Our hearts were overflowing with gratitude and a deep sense of joy. As a family, we had decided to embrace the spirit of the season by spreading a little holiday cheer, and delivering a basket full of goodies to brighten someone else’s day. 

A warm welcome to her inviting home

That Thursday evening, as the sun began to set, Mary Elizabeth was waiting for us. Her door opened onto a home filled with santa claus’s and angels she had collected over the years. She welcomed us inside and it made us feel instantly at home.

We sat down together, and Mary Elizabeth focused her attention on the children. She asked them about school and their interests. Then, the conversation shifted, and we asked her about her life and how she spends her days.

Sharing wisdom learned over the years

She shared that her days are guided by a strong belief in the Lord and a deep commitment to helping others. Mary Elizabeth has navigated life’s inevitable path of “many ups and downs”— yet, through all of it, she remains positive. She knows she has a divine purpose as an ordained minister, where she dedicates her time to counseling and supporting others as they struggle through difficult times, using her own experiences to offer hope.

Gifting our “Basket of Cheer”

We presented the basket to her, and we could feel her excitement to open the gifts. What struck us most deeply was the sincerity of her appreciation. She was so genuinely grateful for every item, from the simplest necessities like paper towels to her favorite perfume. Her thankfulness was not merely polite; it was heartfelt and humbling.

We came with the intention of doing a good deed, but as the evening progressed, something shifted. Being in Mary Elizabeth’s presence, absorbing her grace and positive energy, we realized we were the ones receiving the true gift. Her faith, her resilience, and her ability to find light in the simple things stuck with us.

Giving big, Receiving bigger

We left her home not just having delivered a basket, but found connection and joy. We went there to brighten her day, but she ended up illuminating ours.

Sometimes the best feedback is voluntary. Thank you to Sima Atit for writing and letting us share her family’s touching holiday experience. They delivered Charities2Love’s Basket of Cheer to a client of Serving Our Seniors. We are deeply grateful for your support.