Letter to the Editor: The Spirit of Giving is alive this season

Just by chance and circumstances, three strangers became wonderful examples of this season of goodwill.
See, I donated to a second-hand shop and was given an artificial Christmas tree. The problem was we had an adjustable twin bed to move out of our living space to make room for the tree. So, I put the bed on a Wanted, For Sale or Free site while the two chunks of wired garland loosely referred to as a tree waited patiently, as it had obviously done in a former lifetime, to perform it’s one-and-only illuminating role.
Then it happened. A woman with significant medical concerns posted on the site that she needed the bed I priced at $50. I told her we would happily give her the bed, but were not sure about a way to transport it for her. Several other folks on the site began following the posts and also expressed an interest in the woman getting the bed. One couple on the site simply said they would make it happen, and they did! They did not know this woman, but hitched up a trailer and drove easily over 100 miles to transfer the bed.
It is amazing how sometimes just one donation at the right time can unknowingly end up in a joy that is bigger than your heart can hold. Despite what this tired tree ends up looking like where the bed had been, I will be seeing the collaborations of kindness possible as we dance on the skin of this Earth, whatever the season or reason.
And the question, are we bringing gifts or donations to the dance?
Happy Holidays,

Ann A. Gallagher
“Catfish Annie”
Lansing