I am thankful for my kids for sure. But, the kids I’m talking about this morning are the ones that live in the neighborhood. For anyone new who may have stumbled across my ramblings for the first time, let me try to bring you up to date — just a little.
The neighborhood kids got together a couple of years ago. Since then they have done some pretty impressive things to help others. For those who don’t know, the kids pretty much have open house in the old log cabin. They have proved very responsible and so far they have not broken any of the rules. The younger kids cannot go to the cabin unless someone at least 16 is there. That is a rather arbitrary number, but that is the one my husband set and it seems to be working. Someone has to be in charge and most of the kids in the neighborhood who are sixteen or older have younger brothers and sisters.
Yesterday while all the neighbors were busy decorating my house I asked if anyone had been to the cabin lately. It is at the foot of the hill and to be honest I had not been down there in a couple of months. So, after we finished decorating our house and cooking dinner for the neighborhood workers we decided to walk down to the cabin to see what was going on there.
Whoa! I am amazed what kid will do when left to their own devices. To make a long story short, the little organization of neighborhood kids have created a holiday project. I knew they had been scouring the neighborhood for baskets for the past couple of months. I had no idea why. The kids were making baskets for kids who will be in the hospital during the holidays. I think the idea must have come from Kristi, the eight year old who lives a couple of blocks down the street. She has a rare form of cancer, lost her hair due to chemo, and is now in remission according to what I hear.
Anyway, these neighborhood kids have planned a big holiday basket delivery for the kids with cancer in a local hospital. Last night I called one of the parents to thank him for his help. I knew he had been a part of the plan since he is a doctor — a pediatric oncologist. In fact, he said the kids called him —- well, actually appeared on his porch one Saturday afternoon to ask if he would get them permission to go “en masse” to the hospital to pass out baskets and gifts. He said he was reluctant at first because kids often lose interest before they complete a task. Oh, please. He didn’t know our kids too well — he does now.
So, here’s the thing. My kids are grown and I know they are good and caring people. But, even an old dog like me likes to feel as if she has had a small part in giving the neighborhood kids some direction. Oh, I’m not claiming any part of this event. But, I am saying that our neighborhood old folks — and I am one of them — have opened our hearts and homes to the neighborhood kids. We have shared our values. We have set expectations and boundaries. We have placed trust in these young people. And, they know it. There is some truth to the statement that you get what you expect. We expect a lot.
This holiday season I am so very proud of our neighborhood kids and I am thankful for the good will they are sharing with others.
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Hi Maya, I simply must try to get an opportunity to visit you some time and see you cabin and your road and neighborhood ! It really sounds as if you take care of each other and have fun even I know everything is not perfect or good every day ! Here it is dark ALL DAY right now except around half an hour around noon with a very special light, actually quite beautiful I must admit !:)