This Holiday Season

 It was the week of Thanksgiving. Matthew asked if we could go to McDonalds. I don't have any money, so I tell him no. He pulls this wad of cash out of his pocket and asks if we can go now. I ask him where he got all of this money, and he tells me it's from his birthday. I shrug and say, why the heck not!

We drive though the McDonalds, ordering Matthew a chicken nugget meal. I ask for apple pies, but they don't have any. I'm bummed; I really want apple pies. But we get on the freeway and start heading for home, Matthew happily munching on chicken nuggets in the backseat. As we're driving down the freeway, I see the exit for another McDonalds. I tell Matthew we're going to pull off at this McDonalds.

As we're pulling off the avenue and into the driveway, I see a homeless man walking. I smile and he waves and smiles at me. I go through the drive thru behind the slowest person ever. I finally get to make my order - two apple pies, please. I pull up to the window, hand over my dollar and ninety-eight cents, am handed my pies, and the lady offers me a free large chocolate shake. Sure, I say, although I really don't want it. I pull back towards the avenue and see the homeless man again and smile at him. He starts mouthing something at me. I roll down my window. He asks me if I have any spare change; he's trying to get enough for something to eat.

I think to myself: I only have Matthew's money, which I don't want to give away. I look at the man and ask if he'd like a free shake. His face lights up when I hand it to him and he expresses his gratitude and walks away. I drive away pleased that I could help somehow. I take out one of my apple pies, and it turns sour in my mouth. Why didn't I think to give him at least ONE of my pies, if not BOTH of them?

I kick myself all the way home.

A few days after Thanksgiving, I'm driving with Tea, her boyfriend, and Matthew after going to pick up a few things from the store. We see a person with a sign on the road while we're waiting at a stoplight. He's asking for money for food. Now, normally I don't give money. I've been known to fill up a person's gas tank. I gave the shake. I give rides. But I felt so guilty about not giving my apple pies that I ask Matthew if he'd be willing to give a dollar to the man. Matthew at first says no, then he holds out two dollars. Tea also gives me a dollar. I open my window and call the man over. I give him the money and wish him a good day. Tea gives me crap about wishing him a good day.

I hope my kids can help others out of the goodness of their hearts. I hope they will always be kind, loving people.

Have a happy holiday, no matter how you celebrate. We celebrate Christmas in our house, and this year will be a little different with not being able to get together with our extended family. Be happy, be safe. Until next week's dirt...