Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,544 
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Post by Just T on Dec 3, 2022 21:49:27 GMT
This is a tough holiday season for me, as many of you know. I am going through a divorce at the age of 59, almost 60, and things aren't going well, and I have been very down and out, while trying to make the best of things. Today, I did something that is giving me all the warm fuzzy feelings. I typically don't share when I do acts of kindness and other things for people, but I really want to share this. I have posted before about my sweet daughter who is in her first year of teaching, in a very low income/socioeconomic area of St. Louis. She teaches second grade. A couple of weeks ago, I was searching for something I could do during the holiday season, so I reached out to her to see if her school does any kind of secret santa or adopt a family or something, and they do not. She said they do so much for their families throughout the year, along with churches and other community organizations, that the school doesn't do anything specific. Not even food wise because they give their families so much food already. She told me if I wanted to do something, I could buy a book for each child in her class that she could give them as part of their Christmas gift from her. When we got together on Thanksgiving, she made a list for me with each child's name, their grade reading level and things they are interested in. Today, she gave me her Scholastic log in information, and using her guidelines, I bought each child in her class a book. It was kind of overwhelming, but fun, too. I bought a different book for each one as well as a few extras for her to have in her classroom, and the total with shipping was under $100. Best money I have spent in a while, and she is excited to have a new book to give to each child. Thanks for letting me share.  I'm not bragging, just sharing something that is making me feel joyful and full of Christmas cheer today. |
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Post by dizzycheermom on Dec 3, 2022 21:59:54 GMT
That's awesome!!
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Post by Scrapper100 on Dec 3, 2022 22:17:23 GMT
That sounds like a lot of fun and the best $100 spent.
Merry Christmas 🎄
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Post by librarylady on Dec 3, 2022 22:22:54 GMT
Makes a person feel great to give!!
Merry Christmas!
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Post by KiwiJo on Dec 3, 2022 22:26:14 GMT
Well done you! And good on you for posting about it. I think that so often all of us can share negative things more than the good things we have done; as you say, we are anxious not to appear to be bragging. But my goodness, it’s so important to acknowledge the good things we do otherwise it’s easy to develop a screwed view of ourselves. Also, every time someone shares about something positive or good they have done, it can spur the rest of us into thinking about what good we too can do. For me, I am going to telephone a friend who has poor mobility and so doesn’t get out much, and who I haven’t seen in a while. Thanks for the nudge to do something. |
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Post by quinlove on Dec 3, 2022 22:26:27 GMT
❤️💚 (((( Just T )))) 💚❤️
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Post by gramasue on Dec 3, 2022 22:42:35 GMT
What a wonderful thing to do for your daughter and her class! Be proud of yourself - you will have given some happiness to a whole bunch of kids. (and I'm sure your daughter will be thrilled, too!)
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Post by flanz on Dec 3, 2022 22:51:29 GMT
Love, love, love!
My heart is all warm and fuzzy too.
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 3, 2022 22:52:37 GMT
What a wonderful idea! I’m so impressed that you chose each book individually. The kids will love opening their books.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 20, 2024 7:02:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2022 22:53:05 GMT
I love stuff like this. I bet those kids will love their books.
DH's company adopts a couple of families through an organization here. When the list comes out, I buy something for everyone on the list. DH had to stop me from buying everything on one of the kids' list.
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 3, 2022 22:56:30 GMT
I love it! thank you.
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Post by leannec on Dec 3, 2022 23:20:54 GMT
Also, every time someone shares about something positive or good they have done, it can spur the rest of us into thinking about what good we too can do. For me, I am going to telephone a friend who has poor mobility and so doesn’t get out much, and who I haven’t seen in a while. Thanks for the nudge to do something.  I agree ... I invited my single girlfriend to Christmas dinner this year so she doesn't have to be alone ... I have to pick her up and drop her off because she also doesn't have a car ... no biggie! OP what you did was amazing! ... my oldest dd is student teaching right now and will be teaching for real next year!  . I'm a teacher and I work in a high needs junior high ... an angel like you would go a long way. |
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,976
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Dec 3, 2022 23:32:28 GMT
You did good! I am glad you posted. We need more nice stories all around.
