This year, Christmas really "clicked" for me. It's been a very tough year for me and my family. My mom was a victim of identity theft, this time last year and the past year has been a serious uphill battle working out of that (they cleaned her out before she discovered it). So the past year has been filled full of court cases. Shortly after that, she had switched jobs. 3 months after switching jobs, she was laid off. My wonderful grandparents, thankfully, was able to foot the bills, for a while. Then in July, mom had her wreck, and I'm VERY thankful she's still with me, and with us. She could have very easily lost her life. She was in the hospital for 17 days, ICU for 12. I was out of town at the time of the accident. Those bills weren't pretty, but once again, I'm just thankful she's here. I had to cancel a couple hunting trips I had been invited on (Buckmaster had invited me up again, and I had the opportunity to go to MS and IL). Which was FINE with me, times were hard and I was needed here. Mom is now to the point where she can move around and has finally reached settlements with the identity theft stuff. (hence the new truck) I've been without a vehicle since August. In lieu of all this, I knew we wouldn't have the Christmas we were used to (present wise) and I really was fine with it. We went to my grandparents house, and as I was sitting there talking to them over dinner, I really realized just how much it all meant to me. Not the presents and gifts, but being fortunate enough to spead quality time with my family. It's like a light turned on in my head, and I realized why I was really there. I just can't put it into words. It might have been the smallest Christmas ever (gift wise) but it has meant more to me than any other Christmas I've ever had. I can honestly say that I have matured by leaps and bounds over the past year, I'm a whole lot more thankful for what I do have. I've learned not to take things for granted and you're guarenteed NOTHING. Sorry for the long read, not meant to be a sob story or anything along those lines. I appreciate the kind words that many of you have offered me along the way. Happy Holidays.
Matt, I sence the sincerness in your post You have become a great young man Im glad your mom is ok and sounds like things are looking up for your family
This is one of life's most important truths. You're way ahead of the curve by realizing this so early in your life. BTW, what did your mom hit? Dang. I hope you and your family have a great New Year!
Very inspiring words from a seemingly mature young man. Through the years Christmas has somehow gotten misconstrued, mainly by mega retailers. We don't celebrate the birth of Christ by going in debt to "try" and make others happy. We celebrate it by spending quality time with the loved ones in our families and reflecting on the memories of those who have passed. I'm not trying to turn this into an "about me" thread however I've lost both of my parents in the last 5 years so I fully understand you're feeling of being thankful your mother is still with you... God Bless...
Good to know people your age (as if I'm really THAT much older:D) have their head on straight. Being a teacher, you REALLY get to see how materialistic Christmas has become. I had one girl actually say she would be ticked if her parents got her an ipod nano over a touch Glad things are looking up for you and your family. Here's to hopefully a happy new year for all of you.
