You just never know...

I stole this picture from my cousin Stephanie's blog...I thought it was so neat.

Yesterday for FHE we delivered little treats to all our neighbors that live right around us and gifts to our closest friends and family. I used to love doing it when I was a kid. I was blessed to have a mom who LOVED to give gifts, and she still does, so she made it so much fun. As an adult, I still love to give, but it is so much more stressful, and I wouldn't say that I actually enjoy it like I did when I was younger. I am always worried about so many things. First off what to give. Second, how much it will cost. Third, who will I forget? The list goes on and on. I can never win...even when it comes to giving gifts.
Well this morning I received the sweetest email from a person I would have never thought would send me one. One of our neighbors (who shall remain nameless-not that it matters) lost his wife to cancer this past year. They lived in a very large house across the street from us all alone-their kids rarely visit. I just loved her. She was mostly deaf, but was truly a joy to talk to. It was so funny because she would watch for me to go get my mail most days, and come out at the same time and we would talk. A few months before she died, those little chats got fewer and fewer. I kept telling myself that I needed to go visit, but I never did. When I heard that she had suddenly passed away, I was so shocked, hurt, and it was literally a punch in the gut. I had so much regret. Anyways, moving on. Her husband has been portrayed by people in our ward and neighborhood as a Mormon hater, anti-social, etc.-you name it. When his wife died, the bishop and RS pres. pretty much told us all to stay away from him. Well I wouldn't have it. I took some food in, and I will admit I was scared to death. What I found though was a man who was truly grieving and someone looking for a friend. He was so kind and receptive to me. Ever since then we wave in passing, chat here and there, and I really like him.
When it came time to do our neighbor gifts, I made sure to include him. My gift was nothing special as usual, but the email that he sent to me this morning meant so much...it was the best gift he could have given me. I had forgotten that we had included our email address on our Christmas letters, so at first I thought how in the world did he get our address, but then I remembered. I am not posting this to pat myself on the back, be boastful or prideful, but it just touched me so much, so I thought I would share. I left out names, but it reads:

Dear G.J. and Kandice,

Thank you for the holiday treat, the note, and for the picture of your wonderful family. Sounds like everything is going pretty good for you over there a hundred feet away. I'm doing pretty good considering. I miss my dear " " (wife) very much! They say the searing pain goes away after a time. I want you guys to know that if you ever need my help in any way don't hesitate to ask. I don't get out and about the neighborhood much but am here as a good neighbor if you ever need me.
Stay safe and warm this winter.
Love-" "

I don't know about you, but that letter proves that he isn't a recluse and Mormon hater...So even though our small gifts that we delivered last night probably didn't mean much to most, it did mean something to him, and that makes the giving part of Christmas and all the stress it brings worth it in every way.
Have a great day-and more importantly, have a great time giving to your friends and family this wonderful time of year-such great blessings come because of it!