I am an attorney in the US, working for Legal Aid. For the last 20 years, I've represented abused and neglected children in fostercare. Starting with Thanksgiving straight through Christmas, my child clients are unhappy and upset - contrasting their lives with the fictional pictures of happy families and abundant Christmases they see on TV. We do our best, my colleagues and I, raising money and buying food and presents for roughly 100 children and their families.... It's a drop in the bucket.
As you might imagine, I cried through most of this story - great big snotty Maxwell crying. I've reread this story many times, crying each time, being uplifted by how things turn out for the climbing boys and for Max, Leon and Matthew - each time.
I am reminded of one of my mentors telling me that the only way to avoid heartbreak is to close your heart but then you pay the cost of doing so - and the price is all of the joy in life.
Heartbreak and joy - different sides of the same coin - give up one, give the other.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was good to find out more about what happened to Matthew and how things changed afterwards. A story featuring Max and Matthew together -- bliss, even though it was also heart-rendering.
This story is a wonderful gift to us the readers. A reminder that there are many who need to know they are loved, even when we do not know to whom we are giving.
I am an attorney in the US, working for Legal Aid. For the last 20 years, I've represented abused and neglected children in fostercare. Starting with Thanksgiving straight through Christmas, my child clients are unhappy and upset - contrasting their lives with the fictional pictures of happy families and abundant Christmases they see on TV. We do our best, my colleagues and I, raising money and buying food and presents for roughly 100 children and their families.... It's a drop in the bucket.
As you might imagine, I cried through most of this story - great big snotty Maxwell crying. I've reread this story many times, crying each time, being uplifted by how things turn out for the climbing boys and for Max, Leon and Matthew - each time.
I am reminded of one of my mentors telling me that the only way to avoid heartbreak is to close your heart but then you pay the cost of doing so - and the price is all of the joy in life.
Heartbreak and joy - different sides of the same coin - give up one, give the other.
I was moved to tears reading your comment. ❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was good to find out more about what happened to Matthew and how things changed afterwards. A story featuring Max and Matthew together -- bliss, even though it was also heart-rendering.
This is such a wonderful story. Makes me cry, every time.
This story is a wonderful gift to us the readers. A reminder that there are many who need to know they are loved, even when we do not know to whom we are giving.
It’s not Christmas without rereading these delightful treasures.