It’s been several months since my last post, and I apologize for that. I could blame it on lack of time, or not having anything interesting to talk about, but who wants to hear excuses? But I will say, the best way to come out of a slump is to be inspired by something, or someone. And that folks, is what brings me to this post.

I’m sure a lot of you have seen or heard on the news about the “layaway angels” from K-mart. In West Michigan, a lady was standing in line to pay off her layaway bill in order to bring home a few Christmas presents for her children. As she was digging for some change, the lady behind her in line stepped up and laid down the money needed for the toys. This same lady proceeded to pay off the bills for 7 other layaway customers, spending over $1000. When questioned why the generous acts of giving, she just said to “Remember Ben,” (her husband who had recently passed away).

This anonymous act of Christmas spirit spread like wildfire. In as little as one week, “layaway angels” were popping up in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, and California. People were spending anywhere from $40 to $1500. An 8 year boy brought in 8 weeks of allowance ($40) to pay off the layaway bills for several strangers that he didn’t know, and would never know. Another man in California gave $15,000 to a Kmart, paying off several layaway customer’s bills.

Watching the videos of customers coming up to the layaway desk, only to see a handwritten note on their receipt reading “Merry Christmas,” and to hear that a complete stranger had paid off the rest of their bill, was truly an eye-opening experience. One layaway angel said that the reason he was doing this is because he has been blessed all his life, and wanted to share his blessings with others.

I, too, feel very blessed with all that I have been given in my life. Good health, great friends, but most importantly, the best family a girl could ask for. I’ve always lived by the saying, “surround yourself with people who believe in you,” and everyday I am surrounded by my family who has always been there for me, supported me, and believed in me.

So as Christmas day approaches, let us all remember how fortunate we are, and how a simple act of kindness, and a little layaway angel spirit, can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

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