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MorningPerson
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,506
Location: Central Pennsylvania
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Post by MorningPerson on Dec 3, 2022 23:33:24 GMT
Well done you! And good on you for posting about it. I think that so often all of us can share negative things more than the good things we have done; as you say, we are anxious not to appear to be bragging. But my goodness, it’s so important to acknowledge the good things we do otherwise it’s easy to develop a screwed view of ourselves. Also, every time someone shares about something positive or good they have done, it can spur the rest of us into thinking about what good we too can do. For me, I am going to telephone a friend who has poor mobility and so doesn’t get out much, and who I haven’t seen in a while. Thanks for the nudge to do something. I agree completely! 💕 Just T, maybe this is the point you will look back on as when things started looking up and you knew life was going to be good again - in fact, better than ever. Well done! |
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 3, 2022 23:35:06 GMT
This reading teacher is smiling! Love that.
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Post by Gem Girl on Dec 3, 2022 23:35:53 GMT
@just T That warm, can't-stop-smiling feeling? It's the Spirit of Christmas. May it delight you for the season & throughout the year.
As you clearly know, igniting a love of reading can change a child's life--and his prospects in life. Your gift will echo through time, long after toys have been discarded.
It's also great to know how affordable that many children's books can be! Hmmm....
Wishing you blessings as a reward for your kindness.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Dec 3, 2022 23:41:40 GMT
You are Awesome!! Your DD and her class will benefit beyond anything you know!!
Books truly are one of the best gifts!!
Thank you for sharing!!!!
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Dec 3, 2022 23:56:53 GMT
I love this so much! Thanks for taking the time to share with us. I know sometimes it feels awkward to talk about the good things we do but sharing helps others in so many ways. You’ve already inspired several peas, myself included.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,433
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 4, 2022 0:17:12 GMT
That's amazing! Your DD and her students are so lucky to have you! Those kids will cherish their books forever! Make sure you or your DD write each kid a message in the front of the book.
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Post by vspindler on Dec 4, 2022 0:42:20 GMT
This is wonderfully delightful! I am the aunt who will gift books to the niblings and I LOVE this. Hooray for finding something to find a spark of holiday magic even when you are having a rough time.
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,481
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Post by edie3 on Dec 4, 2022 0:47:31 GMT
This made me teary! The true meaning of Christmas!!
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,398
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Post by RosieKat on Dec 4, 2022 0:53:36 GMT
I understand it feels weird to share something nice you've done, but in moderation, it's wonderful. You never know what may inspire someone to pass it on!
Are you willing to share (via PM if desired) where your DD teaches? My aunt has taught in a lot of the lower income areas of STL, and my husband is from STL. (It's just a weird coincidence, it's not where my family is from.) She now runs a really awesome organization in EStL that builds communities. The STL area can really use people making a change for the better!
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Post by lisae on Dec 4, 2022 0:56:26 GMT
That's wonderful. What a great idea and a great gift for you and for them.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,175
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Dec 4, 2022 0:58:35 GMT
That was so kind of you and what a fabulous idea!!
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Post by mollycoddle on Dec 4, 2022 1:22:15 GMT
Well done you! 👏🏻
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Post by bc2ca on Dec 4, 2022 1:26:17 GMT
I'm so glad you shared.  |
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Post by mmmom on Dec 4, 2022 1:39:30 GMT
My niece used to teach in a low income neighborhood and for Christmas she requested book donations for her kids. I always loved the scholastic book order from my time in school as well as my kids so I loved being able to do this. I hope this is the start of a better holiday season for you!
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,174
Location: Alabama
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Post by janeinbama on Dec 4, 2022 1:43:12 GMT
Merry Christmas to you Just T. I hope you have lighter days ahead.
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Post by kluski on Dec 4, 2022 1:58:25 GMT
I can’t love this enough!
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,734
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Post by purplebee on Dec 4, 2022 2:16:58 GMT
A perfect act of kindness! Here’s a pat on the back - you rock!
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I'm not bragging, just sharing something that is making me feel joyful and full of Christmas cheer today. 
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