So if you make a Christmas Bucket List and post it on your blog, you may, as the haters will tell you, just be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Or not.
Because the day after you post that list, you might receive this message:
T saw your post and wants to go caroling with you. He used to do it as a kid and would love to take the girls. Let me know when you’re going if you don’t mind company. We can make some cookies and bring them along .
You might see T at swim practice the next day.
He might be so excited that his enthusiasm is infectious.
He might speak with such excitement that you are afraid his head will pop off.
He might take the initiative to set something up at the nursing home where he works.
To print out sheet music,
and even bring musical instruments.
And so,
rather than disappointing yourself by writing, and posting, a Christmas Bucket List,
you might find that you have actually inspired someone else.
You might find yourself at the Bethel Health Care Center on a Friday night.
You might find your children,
who you thought would be frightened by so many elderly people,
behaving quite differently than you imagined.
You might find them confident,
and smiling,
and singing at the top of their lungs.
Making lots of people happy.
And literally bringing joy to the world.
After you sing to a group of people on one floor,
you might head up the next floor.
And give a more intimate concert.
You might see more smiles.
You might meet an incredible woman,
who used to sing,
and perform,
and teach,
and who is sharp as a tack,
and who makes each of the children she talks to feel very, very special.
You might find that while you thought you were going to be the one spreading the cheer, it might also be the other way around.
So yeah.
You might find that making a Christmas Bucket List sets you up for disappointment.
Or,
you might find yourself looking at a group of very proud children.
And as you walk back to your car,
you might just hear one of your children ask,
“Mommy? When can we come back to the nursing home? Can we come on Wednesday???”
Uh huh.
Making a Christmas Bucket List could be a bad thing.
But there’s also a good chance that it could turn out to be one of the best things you have ever done.
OMG! How rewarding! I love this so, so much. Your kids will never, ever forget doing that. Ever. Awesome! You are awesome!
Aw shucks, Maureen.
Thank you 🙂
Dearest Susie-
I can’t tell you how inspiring you are, day after day. I’ve been reading your blog since my son was six weeks old when I went looking for a bit of support around 3 am sometime. He is now 9 months old (today!) and I read your blog everyday. I’ve often wanted to leave a comment but I never have. This past week I’ve had the flu though, so today my husband is downstairs with the baby and I am upstairs ostensibly taking it easy so I have the time. Thank you for being inspiring, for being amazing, for showing me it’s ok to fail sometimes and that I’m not the only one who feels like I’m doing a half assed job everywhere. I’ve lost 23 lbs in the last 6 weeks thanks to thinking of you (sorry I haven’t signed up for an ecourse!) and just am generally thankful for the 3 minutes each day I spend reading your blog. Thank you thank you thank you.
Gwyneth
Well you just made my day!
Thank you for reading Gwyneth. I really appreciate it 🙂
Between reading this and reading about a friend of mine retelling about her son saying out loud that “this is the season of giving not getting.” I am filled with holiday cheer! Love love love seeing kids smiling while doing something nice for other. Merry Christmas everyone!
No wonder you have such an inspirational family. Thank you for sharing those memories with us.
My boys and the Cub scouts would go to the local “old folks home” – they would sing, I would play the guitar, my music teacher would play the organ. The kids loved it and were enthralled by the response from the residents.
Keep up the good work; your family is gathering not only memories, but also ethical and moral values!!!
I didn’t get to read this until today (Monday). What a great way to start my work week! These pictures put a big smile on my face for the rest of the day! 🙂
*love*