The Little Tin Tree (Annual Repost Of A True Christmas Story)

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Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

0 posted 2004-12-06 03:01 PM

Click To Play "Silent Night"

~* The Little Tin Tree *~

I met a little girl on the East side of Vancouver,
Holding a tin can, and inside was a candle bright,
I asked her why she was out at night by herself,
She said, “I needed a Christmas tree for tonight.”

She wanted to surprise her Mother, and Brother,
So excited about the can she held in her hand.
Someone threw a wasted candle out the window,
She ran to catch it before it could land.

She was not supposed to play with matches,
And had someone to light the candle for her,
She smiled and said her tree would last longer
Than a real, shedding, Douglas fir.

I asked could I to meet her family,
Surprisingly she held my hand real tight,
We walked somewhere I would never go,
Especially in downtown Vancouver at night.

My heart broke when I saw where she took me,
For they lived in an alley, dark and cold,
It was with simple pride her mother told me,
That Marie, had a heart of purest gold.

I agreed with her and asked ever so carefully,
Was there anything that I could possibly do?
I offered her money for food, or some presents,
Ensured her they'd be wrapped and brand new.

I was shocked at what I heard next.
She said, “Really we are all alright”,
We have shelter at the Mission over there,
And a warm beds and food for tonight.

Then she looked at me again and said,
“Wait, there is something I could ask of you.
Do you have a spare little artificial Christmas tree?
I’d like to surprise Marie, and anything would do.”

“Of course”, I said “I will be back this evening”.
I'd leave it on the stoop and wished them the very best.
I'd bring a tiny tree for Marie, her and David,
Making a Christmas for them was now my quest.

I phoned the Gospel Mission and got the dinner time,
Then quickly, got my neighbours on deck to assist.
We arrived at the alley with presents and a tree,
I don’t think there was one thing we missed!

I was so proud of my neighbours for helping,
As they donated gifts from under their tree,
That told me a lot of their character,
To stop their plans on Christmas Eve to help me.

We hid and waited for them to come home,
But also to make sure nothing was taken,
To this day I will never forget Marie’s face,
At her sight of that tree, and the presents shaken!

Oh, I know it was only one Christmas,
And only one family we helped out that day,
But it has stuck with me how fortunate I am,
And that feeling will never, ever go away.

~* This was an actual true story from 2001*~

That family made it and are no longer homeless but there are millions that are.
Please be kind to them this season and all year.
No one deserves to live that way, please share.

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius

since 2000-10-09

Posts 13989

1 posted 2004-12-06 03:04 PM

Amen Sharon, and may your holidays be blessed with love and happiness!

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

2 posted 2004-12-06 03:06 PM

I remember this Sharon.
This story tugs at the heart strings..
fortunately there is a happy ending with this one.
Thank you for reposting sweet lady.
Heart Hugs~Nancy

~ Let peace begin with me... ~

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

3 posted 2004-12-06 03:13 PM

I thought perhaps you may like to have an update on her?  She got a dental hygenist course behind her, and now works as a dental assistant.  She has her own apartment (very nice), and her son and daughter are now doing very well in school.  My family is really looking forward to attending both school concerts to see them sing in their respective choirs this year.

A hand-up folks, just a smile, and a hand-up is all some need honest!

I thought I would tell you what we did this year in our way to help - might interest you?  I got lots of fleece remnants from a discount fabric store, and my granddaughters and I turned them into rolled up blankets for the homeless.  As they cut the fringes, we talked a lot about how thankful we were for what we had and could share.  My son drove us to the East side on Sunday, and we just handed them out to people that needed them, asking first if they would like a free blanket from Santa, and never got disappointed once in being turned away.  It does not hurt children to see this side of life, and that is at least one thing the times haven't changed and made illegal to do

Merry Christmas everyone.

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

4 posted 2004-12-06 04:29 PM

A beautiful story... made possible because of a beautiful heart. *S*

Cloud 9
Senior Member

since 2004-11-05

Posts 980
Ca

5 posted 2004-12-06 04:52 PM

Awwww....love it!!!

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

6 posted 2004-12-06 05:57 PM

Very beautiful, dear Sharon.
It was a blessed Christmas for all involved.
Love, Margherita

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

7 posted 2004-12-07 12:05 PM

Here's to all your beautiful hearts too! Happy Holidays.

Let there be peace on earth ~ and let it begin with me

littlewing
Member Rara Avis

since 2003-03-02

Posts 9655
New York

8 posted 2004-12-07 07:44 PM

I do know both feelings, to be the giver and the recipient, what a torn feeling. But this brings me good thoughts today because it all comes back around in one way or another. When you least expect it.

Beautiful Sharon.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

9 posted 2004-12-07 10:56 PM

Bless your sweet heart Sue.

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