May those who take become givers instead
The Grinch stole my Christmas while my husband shopped the day after Thanksgiving, in Hamricks in Greensboro.
Remember him, Grinch? Silver-haired, hearing aids, a smile on his face? After paying, he turned around; gifts gone from the cart?
Had you approached him with, “I can’t buy for my family, please help me,” he would have taken you shopping, asked how else he could assist your family, accompanied by a warm hug.
Forty years married found us, at times, unemployed, hungry, not much Christmas for our family. Our two sons’ first Christmas gifts, $1 toy, each. We understand want and need. We didn’t go to Mount Grinchdom, just without, or found the generosity of church or family.
While the sleigh of joy has gone by you in a flurry of despair, it isn’t too late. Let me give you the most valuable gift. Christmas began in the heart of God; ask for forgiveness, you have mine. I pray my gifts went to someone who deserves them. I ask God’s blessing toward your true needs and peace — and a new moral compass. It’s ultimately your choice.
Play my blessings to you forward. May next year find you giving, not taking.
Gin-Nie Tanner Smith
High Point
Comments (1)
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sorry you lost all your purchases. This should be a lesson for all to learn. Never leave anything out of your sight for there is always someone lurking nearby waiting for the easy mark. Greensboro isn't the sleepy little town it used to be. Criminals are everywhere.
More than likely your items were sold in a pawn shop for drug money. Maybe you should check around , you might be able to recover some of your items.
I had a rude awakening 30 years ago in Detroit, while grocery shopping with my new son, I had left him in the cart and went back up the aisle to retrieve an item I had forgotten. When I returned an older woman was standing by my cart, she said to me "Honey, dont' leave your baby unattended like that, someone will steal him and you may never see him again." from that day forward I never let my son out of my sight until he was old enough to fend for himself, nor do I turn my back on my possessions. Even the most innocent looking places can be dangerous.
Posted on January 1, 2009 4:46 PM