Re: Angel Tree observations

Susan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>
> "Tony Rice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > My local mall, like most malls, has an "angel tree" where you can select
> an
> > ornament and picking from one or more of the items listed and make a
less
> > fortunate child's Christmas a little nicer.  Great concept, in theory.
> >
> > This weekend we stopped by the angel tree.  I expected them to be asking
> > for Barbies, trucks, clothes, warm jackets, etc. etc.  Nope they wanted
> > XBoxes, a TV with a DVD player, and specific jeans (that run about $100
a
> > pair, I priced them out).
> >
> > Hard for me not to wonder if these kids basic needs are really being met
> > and this is all that they really want/need at this point or if they've
> just
> > got really skewed priorities.
>
> Since my two year old passed away in 2001, we pick an angel from the mall
or
> the BX tree each year to commemorate his memory. Those are wishes, but not
> necessarily what you HAVE to get the kid. This is also one reason we stick
> with the younger children on the trees... they're pretty basic, some
> jammies, clothing, legos and so on. We spent about $75 last year on a 4
year
> old boy. As I point out to CG, these children might not be getting ANY
item
> for Christmas, and we're doing it for them.
>
> I ask my family and close friends to get an angel to do in memory of
Gareth.
> I certainly have been blessed enough in life to give something back to
> another who isn't so lucky.
>
> And of course, there are those who do "abuse" the systems our country has
> set up. But I think that the Salvation Army and the Family Advocacies (Air
> Force version of CPS basically) and so on, do have standards that are set
> out for the "qualifications" of the children.
>
> If one has the money to buy the Xbox for someone great... do so. If not,
do
> something else. I can't and won't buy my child a PS2 or Xbox, but he's
> getting Gameboy. He doesn't NEED any of those items, but there are things
I
> can do for him and I try to occasionally make things special for him.
>
> Susan
> AF Wife to David
> Mom to CG, Matthew and an angel, Gareth
> Hampton Roads VA
> "Maybe this world is another planet's Hell."
> Aldous Huxley  (1894-1963), author


Wow...Susan. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to celebrate
the life of your son.
Your sig seems very appropriate... as it embodies a gentle strength which
you obviously possess.

Terri
RSFC's Official GIF Getter
1-800-KICKUGA