Every year around Christmas time my wife and I look for a way to help our kids become more giving and understanding by having them engage in some kind of charitable activity. We decided to do the Angel Tree sponsored by Cyprus Credit Union this year. We headed over to Smith's to find one of the trees, and told each kid to pick a card. My wife and I started perusing for our own, and tried to help the children pick a child near their age that wasn't going to get a Christmas this year.

I found one for a male that had a simple list. "Superhero coloring books, Action toys, other toys, clothing" etc. I can't remember the exact list, but the superhero coloring book stood out to me, so I handed it to my 14 year old son and said "Son, this one should be easy for you to find and you'd do well picking these things out". I figured he would appreciate something easy to find that he had grown out of a few years earlier.

He looked at it, and then said, "But Dad, he's 41 years old. Can I have someone closer to my age?"

I looked at the card, and sure enough, it said 41 years old. I checked a few other cards, and there were several that were of adult age asking for things generally enjoyed by young children. Have you ever heard of a paradigm shift? Well I had one in that moment.

I entered the store thinking we would find children or others in need that simply lacked the money for gifts. But when I realized that many of the people on the tree had needs much more important than money, it broke me. I had to leave the area for a moment or two to collect myself. Alone, in a side aisle, hoping no one would find me with tears in my eyes.

My oldest son has autism. He is high functioning, and has already grown far past these activities. However, the clear thought came to mind that I was shopping for him, or at least for people like him, in 25 years. It broke my heart.

My son is the most charitable, loving soul I know. I sit in awe at his continuous dedication to make those around him feel good about themselves. I hope every day that people will continue to treat him with respect throughout his life, just like they have so far.

I encourage you to spend a little time, not just at Christmas, but year round, to give some extra attention to those who lack more than just money. They are often lonely, unsupported, and far too often destitute. Even just 2 minutes of time you normally wouldn't give can be life changing... for both of you.

You might be surprised by what you learn, like I was. But even if you're not surprised, you will have made the day, week, or even month for another human.

Merry Christmas and Go Cougs!