One Christmas Story

Our blended family with other relatives

Since Christmas is only a few days away I've been reminiscing on the past and how our large family often suffered during those days.

My husband and I are a blended family and ended up with 11 children between us.  Some weren't always with us but at any given time we often had 8 children in our crowded home.  My husband had to return to college to study for a career to support all of us.  During this time we had very little money.

In spite of our lack of money, we always welcomed those around us who were in an even worse plight.  And for those who were lonely, which can be so devastating during such festive holidays, we gave them a special place at our table.

Most of the time we were able to have a nice Christmas due to the compassion of strangers and such organizations as the Salvation Army and our local schools and churches.

There was one Christmas, however, where nothing like that happened, my hubby was interning as a student teacher and had no income.  When Christmas came, we had very little in the way of presents.  We told the children we should just be happy with whatever God gave us and we should be thankful and think of all those who have even less.

About mid morning we saw a strange sight.  One of my daughter's friends had adopted us as her family.  Her father had been quite young when she was born and her mother had addiction problems.  She spent a lot of time at our home.  His name was Barry and we got to know him through his daughter.  Imagine our surprise when we saw him walking up our pathway with presents tucked under his arms.  He was a trucker and had just returned from the road.  At one of the truck stops he thought of us and bought presents for the kids,  We dubbed him our new Santa Claus.

What a great day that was.  Probably one of my happiest memories.  We spent the day eating turkey with Barry and watching the kids play with their new remote controlled cars out on the street.

I hope that all those who are lonely or needy this Christmas will find those who exhibit such a Christian message to give to those in need.  I pray no one feels alone. I know this is an impossible prayer, but even if a few more lives are touched, that would be the good news we all want to hear on Christmas.  Merry Christmas.

Merry Armenian Christmas

Tomorrow is Christmas, and yes, I know, it's not really the exact date of the birth of Christ, yet it is the day we celebrate. End of story.Armenians, of course, celebrate Christmas in January, but we'll discuss that later.

Armenian Santa says Merry Christmas

 When I said to someone that beautiful sunsets and Christmas decorations were good for the soul, I got a response from a killjoy who retorted that yes, pagans really could throw a party.  Good, now we have Christian pagans who really know how to throw a party. So what?

Christmas has become about families and making others happy. And isn't that what God is all about anyway?  You can celebrate it regardless of whether you believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ or established religion.  So, say Merry Christmas and put your whole heart into it.

Some Christmas Cheer

Phew - Christmas is hectic.  Having family from far away visit; helping those in need; spreading the cheer all at once, it can seem like a lot.  Then I had the following post show up on my news feed in FB and I felt I had to post it here.  What a way to spread the cheer.  If only people would concentrate more on these sort of heartwarming situations then other confusing and difficult ones that end in tragedy.  Would those demonstrative sports players be so courageous as to herald this white officer rather than put their hands in the air as if all white officers hate them?  I wonder.  Merry Christmas and God bless Officer Briggs and to the young man who recovered and honored him.




From:  Julie Haener KTVU

8-years ago, CHP Officer Kevin Briggs talked this young man out of jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

That young man's name is Kevin Berthia.
Today he is 30 years old and married with 2 children.
This week he presented Officer Briggs with an award on behalf of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The story of how Officer Briggs talked Kevin down is remarkable.

As you can see in the picture, Kevin is literally one step away from jumping to his death. But for more than hour, the officer listened to Kevin pour his heart out about his troubles and told him, “I know you think things are bad, but they can get better.”

Kevin says, “Officer Briggs never made me feel guilty for the situation I was in. He made feel like, I understand why you are here, but there are alternatives”

Kevin is just one of countless lives Briggs has saved over his 23 year career.

Briggs, who was promoted to Sergeant five years ago, is humble about what he does. He says, ”they make the decision, when they step back over that rail it takes a tremendous amount of courage”

I salute Sergeant Briggs!

Photo: The San Francisco Chronicle, John Storey