I teach my daughters everyday that true giving does not need to be monetary. On Christmas we go to nursing homes so that anyone who is lonely on Christmas, elderly, and feels as though no one cares knows that at least 4 people do. My daughters learn a valuable lesson as well when they see the senior citizens faces light up as they talk, play piano, dance, smile and most of all engage. I mean truly engage. No distractions from phones or anything else just showing their love and listening to the valuable wisdom of the elderly. Last year we went to a nursing home on Christmas day to give of ourselves. I wanted my daughters to see, as my mom had done when I was a child, that true giving is not monetary. It is being there when it counts. My daughters were shown black and white photos of the senior citizens youthful days. Wedding days, births, a veteran looking strong in his uniform. My daughters saw the light appear in the elderly people's eyes as they described the joys of family and 'the good ol days.' I saw first-hand the effect giving of themselves had on them. They realized how important it is to not feel lonely, discarded. As my 3 year old did a dance routine for the seniors smiles and laughter appeared. That is true giving. Making another person know that they are important in this world. We felt like we received the gift, which is strange because we did not intend it to be that way. It was and will be again this Christmas, the most important gift anyone can give another person. Their time, undivided attention, laughter, conversation. Especially to those who would not have the chance to feel special without it. Giving is not expecting anything in return. It comes from your heart. I am so blessed to be able to show my daughters the power of giving of time. My mother passed that down to me and for that I am incredibly grateful. My daughters now see the positive light they brought to others on which could have been a lonely, dark day. Ones time is the most important gift to another.
Review from #MyGivingStory