Christmas is for children... and this year I learned so much from mine.
I have to share this because I'm just so very proud of my kids. So very very proud.
Those of you that know me have heard me talk about my kids. You all know that Jared is a gamer, loves his xbox, wants to design games when he grows up. He also loves animals, and he's so very good with all of ours.
Sydney, my daughter, has wanted to be a vet since she was knee high to a grasshopper. Animals are her passion. She can't wait to be old enough (you have to be 16, she's 11) to volunteer at the humane society.
Well, the other day someone posted a video on fb, Hope for Paws. We watched it together. The dog got the help it needed, and went into foster care, awaiting adoption. Syd usually hates watching those videos, she hates seeing the animals in pain, this video started horrible, but had a very happy ending, so I shared it with her. Sadly, pet rescue isn't free, vets aren't free, fostering isn't free. At the end of the video they asked for a $5 donation for costs.
The man (and his lucky leash) that rescues most of these dogs, has many videos. We spent a good hour watching them. At the end, Syd turned to me and said "I get $100 from Auntie L every Christmas. I want to donate that to Hope for Paws".
I had mixed emotions. I was so proud that she wanted to do this, but she's a child, she shouldn't give up her Christmas money, we can't afford to give them a lot, and that's her money to spend on herself. So I explained that to her, explained my hesitation in allowing her to do this. She said "Mom, it's my money right? I can spend it the way I want to spend it right? I have a lot of toys, I don't need any more. I have so many pets, and they're all loved. There are other pets that aren't cared for, and they need help. Why can't I love them as much as I love our pets? Why can't I spend my money they way I want to?"
So true. I'd love to donate, but we really can't afford it. But this is Sydney's money. It's hers to do with as she sees fit, and I'm so very proud that this is how she wants to spend it.
I have talked her into keeping this closer to home, buying dog toys, cat toys, bunny toys, treats, etc. and bringing it to the humane society in our town. She loves that idea. This way she gets to actually see the animals she's helping, and she gets to pick out all the toys and stuff for them.
After hearing that his sister is doing this, Jared has decided he wants a part of it too, and will spend some of his Christmas money to buy things for pets in need as well.
They taught me a huge lesson. We're on a tight budget, but there are things we can cut back on, certain foods, pop, going out to eat, and instead of being selfish, only thinking about ourselves, we can do something for others. Not that I didn't already know this, and I've always wanted to do it, but whenever we had a bit of extra money, there was a use for it. But $5 here and there, surely I can afford that. Surely all of us can. If two kids are willing to spend all of their Christmas money to help animals, surely the rest of us can find a few dollars to help as well.
Merry Christmas. :)
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