBT. The majority of the teens had been thrown out of their
homes for coming out to their families. They were now not welcomed home. This
was consistent with homeless teen populations nationwide.
Merry Christmas from the Out N’ Proud Family and a Happy New Year
Melvina
Maduro
