Appreciation...............

I actually had just written a FULL post about something else and some kind of way I tapped my laptop and it wiped out the ENTIRE ENTRY!!!! >:(.....Instead of getting mad (like I normally would), I just said to myself, "Rae, that's not what you wanted to write about."
I spent the earlier part of my day helping give back to my community.  Handing out coats to people in the urban housing development right down the street from my house.  As I think about the blocks in between us, how if I wanted to and it wasn't so cold I could've walked to where we were handing out donations, I think about how easily I could have been someone standing in that line.
As a child/teenager I was never allowed to go into these areas, the "projects"....I don't like the word "project" because the people who live there aren't specimens or data, I would call it a "development" because a lot of people are there to foster their own development and it is not a means to an end.  I had never actually been on the inside streets of any of those developments until I was in my mid/late twenties.  I remember when Dylan used to catch the bus to school at the corner of one of those streets.  She had a friend who lived inside the development and we saw her walking toward the bus stop.  She told me the little girls name (which I don't remember now) and said , "She lives there with her grandmother.  But she's very nice."  It kind of took me aback that she stated it that way because I KNOW I had never told her that people who lived in housing developments weren't "nice", but I had to think about the fact that she was a preteen and she had friends who may say things that she would pick up on and absorb.  Nevertheless, I immediately told her that a person's circumstances do not necessarily determine who they are inside.  Meaning that just because you live in a poor, under-privileged neighborhood doesn't mean that you have less "worth" than someone who lives in a gated community.  Sometimes those living behind those gates with the servants and big cash flow are less desirable people because they feel a since of entitlement.
I really think I saw a pure spirit today.  She was a young lady, I would say early twenties.  Very sweet, pretty face and small frame.  She had two little girls with her, I don't think either was more than 8 years old. By the time it was her turn to receive her donation we were tapped out and she was only able to get one coat.  Instead of complaining or getting upset (like others were) she looked at all of us in that kitchen and said, "I appreciate what you all are doing and you all have a blessed holiday.".......As she walked out, we looked each other directly in the eye and smiled.  I don't care how much stuff I gave out today...I am MOST happy about giving that one young woman that one coat and since I forever have her face etched into my mind/heart I am hoping to run into her again and maybe get her information so I can get the other two coats for her and her other daughter.  Had I been thinking instead of being so overwhelmed by her acceptance of her one coat, I would've gotten her information then.  But, oh well, everything happens for a reason and I know if I am meant to see her again I will.
I thank and appreciate all who will read. Peace