I’ve been asking for Christmas stories for the podcasts. Here’s a true one from my Lady Wonder Wench.
All good stories start with “Once upon a time” and so this one does too. Once upon a time, a very brave lady by the name of Helen found she had no money for the food she needed for her three kids (never mind why; it was during World War II and those things happened). She ended up going to the Red Cross for help. Unfortunately, their idea of help was “Come back later in the week and we’ll discuss this.” Obviously that wasn’t going to help her, so she went to the Salvation Army (as I understand it, she was pretty desperate at that point and almost gave up; if she had, I don’t know where I would be now).The Salvation Army lady said, “How much money do you need right now?” and gave her enough to buy food. “Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk” she told my mother, and they did. I don’t know much about the business of the Salvation Army except for the very small fact that more than fifty years ago, they helped my mother to get past a very bad time and NEVER ASKED FOR THAT MONEY BACK. So I find that as long as I am able, I give back in whatever way I can to help the Salvation Army help other mothers – and fathers – keep their lives together. I think my mom Helen would be pleased.
