Helping others is something I care about.  It’s one of the philosophies I want to leave behind to all my grandkids… an understanding of – and appreciation for – ‘giving back.’  Making the world a little better, being compassionate and thoughtful as we journey through our lives.

In this spirit – never more appreciated or relevant than at Christmas – you and Camden joined me as we visited St. Charles Children’s Home in Rochester, New Hampshire.  Camden came with me last year, but this was your first time.

I had called the Children’s Home in advance to find out what “the kids” might appreciate and need.  Talk about coincidences… the woman I deal with every year who works there is named Pat Beaupre.  No relation…  a very nice lady.  I always call her “sis” when I see her.

We had a variety of presents for the kids… an infant car seat, activity books, DVDs and restaurant gift certificates. Our gifts were colorfully wrapped and looked great.

I wasn’t sure we would be able to visit this year – it had been a very stormy day with crazy, monsoon rain and high winds.  The Clickman kids were going to join us, but at the time of pickup it was the peak of weather wildness, so they had to pass.

When I arrived at your house, you were eager to go, quickly climbed into the Youk and I buckled you in.

The weather had miraculously settled down and the sky was beginning to lighten as the storm clouds parted.  It was a minor miracle as we began our journey to Rochester.

Through the windshield I noticed a beautiful rainbow in the sky. I pulled over and we got out to observe one of those rare fully formed rainbows that graced the entire sky. I held you in my arms and Camden stood beside us as we looked at the wonder.  We counted the number of different colors that make up a rainbow and said the colors out loud in sequence.

A few minutes later we had arrived and unloaded the presents. You wanted to go play on the playground across the street, but I told you we were there to visit the kids… plus everything was soaking wet!

Pat Beaupre greeted us…I gave her a friendly hug. She ushered us into the living room where the Christmas tree presided. We chatted for awhile and I explained how I had secretly marked each wrapped present with a special code so they could figure out who should get each one.

They were very kind and appreciative.  We told them we were happy we could help.  We gathered for a photo by the tree – just the two of you, me and a nun from Saint Charles.  We never saw any of the kids. They probably do this on purpose; after all we are complete strangers to them aren’t we?

Soon we said our goodbyes, wishing everyone a hearty…

Merry Christmas!!

I thought we’d go straight home, but you insisted on getting some food.  You were very insistent, not giving up on your quest.  Knowing you the way I do, I figured you probably hadn’t eaten much of anything all day and was starving.  We drove through the drive-in at McDonald’s.  You devoured your happy meal, eating every single bite of everything, which is very unlike you.

As we drove home, I asked you guys what you thought of the day.  You quickly piped up, saying:

next year when I come, I want to see some kids!

We sang Carols as we made our way home. The crowd favorite was “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” I love that song too.

Seeing your tired but happy little faces in my rear view mirror, I thought of how incredibly lucky I am to have you in my life.  I hope you enjoyed our little journey of giving back. Let’s remember how lucky we are, all the days of our life.  I love you Ainsley.