Stacy's children...

My act of kindness is for Stacy's sweet children. I promise to pray for them every day for the rest of my life.

I am so moved by this act. And it brings to memory a few other acts from last year. Included in the loved ones that Stacy left behind, are her two children. They were 4 and 6 at the time she died... just a few weeks before the eldest turned 7. I wanted to share with you a few kind acts done for them.

Sorry to make the story a bit long... but hopefully the time you spend reading it will be worth it.

Since she was 3, my niece has asked for Butterscotch. For those of you that don't know, Butterscotch is a realistic robotic pony about as big as my niece (Butterscotch comes with a brush, a micro-chipped carrot, and a pretty price tag to boot)! As you can imagine, there were many conversations explaining to her why it wasn't possible for her to have Butterscotch. She remained hopeful and persistent, even when she didn't receive Butterscotch that first Christmas of asking. A few months after Stacy died, Christmas was upon us again, albeit a bit sadly.

We exchanged most gifts on Christmas Eve night... Christmas morning is saved for the kids. It's then that they open presents from Daddy and Santa.

My boyfriend's brother and sister-in-law have never met my family, but gave me two wrapped gifts for the kids. We had no idea what they were. We would find out Christmas Eve night....

I hadn't noticed my nephew opening his gift until I heard.....

"$50?! Papa! Did you hear that?! I got a $50 gift card to Toys R Us!!!" (my nephew's eyes were HUGE)

Everyone around him: "50 DOLLARS?!"

Nephew: "But they don't even know me."

Me: "But they love you anyway"

Nephew: Looked at Auntie Robyn in disbelief.

He felt sooo rich. It was awesome :)

My niece looked completely dangerous when we told her she had her own spending money for Toys R Us... we can tell that she is going to be a major shopper. ;)

We all had a great time, and there were many smiles in spite of the impending vacancy. The next day, after the kids opened their Daddy and Santa gifts, Mom made a wonderful Christmas lunch (with a little help). When we were all done stuffing ourselves, we started to clean up the remnants of our feast; and there was a knock at the door. All I saw was a flash of Red and White, and we called the kids to the kitchen. There was Santa, bringing in a medium sized box and setting it down on the floor. Everyone looked at each other questioning "who invited Santa??" We all got the same shrug and look in response "Not me! I have no idea?!"

Next, Santa came back in lugging a large bag with him. My niece immediately exclaimed, "It's Butterscotch!" We all tried to hush her. We were desperate not to raise her hopes. My nephew was on the floor helping his sister with the tie.... before the bag was even open, he yelled "It's Butterscotch!" I told him to not say that... because we couldn't believe it was. As soon as the bag was opened, my niece was inside of it. "It IS Butterscotch!!" And it was. The bag was removed, and there was Butterscotch, completely assembled and laying down. We all looked at each other, in disbelief for what had just transpired. There was my niece sitting on top of her new pony saying "I wanted Butterscotch so much, and I never stopped wanting her! And now I got her! Can you believe it? I got her!!"

For the record, my nephew received a Nintendo DS. And there marked the day my niece and nephew met their soul mates.

I have to admit that I am not one to spoil children with many material possessions. With that said, this was the most magical Christmas I have ever witnessed. And I will never forget the spirit that surrounded us.



(Santa was in cahoots with a very special family friend)