I first posted this story on Christmas Day 2008 here on my blog. I just thought it was worth reposting.
When my DD turned 8 years old she had gotten birthday money from relatives, she had a total of about $40. We went to Wal-Mart so she could spend her birthday money. I had decided we would go to McDonalds to get a bite to eat first. There was an Angel Tree in front of the McDonalds there in Walmart.
My DD asked what it was and I explained to her that it was for children whose parents couldn't afford to buy them Christmas gifts. I told her let's go eat and she continued to look at the names on the tree.
She grabbed my hand and said "Mom look, this little girl only wants some clothes and a barbie doll". I think she thought it impossible that a child would want mostly clothes.
I looked and noticed the only toy on there was a Barbie, I think the child's age was about 5.
My DD looked up at me and said "Moma would it be okay if I spent my birthday money on this angel?"
I couldn't speak. I was fighting tears, as I am now typing this. My DD looked at me and said "I won't Moma if you are gonna be upset". I told her "hang on a minute" as I continued to fight back the tears. I knew I would just bust out crying if I said much more. After I composed myself I told her "baby if you want to spend your birthday money on this little angel then I will match you dollar for dollar".
We went to eat and my daughter kept looking over the list of items from the angel she had pulled off the tree. After we got done she was so excited to go and buy for this little girl. I did as I promised and matched dollar for dollar, plus another $20 because DD thought the little girl needed somethings to go with her barbie doll that she picked out for the little girl. My DD even said "you don't have to buy me anymore gifts Mom, just spend it on her. Santa will bring me stuff anyway".
We got the shopping done and took it to Customer Service where my DD informed the lady to "make sure it is wrapped pretty". My DD spent every last dime of her birthday money that day on someone else.
I can honestly say that on that day I had never been more proud of my child and still am to this day for her unselfish act of giving up her birthday money to make sure some little girl got her Christmas wishes.
When my DD turned 8 years old she had gotten birthday money from relatives, she had a total of about $40. We went to Wal-Mart so she could spend her birthday money. I had decided we would go to McDonalds to get a bite to eat first. There was an Angel Tree in front of the McDonalds there in Walmart.
My DD asked what it was and I explained to her that it was for children whose parents couldn't afford to buy them Christmas gifts. I told her let's go eat and she continued to look at the names on the tree.
She grabbed my hand and said "Mom look, this little girl only wants some clothes and a barbie doll". I think she thought it impossible that a child would want mostly clothes.
I looked and noticed the only toy on there was a Barbie, I think the child's age was about 5.
My DD looked up at me and said "Moma would it be okay if I spent my birthday money on this angel?"
I couldn't speak. I was fighting tears, as I am now typing this. My DD looked at me and said "I won't Moma if you are gonna be upset". I told her "hang on a minute" as I continued to fight back the tears. I knew I would just bust out crying if I said much more. After I composed myself I told her "baby if you want to spend your birthday money on this little angel then I will match you dollar for dollar".
We went to eat and my daughter kept looking over the list of items from the angel she had pulled off the tree. After we got done she was so excited to go and buy for this little girl. I did as I promised and matched dollar for dollar, plus another $20 because DD thought the little girl needed somethings to go with her barbie doll that she picked out for the little girl. My DD even said "you don't have to buy me anymore gifts Mom, just spend it on her. Santa will bring me stuff anyway".
We got the shopping done and took it to Customer Service where my DD informed the lady to "make sure it is wrapped pretty". My DD spent every last dime of her birthday money that day on someone else.
I can honestly say that on that day I had never been more proud of my child and still am to this day for her unselfish act of giving up her birthday money to make sure some little girl got her Christmas wishes.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete:) wow! That brought tears to MY eyes!! You have obviously done a wonderful job raising your daughter! Way to go MOM!! I hope you and your family have a great Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteThat made me teary! Thank you for sharing the story! Your daughter is a sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteMelanie
missmel9@hotmail.com
I truly believe this wonderful story is not only a reflection on your incredibly thoughtful daughter but on your fantastic parenting. A child doesn't learn to be selfless and compassionate without seeing it modeled in the adults in her life. While you are clearly quick to joke and poke fun, I believe you must also be quick to support and love. Your love for the animals in your life, your neighbors and friends are all examples you have shared with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they bring their love back to you 10 fold, as your daughter has.
Happy Holidays
This also reflects on what a wonderful mommy she has. That is where she got her values Good job to both of you and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful story, it brought tears to my eyes. Just a few days ago my 4 year old said something that was so sweet and beautiful, man out of the mouths of babes. Thank you for sharing such an great Christmas story! Merry Christmas to you and your entire family Okie!
ReplyDeletewow....I can even imagine how proud you were...and as far as the crying...I don't know how you didn't...I have tears running just reading this....How awesome!! That means YOU have done a WONDERFUL job with your daughter!!!! That came from something she had been taught along the way.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and May God Bless you and your family!
Oh WOW! I cried too. Giving, what a wonderful example for us all.
