Well that was certainly unexpected

In an effort to reduce the excess material things which we don't need, Bill and I composed a carefully thought out letter and sent it to our relatives asking that no gifts be bought for us or the kids this year.

I was mainly concerned about how one of his sisters would react since the family Christmas dinner is always at her house and she is the one who most often talks about how "Christmas is for the kids."

The day after we mailed it, I saw her name come up on the Caller ID. I knew she had either gotten the letter or Bill's dad was in the hospital again. Either way, I quickly handed the phone to Bill.

Just from what I could hear of Bill's side of the conversation, I was sitting here in amazement and when he got off the phone he told me his sister was sending a check to the kids for Christmas.............for them to send on to The Smile Train.

Thank you, Aunt Lori. What a great Christmas gift!