My Holiday Wish

My holiday wish this year is for all of you to be healthy, safe, and most of all, happy.  Recently, I posted the following status on my Facebook page as a call to action for my network:

“Private message me if you or someone you know needs something this holiday season… someone to talk to, gifts for children, hope, holiday decorations, pies for the office Christmas party, money for the electric bill, career advice, whatever.  Instead of contributing to a charity in our typical fashion, this year my husband and I have decided that we would like to contribute to you.”

When discussing our holiday gift list, my husband and I came to the conclusion that it would be nice to keep our holiday cheer a little closer to home this year.  Just because it looks like our friends and family are well put together, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t hurting in some way.  We wanted to be a blessing to someone (or many!) who really needs it.  The replies came streaming in and some of them brought me to tears.  I had no idea my friends and family were truly in need.

One friend asked for career advice—should he leave his current position or should he stick it out?  Another friend asked if we would contribute to a GoFundMe initiative to help a young designer start his career and support his family.  A family member asked if I would send some money to another struggling family member, so she could buy Christmas gifts for the kids.  A few others even asked to be kept in our thoughts and prayers through a first holiday season after the loss of a loved one.  Within just a few short days, the replies peaked and then died out to a slow trickle. Then, I received one very special request. I was asked just to talk.  That’s it. No strings attached … just talk.  This particular friend just needed someone to relate with, vent to, and hash out the troubles of life.  She needed to laugh and she needed to cry.  I know I often put up a tough exterior, but I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing when I thought of how we take the simple things for granted, like having someone with whom we can discuss the ups and downs of life when each day comes to an end.

I am so very thankful for each and every one of our students, parents, educators, and staff members.  I am thankful we have the means to post and read this communication via the astounding reaches of the Internet.  I am thankful that we can connect via the incredible innovation of online education.  And, I am thankful that we, as a human race, are able to relate to one another—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or any other potential difference—over something so simple as the spoken or written word.

Post by Kristen Stone, former FLVS Team Lead Staffing Coordinator