Today I was AMAZED...by the sight of thousands of needy parents and children lined up in the cold and rain--many there since 4 a.m.--to receive gifts at todays Operation Stocking Stuffer sponsored by Shell in partnership with the Houston Fire Department. I was INSPIRED...hearing about the childhood, work ethic and vision that led HFD officer and Stocking Stuffer founder Al Bennett to start this program some years ago out of the back of his truck. I was HUMBLED...to observe the joy of the children as well as the weariness on their parents faces, making me reflect on my self-centered rants about holiday stress. I was PROUD...to observe our daughters exhibit leadership and compassion as they distributed toys alongside other dedicated volunteers. And I was SAD...to see that even after four hours of distribution and the near-depletion of thousands of toys, there were still around 400 more people waiting in line for a gift. There is so much need. So many emotions, but above all I feel grateful for having had this experience. My prayers go to all of the families we met today and my highest level of respect goes to the men and women of the HFD, who give of themselves not just during the holidays but every day of their lives.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:32:43 +0000