Day 290

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Day 290 - For the past two days I've had the incredible privilege of helping a local family receive, wrap, and deliver Christmas presents to children who are battling brain cancer.  Kate McRae (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate) is a 6 yr. old who has been bravely fighting this disease herself for a 1 1/2 years.  Last year her mother, Holly, decided to share some Christmas joy with other cancer patients and their families by starting "Kate's Krazy Kool Christmas!"  It was such a success they did it again this year.  Holly was given the names of a dozen or so local families who have been affected with brain cancer and are being treated at Phoenix Children's Hospital.  So once again she put out the call for people to give to these kids. 

I responded to the request to come help receive, wrap, and deliver gifts over the past couple of days.  I decided to bring Caden because I thought this would be a great opportunity for him to see what Christmas is all about.  I can't begin to put into words what we encountered when we pulled up to the McRae's driveway, so I'll post some pictures below (and even the pictures won't do justice).  Thousands of presents and gift cards had already arrived and more were being delivered each day. 

For two days Caden and I walked amongst thousands of toys, clothes, games, and gift cards and picked out items for these kids and their families.  I've never had so much fun wrapping presents.  There we were in the driveway or on the sidewalk or in the front lawn wrapping up gifts for these families who are going through so much right now.  I'm not sure there's a greater feeling than being a part of helping others.  And believe me, my part was incredibly minimal.  Holly and her family deserve all the credit.  Having gone through so much themselves and yet still willing to help others.  So much was donated that Holly can now give to many other families in need this Christmas.  How cool is that?!

I knew all the wrapping was worth it when Caden pulled out a gift card he had gotten for his birthday and said, "Dad, maybe one of the kids would like this one?"  May he/I never lose sight of what really matters.  I don't do things like this enough and these past two days were a strong reminder for all of us to take the opportunities to do something for others this week.  Whether it be a kind word, a prayer, some money, or wrapping gifts for kids who are fighting for their lives.  Build some memories this week. 

Some pics of our time with Kate's Krazy Kool Christmas...



A few of the gifts that in the process of being wrapped!



Gifts came in from all over the country and world!

The "Target" Gift Card Bag!

The "iTunes" Gift Card Bag!

The back of my van - Santa eat your heart out!

Some of the kids who are fighting the good fight - Kate is third from left!

Holly - the awesome Organizer - with her friend Thomas!

"Father, thank You, thank You, thank You for people like the McRaes.  They have their own enormous battles and yet they're spending their days being the hands and feet of Jesus.  May me and the kids walk in their footsteps and never do another Christmas where all the focus is on us.  May we see the need around us and act out in love - Your love.  Bless the McRaes and everyone who gave to this wonderful cause."