What A Difference A Tree Makes
Wednesday - December 30, 2009
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Del.icio.usDear Pamela,
As you all know, there was a serious shortage of Christmas trees this season. My mother was devastated since this would have been the first Christmas we would not have a real tree! So I was excited when I heard that there were 700 trees coming in. I was determined to get a tree right after school! I quickly picked up my daughter and husband, on a mission to get a Christmas tree at Ala Moana. Arriving, we couldn’t believe our eyes! The line of people wrapped around the parking lot and weaved in and out of the fenced area. A lady who happened to be carrying her tree to her car mentioned we probably didn’t have a chance to get a tree since the line was way too long! She explained to us that she stood in line for over three hours and was lucky to get a tree.
I decided to call my mother to give her the bad news. Again, I could hear the disappointment in her voice, but she assured me that it would be all right.
As we were about to walk away, a gentleman walked right up to me and explained that he had bought a tree for himself and his wife had bought a tree for their son. As he walked out of the fenced area, he figured that the people at the end of the line would probably not get a Christmas tree this year. He called his son to tell him how disappointed people were going to be that there were not enough trees to go around, and his son mentioned that he didn’t need a tree since his mom and dad had bought one. This wonderful man offered to sell his tree, for the exact same price he had purchased it for, to the person with a baby at the end of the long line! That was me! I was so overwhelmed with joy that I started to cry! I believe they knew how much this meant to me and my family. My daughter Leianna was going to be able to experience trimming a Christmas tree after all!
I offered more money for the tree, but they wouldn’t take it. His wife gave me back the extra cash and told me to buy something for the baby. My husband and I hugged this wonderful couple and said thank you over and over again! I knew that I was “blessed” to be able to get this special Christmas tree. I called my mother right away and told her what had happened. She had always taught me to “keep the faith and God will see you through.” Well, my family is blessed to have wonderful people in our midst.
In all the excitement I forgot to get their names. I wish I could publicly mention how special they are to our family. They gave us a Christmas we will never forget! They are our special Angels during this season.
I wanted to share this special moment with you all and to wish you a joyous Happy Holiday and a Blessed New Year!
Ruth Ann, Jeff and Leianna Joy Babas
Waipahu
Dear Babas family,
Despite the stress of the holidays, this season often brings out the best in people. Your anonymous donors obviously embraced the spirit of giving. They doubled their blessings by sharing their good fortune with strangers. Enjoy your tree into the new year!
(If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813 or e-mail pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.)
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