This story really touched me.

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   Beth37posted 10 years ago

   http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/on-the-ro … igslist-2/

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      wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It is touching, and made me think that (living in a college town) there are likely many students in her position. 
      
      But how to contact them?  Advertise for a "child" for the day?  And be besieged with scammers for months to come?  Through local churches that refuse to take them in on Christmas themselves?  Suggestions from that group don't sound too productive, either.

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         Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I would imagine if a mature man went looking to comfort a woman in her 20s, there might be some eyebrows raised. lol
         
         I just think her statement about so many ppl being hurt and alone is true. I know that during the time I was at my lowest, what I found was that an overwhelming amount of ppl were desperately lonely. It reminds me of that thread someone posted about a week ago... someone out there selling hugs. Craziness. I don't know what way is best to reach out, but we should do it. Maybe that makes us vulnerable, on several different levels, but I think it's what we were designed to do... to love.

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            wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            We have in the past, invited single, lonely coworkers to join us for Xmas dinner or day, with very positive results for both them and us.
            
            But we're retired now, and don't know anyone like that.  At most, know and will invite the inlaws of our children, but that's not the same.  We're almost one big family anyway!
            
            So how to reach out?  You're a woman and familiar with all those "feelings" things, plus religious - you should know these things!

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               Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Im a recluse... I don't think that's how God intended it. And the funny thing is, that kind of lifestyle breeds loneliness. I just hate to think of ppl hurting. I keep thinking a soup kitchen is something Id really like to do. It would allow you to reach out and serve without becoming completely vulnerable, which is probably the healthiest thing, being completely vulnerable, but baby steps maybe.

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                  EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Ah, so you think working in a soup kitchen is more about you?

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                     Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     Yeah.

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                  wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Maybe, but if you do be prepared to be disillusioned.  I've never worked a soup kitchen but HAVE worked with masses of poor before and it is seldom pleasant.  Not only is there a depression about it, an attitude of hopelessness, but too many are simply not nice people.  Not people I would choose to associate with.  You have to be able to work around that, mentally.
                  
                  Still, it can be rewarding if you can work past that - read my hub about the true meaning of Xmas on the carousel to see how great it can be.  A little one paragraph blurb about an experience that has stayed with me now for over 30 years.

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                     Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     Sounds good, thanks.

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      amiebutchkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Beth, I just watched the video.  How touching and how true.  It is unbelievable I saw this today because my neighbor just told me this morning she is taking in an 18 year old boy over Christmas who has no family and goes to our local high school.  He is going to live with them indefinitely (maybe until graduation)!  I was overcome by her openness and giving nature, and her generosity and faith to have done something so beautiful for someone she doesn't know.  He is coming to her house today.  I forwarded her this piece.  Thank you.

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         Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

         God bless them all. Im sure it will be something of great substance in their lives.

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