i would like to share these two newest Christmas cards of mine, hand sketched artwork of mine, in the CCC15 Christmas Challenge.
The Story of the "Tree of Kindness"
This Tree of Kindness image represents a very precious childhood memory of my 1st Christmas in the U.S. which I cherish to this day... the random act of kindness toward others. Just like my hubby, I grew up in a low-income family. We had just enough food to get through each week, hand-me-down clothing to cover us and an old 3 bedrooms townhouse in an unsafe neighborhood for shelter. Each Saturday, at 5 AM, came rain or freezing snow, I would waited in line with my mom and other low-income families outside the local churches, waiting for the door to opened so we can collect our weekly nonperishable food items and picked out 2nd hand clothing. That was our life for five years until my parents' hard work and dedication pulled us out of poverty and into the middle-class. Their examples, as well the examples that my hubby's parents set for all of us children, set the foundation to a better life and brighter future. Now everyone of us, including our siblings have a well established career and comfortable life.
But, I do recalled that 1st Christmas of mine at age nine and of the only thing I asked for: a brand new backpack for school which my parents couldn't even afford. However, because someone, or in our case, some families, chose to do random act of kindness to another fellow human beings, that small, simple wish of mine was granted that Christmas.
On the night before Christmas, there came a knock at the door and there stood total strangers - different families, who came together through the Salvation Army organization and adopted our family for that Christmas and for the next four Christmases after that. They came bearing with our Christmas day meal, beautifully wrapped gifts with the last, largest gift of all, a 5-foot artificial pine! The strangers quickly assembled it up in our tiny family room and together, side by side we helped them decorate our tree - our very first Christmas tree. The next morning, I opened my gifts. And among the winter coat and clothing, was my Christmas wish: my brand new backpack. I remembered staring at the Christmas tree with the biggest grin and felt this warm fussy feelings rushing through my entire body and warm my heart. On that day, I understood the magic and true meaning of Christmas. All because some strangers who chose to do random act of kindness toward another fellow human being.
We wrote a Thank You letter to the strangers that adopted our family that Christmas day. And on that day, my mom said something that engraved in all of our heart ever since: "let us return that kindness to others."
So dear friends, this is the reason behind sharing this digi of mine along with a few more freebies and 2 surprise boxes of crafty goodies to two random lucky persons over on my blog this week until next week. It's just my small way of paying forward that act of kindness that was bestowed unto my family 15 years ago during this beautiful, wonderful magical time of year! Which is why I named this pine tree image the "Tree of Kindness" and would like to share it with you. For in my heart, I wish for this kindness to be in every person's heart throughout the entire year and not just during this holiday's seasons. And I would like you to help pay it forward and touch someone this holiday with this Tree of Kindness.
To grab this hand sketched "Tree of Kindness" digi for yourself and individual photos of these two cards, please see my blog post for the direction. Thank you for stopping by for a look of my gallery.
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Sat, Dec 05, 2015 @ 9:20 AM
Oh, sweet Christina, you are so loving and kind, and I was so touched by your story and how God provided for you and your family as a child. And now I just love how you are now able to bless others and continue that tradition. I just love this beautiful digital image you've created, and what gorgeous cards you've made with. Those sweet cardinals are darling! Hugs, sweet friend!
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: March 30, 2005 Location: Andover, Hampshire, UK Posts: 267
Sun, Dec 06, 2015 @ 3:27 AM
Beautiful images and I was deeply moved by your story. The true meaning of Christmas indeed and I'm so happy that for you and your family there was a happy ending. Thanks for Sharing.
Registered: December 15, 2011 Location: Abilene TX Posts: 11275
Sun, Dec 06, 2015 @ 5:21 AM
I had tears in my eyes as I read the story of your design. What a wonderful tribute to the lessons your mother taught you. The design is beautiful, I,m heading over to your blog now. Thank you for sharing your talent, and your heart! Warm hugs!
------------------------------ JodyLynn - "Love me - love my cats!" DTGD12, DTGD14, HYCCT12, HYCCT13, HYCCT14, HYCCT15, Love Fest 2013, Love Fest 2014 CAS and CC guest designer QFTD 258
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Sun, Dec 06, 2015 @ 2:36 PM
Oh dear, it is hard to type with all the tears in my eyes. Christina thank you for sharing your beautiful heart warming story. Your handdrawn art work is amazing, as are the finished cards. It has been wonderful getting to know you here at SCS. The world is a better place because you, your parents and kind strangers. Big squishy hugs. xxx
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.
Registered: December 16, 2009 Location: Coralville, IA Posts: 568
Sun, Dec 06, 2015 @ 4:28 PM
Christina, Congratulations on being selected as a Favorite for the past week! I somehow missed seeing your card and because of seeing it in the list, I was able to read your touching and very heartwarming story. Than you for taking the time to share it! The true meaning of Christmas is LOVE and also Giving, and you and your family were very blessed that year. It is wonderful to pay it forward as you are doing. The digi is beautiful and so are the cards. I plan to start following your blog and to also request your free digi. Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday! Love and hugs, Marti