New Pair Of Socks

I am just going to be honest with you, sometimes it is very difficult for me to get through the holiday season.  It’s a beautiful and spiritual time of the year and I love it for all the children, I just wish it was not so commercialized.  For a person who continually battles Bipolar Disorder, it is particularly hard for me to deal with emotions in respect to loved ones who have passed, and other situations that might trigger a manic episode.  Those of you who suffer from seasonal depression or other emotional issues I am sure can relate.  One of the ways that I try to pull myself out of a depressive or negative state is to concentrate on the precious memories of years gone by, that are extra special to me.  In my book, Porch Swings and Prayers, I detail the life of Bertie Mae Cochran, to me the greatest woman to have ever lived.  This time of year I miss her dearly, but I love to think about the impact she had on so many lives, thus this story of my grandmother, “New Pair of Socks.”

People who love me, work with me, and are in my inner most circle are constantly asking me what I want for Christmas, I always answer, just a pair of socks.  I love socks, but for more reasons than the fact that they keep your feet warm, or that you are always losing one when you wash and dry them.  When I was growing up, I had the amazing blessing of knowing what it was like to be involved in a large family.  Our Christmas gatherings were amazing to say the least.  Every year we got together in November to celebrate Bertie Mae’s (Grannny) birthday.  At the birthday dinner we would draw names for Christmas.  This included my Mom’s 4 brothers and sisters, their spouses, all their children and even some grand and great grand children.  We were a mighty bunch, growing up in the hollow out in the Roy Webb community.  Once we drew names, we knew that we would gather on Christmas to cook and eat again and exchange gifts. 

Bertie Mae was the true matriarch of the family.  She didn’t participate in the drawing of the names, because everyone always tried to buy something for her, and she was determined to buy something for every one of her children, in-laws, grandchildren, great grand children, and so on every year.  Here’s the deal, she and her late husband were cotton farmers all their life.  Her retirement consisted of $240 per month.  This is all she drew in income from the early 1970s until her death in 2003.  By the way, she gave $24 of that each month to the Church.  Still, every year, she bought comfortable white socks for all of her relatives.  She was determined not to miss anyone, and she would individually wrap each pair and place them in a large bag.  Nothing felt better on Christmas than those white socks.  We just knew as her family that we would go home on Christmas Day with a new pair of socks every year and there was so much love and meaning behind that gift.

It certainly was not necessary for Bertie Mae to go to all that trouble every year for her family, but it was something she enjoyed doing.  She had a humble and giving spirit about her that trickled down to her loved ones.  I buy my own white socks these days, but for the last seven years since her death, I wrap a single pair and put them under my own tree at my own house and open them on Christmas Day.  There are no tears, only smiles when I slide those socks on Christmas night before crawling into bed.

When the emotions flow and the mood trends downward, it’s memories like this that pull me through.  Remember that God places people in our lives to teach us how to love one another and He promises that the reunion will be wonderful when we all get to Heaven.  We serve a loving and merciful God who comforts us in ways that no one else can.  I give Him all the glory and honor for the thirty one years I had Bertie Mae in my life, and for the long lasting memories that continue to shape the man I am.

Krayons For Kids

I am truly moved by the mercy and grace of God.  He gives us each the talents we need to accomplish great things in this life.  Sometimes exceptional accomplishments originate by overcoming adversity.  I want to tell you about a special friend of mine, a special lady that is a gift from God in more ways than one.  Michelle Stone is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Krayons For Kids.  This program collects donations of crayons, coloring books, and other art related supplies for Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL.  I am privileged to serve as a volunteer and a board member of this organization and I am in awe of the incredible impact one woman has made with diligent work and tender loving care.

When Michelle was a young child, her parents, siblings and she were involved in a tragic automobile accident.  Michelle was the only survivor.  She spent many long months in a lonely hospital bed recovering from multiple surgeries.  Michelle faced many obstacles, not only growing up without her family, but the struggle to overcome all the health issues would be enough to break an average person’s spirit.  Michelle found the inner strength and drive to become quite the champion in life.  Michelle is just one of those people who never gave up on conquering whatever obstacle she faced.

As an adult, Michelle became a mother and successful businesswoman.  Some might say that was enough to accomplish considering what all she had endured as a child.  Michelle was not satisfied.  She always had a strong desire to give back to the community and use her experiences as a platform to raise awareness and support for children who may have endured similar situations.  As a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL, she discovered a great need.  Children were coming from all over the southeast for treatment and care for various health issues.  She recognized the technology, care and facilities were top notch in Birmingham, but even with adequate funding, there was a shortage of supplies to encourage the spirits of the young children. 

Children’s Hospital relies solely on donations of crayons, coloring books and other art related materials to entertain young patients, or the siblings of young patients.  It is just not considered a necessary medical expense, to supply these materials from regular hospital funding, but these items can serve as such a comfort for children.  Michelle remembered as child her desire to color and create pictures to help escape the memories of losing her family.  She wants to supply other children with this same opportunity.  It can be traumatic for young children to face serious medical illnesses that require them to visit or stay at Children’s Hospital.  The staff of course is well trained and works diligently to care for these children, and through efforts of volunteers and pioneers like Michelle Stone, the experience can be a little more pleasant.  In 2010 alone, Michelle Stone has donated over a half million crayons to Children’s Hospital and she is still going strong.

I had the opportunity of meeting this energetic and inspirational lady earlier this year.  I am thankful to call her my friend and certainly one of my heroes.  If you have ever met one of those people that goodness just radiates from them and you get chills because you know they are a gift from God, then you know what I mean when I say Michelle Stone is an inspiration.  I encourage everyone to check out her website at www.supportkrayonsforkids.org.  Garth Brooks sang, “It’s not the world I am changing, but I do this so, this world will know, it will not change me.”  I actually think people like Michelle are doing more than just not being changed by their circumstances.  They are making sure others don’t have to be changed by tragedy as well.  May God continue to bless Michelle and the success of Krayons For Kids.