I tell my girls (my staff) that one of the hardest things I had to learn was to ask for help. It can be humbling, embarrassing. (I choose those words over humiliating and shameful.) I tell them how letting people know there is a need to be filled allows others to become a blessing. If others don't know there's a need, how can it be filled?
As most of you know I'm on a very low, fixed income. I have learned to carve a life within those boundaries, but there is very little wiggle room. When an unexpected expense comes up, such as an ongoing expensive medication that is not covered by insurance, or a staff member accidentally breaks a dryer in the laundry room and I'm financially responsible, or the van needs more than just an oil change, etc., I have to go without the more "frivolous " things. I never go hungry, but eating healthier can be more expensive, so I have to choose carefully, plan ahead, and/or gratefully make use of the food shelf. Eating out becomes a treat. Rent always comes first. I'm safe, and fed, and cared for--and very grateful.
So, (taking a deep breath here) I put forth my Christmas wish list in hopes that a need/want can be fulfilled. Some will judge this inappropriate - I honor that and hope you will be kind.
I have a number of friends on here that are in the same situation. They work hard but receive less than a living wage, while trying to raise kids. The “working poor”. Perhaps they will find the courage to make their wishes known as well.
MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
**Gas cards so I can pursue MN Master Naturalist volunteer opportunities elsewhere ($ for workshop fees as well), or visit out-of-town friends, or go see the Christmas lights, or go to the Cities to see ol’ college friends, or go visit out-of-town family, etc.
**Subscription to the local newspaper
**Postage $ to send things to my grandnieces, etc.
**The rechargeable batteries to go with the charger I was given
**Subscription to Ancestry.com, and/or a DNA test so I can continue the quest to find my paternal grandmother's people. She came out of an orphanage.
**Print cartridges for my printer
**$ for the medications/medical supplies that are not covered
**Archival framing of my mother’s childhood dress and provenance
**Digitize 16mm/8mm family home movies
To all the angels who have been there for me over the years, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I hope you are blessed tenfold in return. You will be forever in my heart.
Merry Christmas all!
