Oh, Santa

Griffin is still sick. I took him to the veterinarian...err..pediatrician this morning and she ran all sorts of tests. And she sent us home not knowing what is wrong with him or what's causing his high fevers. With any luck, he'll be better tomorrow.

Then my saint of a mother came over to watch him so I could go work for a little while. The weather was really nice today so they got to take a walk with Binnie and enjoy the sunshine. He still feels yucky, but hopefully he's turning a corner.

As I was driving, I listened to an interview on NPR with a man who works as Santa Clause in the U.P. of Michigan at Christmas. The show was devoted to how people are adjusting to Christmas in a bad economy. Santa's story was so sad! He's had kids sit on his lap and tell Santa they just want to have food in their bellies for Christmas. Or they just want their dad to get a job for Christmas.

Oh my, I found myself tied up in emotional knots again! I simply cannot stand the thought of children going hungry at the holidays. Or kids with nothing to open on Christmas morning, or even kids with no family to be with that day. Maybe it's the 36 years I've spent watching my own mother give of herself tirelessly that's created this urge in me. I have to help somebody.

Those of you who know me are probably laughing incredulously because you all know I'm bordering on Libertarian. So you're probably thinking "What? Heather thinks people need help, but she's the same person who would vote against welfare programs!"

Yes, but you see, I think charity is something to be left to individuals and churches, not for profit organizations. I don't think the government is good at much that it tries to do with the exception of military defense. So I'd really rather people's welfare not be left up to such an inept bunch of yahoos.

Oh my, I've totally gone off on a rant about the government when I was really wanting to talk about helping others this Christmas. I don't really know what I'll be doing. There's plenty that needs to be done, that's for sure! I'm sure I'll start with adopting a family for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas for kids. If anyone has any great ideas, please feel free to share them!