A Christmas Gift From The Heart

Categories: Stories

Guest Blog

By Alice Stephens

canstock7093343We had been gathering small gifts and wrapping them for weeks prior to the Christmas party.
My sister Pat, a mother of eight, worked full time and still took time to plan an annual trek to the local nursing home to play the piano, sing carols and make sure everyone in the room had a small gift to unwrap. She took her children and invited my10 year old daughter to go along to help hand out gifts and goodies and spread holiday cheer to the elderly citizens of our small town.

As my daughter got ready to go, she slipped into her new red patent shoes. They enhanced her Christmas attire and spirit. She loved her new shiny shoes.

While handing out gifts, she noticed a small, withered lady admiring her shoes. “They’re beautiful!” said the old woman as her eyes sparkled with delight.

All too soon, the party ended and it was time to leave. The young girl searched through the crowd for the elderly lady and when she finally saw her, something in her heart said “Give her your shoes.”

But it’s cold out! she thought. I plan to wear them Christmas.

The young girl turned to walk away, but something stopped her. S-L-O-W-L-Y she walked towards the withered woman. Bending down, she slipped off her beautiful, shiny red shoes and handed them to the lady with a smile.

“Merry Christmas!” she said, then turned and scurried out the door to catch up with the others. An icy wind blustered yet the young girl felt a warm feeling in her heart.

She arrived home in sock feet that day. I assure you, Kathe Wunnenberg’s feet were cold that wintery, December day. I know, because I was there when she came home.

I’m her mother.

What memory do you have of giving a special Christmas gift from the heart to someone? I’d love to hear your story.

Guest Author: Alice Stephens

Alice Stephens is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor and friend. Even with declining health, she stays busy encouraging others, writing, listening and praying. She is a member of Hopelifters Unlimited prayer team and lives in the foothills to the Ozarks in Missouri.

Author: Kathe Wunnenberg

One Response to "A Christmas Gift From The Heart"

  1. Gina Giordano Weeks Posted on December 11, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Oh, Kathe! I will never look at another pair of shiny red shoes the same way again! <3

    Always a HOPElifter, even as a little girl!

    love you!

    Gina <3

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