ReplyDeleteFor God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Marjorie from TX
marjorie_brundage at sbcglobal dot net
Totally making me cry here. That is such a sweet story, sounds like you raised quite an amazing girl! TFS!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful story Okie. You've raised a rare and wonderful daughter, just like her mom. Hugs and happy birthday. eileen
ReplyDeleteWhy you gotta bring tears to my eyes??? WHY?? You know I read the story about your sweet dog and got teary eyed then your sweet kitty and got teary eyed... NOW THIS!!! OMGOSH! That was the sweetest most selfless thing a child can do and you are soooo lucky to have a wonderful daughter like that! You are blessed in more ways than one and I thank you for sharing your story.... :o) Have a Wonderful Christmas Okie! :o)
ReplyDeleteThat is a story worth repeating! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for re-posting as I missed it the first time. Made me teary too and I wasn't even there :D.
ReplyDeleteTears!!! Wonderful story!! Thanks for sharing!! Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteI needed to have tissue on hand to read your blog today. First, this beautiful story of your daughter made me cry. Then I read about your cat......more tears.
ReplyDeleteYou've had a tough time of late. I hope things get better for you.
Now I am mopping my face and blowing my nose. I am sure you are so proud of your girl and rightly so.
ReplyDeleteTFS,
Cindy :)
Aww, you made me cry! That was so sweet of her!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Christmas story. Even tho my eyes swelled up when I read it the first time you shared it, I still got teary-eyed reading it again. You have a beautiful daughter, Okie!
ReplyDeleteSniffle sniffle...thanks for sharing! Gotta go get a few tissues now. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful child. You did a great job raising her. Two days in a row I have read your blog and cried. TFS and have a Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteChris
You have made my Christmas wonderful by showing me that the true spirt of Christmas does live in a little girl. Your story brought tears to my eyes and gave me a wonderful warm feeling. When we look at our children we see a part of ourselves. You done good!!
ReplyDeleteJust a warning: Do not read Okie's blog in the middle of an emotional maelstrom (which is something like PMS on steroids)... she's sure to make you cry!! {again...}
ReplyDeleteAt least this time, they're happy tears (unlike the sad, poor-kitty tears earlier in the week)!
Your daughter continues to amaze and delight! Thank you so much for sharing so many wonderful stories about her!
Stacie
Gotta love it ... one precious angle doing for another! Yes, that is the true meaning of Christmas!
ReplyDeletethanx for sharing that wonderful story!
Hugz,
Carol
I totally teared up! Thanks for the story!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful example of Christmas spirit! Sometimes we all need to have the eyes of a child.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story you have made me cry too your wonderful daughter is a reflection of you and what you have taught her , my son is the same you must be very proud of her as I am of my son
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Boo who! What an "angel" of a daughter you have. I'm sure you were extremely proud of her for being so thoughtful. Thanks for sharing! You've done a great job of raising her.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Weezie
What a thoughtful child you have raised. Thanks for sharing your story. Merry Christmas to you and your family.--Ryansmaama
ReplyDeletegkburrow@cmaaccess.com
What a wonderful story....Thank you so much for sharing!!....It reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving! Merry Christmas!! Brandy
ReplyDeleteIT'S CHRISTMAS EVE. I'M 73 AND SITTING HERE BY MYSELF BY CHOICE. TONIGHT THE OLDEST DAUGHTER HAS HER HUSBANDS' FAMILY THERE FOR THEIR GIFTS AND DINNER. WITHOUT GOING INTO IT I JUST WANTED TO STAY HOME. GRAMPS WILL BRING ME HOME A PLATE OF FOOD. I WAS READING YOUR STORY AND IT MADE ME CRY. TO ME THAT'S WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT. NOT THE $300.00 DOLLAR COWGIRL BOOTS ONE OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS IS GETTING FOR HER WANTS. I HATE IT.TELL YOUR DAUGHTER SHE DID GOOD AND MADE AN OLD LADY VERY HAPPY TONIGHT WITH THIS STORY.
ReplyDeleteGRANNY FROM FLORIDA.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments on this event. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about that night when my daughter gave up her birthday so someone could have Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. Tears are streaming down my facea as I type this. I have been adopting an angel tree angel every year for 25 years. Even on years I could barely afford to buy for my own children, I would always adopt an angel. Thanks for sharing this story and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story, what a blessing to have such a thoughtful daughter. TFS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story, what a blessing to have such a thoughtful daughter. TFS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story, what a blessing to have such a thoughtful daughter. TFS!
ReplyDeleteOkie,Iwanted to let you know how touched I was when I read your post. You have every right to be proud - What a wonderful girl - we need more like her.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing daughter oviously with an amazing mom. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job to raise such a giving child. The story was worth reposting. Thank You for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I read this the first time you posted it.
ReplyDeleteIt was as precious now as it was the first time.
Really I think you should post it every year because there is always so many coming and going.
Just goes to show she was raised by a good Momma!!!
We think we know our kids, but at times they can really surprise us with the unselfish things they do for us or others. It goes to reflect their upbringing. I'm sure this gave her a special feeling and glow inside. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your presious furbabies. I know we have to do things at times that are very hard, but are for their best interest (we had to put down one of our Yorkies Christmas Eve one year and it was very hard). Just remember -- they had a good home and you have good times to remember as wll as the joy you brought to each other.
On another note - I love to see all the wonderful things you post. I appreciate all the help and talent you share as well as the inspiration you create. Love your blog!
linda4_2 (Cricut MB)
This post not only brought tears to my eyes, but lots of memories for me as well. When my children were young, we would go to the Angel Tree and pick 2 angels - a boy for my son and a girl for my daughter and we also made sure that the ages matched my children's ages. They had a blast picking out toys and clothes for their "angels".
ReplyDelete