Did you ever stop to wonder why we think of certain family members and friends during the holidays? Why these folks are not part of our everyday lives? Did you ever receive a call or call an old friend and it made you feel special?

The following letter made me stop and think of old friends, family ,and how it makes me feel to say hello to someone on the street or in the grocery store. These acts of kindness warm my heart and make me feel as though I was just blessed by giving back in such a small way.

I think back to the promise that I made to a cousin who died in 2004, her gift to me was her family a gift she entrusted me to care for, her most precious gift. I was to take care and become a surrogate Grandma to two grown men. I gave my word and my promise to do just that. I was honored take part in the first grandchild's wedding as he an I shared the first dance to his Grandmother's favorite song playing in the background. A year and a half later, I had the honored to attend the 2005 graduation of the United States Marine Corp, watching her second Grandson become a marine, and now serving his second term in Iraq. Months after that I became a surrogate great grandmother to a granddaughter. Who would have thought that when my cousin entrusted me with such a gift I would be enjoying all the moments that truly should have been hers. That was just the way she was always putting others first.

After reading this letter and being truly thankful for what I have been blessed with in life I have made my new years resolution to give even the smallest gift of a smile to someone who needs it every time I can.

It is better to give then to receive

To all of my fellow Optimist friends, neighbors and the United States Marine Corp Reserves. It is 9:00 pm on Christmas day and I did not have access all day to my e-mail all day long.

I wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas before the day was over. I must say this year was so different then any other Christmases in the past. I had always heard it was better to give then to receive.

This year that fact was reinforced by participating in one of the most rewarding events I have ever been involved with in my life. The "Toys for Tots" program hosted by the United States Marine Corp. I had the honor of getting to know a true officer and a gentlemen; Officer A.T.Wilson. and several of the men in his command. Although Toys for Tots is volunteer work for the Marines; A.T. takes it very seriously.

Almost every person that I told about the Toys for Tots program had a story to tell about a father, an Uncle or a brother in the military and how solid they are about supporting our troops. It gave a great feeling about serving God, Country and the kids that need help to have a good Christmas. Being a part of the Christmas Parade and having representatives of the United States Marine Corp on our float was an honor for our Optimist Club. We even won the most patriotic float in the Cumming Christmas Parade.

Today my family and I rode by the collection location in Smyrna just to see only a trace that the Marines had left the post that was such a hustle and bustle of activity only a few weeks ago. All of the trucks were parked and the whole area was vacant. It was a great feeling to know that through the efforts of our Marine Corp friends and volunteers thousands of children had toys this Christmas for the 60th year in a row.

This year will be long remembered as a giving year. Thank you to everyone for your help in making this such a special Christmas. God bless all of the Marine Corp reserve volunteers and I hope we all can assist in 2008.

God bless America, God bless our Soldiers and we pray for their safe return.

Author Mark Sosnik