December 10, 2024

Dear Friends,

“Through research from the HeartMath Institute, Dr. Joe Dispenza says,”The act of giving activates heart-brain coherence, aligns you with the frequency of abundance, and opens the door to miracles. Generosity is a gateway to transformation, and every act of giving brings you closer to your highest self.” (TCCHE)

I saw in our local newspaper the TOYS for TOTS annual event was happening at a Walmart near us. I thought what a wonderful opportunity to take our granddaughter to buy some toys and help other children have a toy or toys for Christmas. Peyton shares her own toys well with other children, so I thought this would be fun and a great learning opportunity to GIVE to others less fortunate. Her mom started preparing her a few days before I took her to the store, however Peyton didn’t want anything to do with it. She couldn’t quite understand why we would be going in to buy toys NOT FOR HER. The past few months she has gotten caught up in toys and costumes for Halloween and now Santa coming to bring toys. she thinks every time an Amazon delivery comes, it is for her. Her parents are actively helping her realize not all gifts are hers and have asked the “Grandmas’ to not bring over gifts every time we come over. We have faithfully done just that. So the day arrived and I took Peyton to Walmart. We walked up and down the toy aisle several times. I kept asking her which toy she thought a little girl or boy would like. At first she kept saying NO. Then we talked about KINDNESS and GIVING. I said GIVING is like a circle. When you are kind and give to others, kindness and givingness comes back to you. We finally decided on a firetruck for a boy and a doll in a bathtub for a girl. She was quiet as we paid and left the store.

I saw the Marine in charge of the Toys for Tots Day and asked him to come over. We talked and I explained my granddaughter and I wanted to give toys to a boy and girl. He was so sweet and talked with Peyton and thanked her for doing this kindness. She and the Marine put the toys in the box. I gave a check as well told Peyton I was giving too. We left and spent the rest of the day at our house with PopPop. Later when I took her home, she got a new lunchbox in the mail, one she had been waiting for. I told my daughter Tammy what I said at the store, and asked her to help reinforce the Kindness circle. Peyton GAVE and she RECEIVED. Tammy was thrilled to do so.

We all love to give to our families and I ask you to remember to give to others less fortunate, by check, on line or with toys. Make it a great learning experience for your children and/or grandchildren

Giving with Love and Kindness,

Abigail and Steve