Our neighbors especially touched

our hearts this Christmas as they came over with a little lavender envelope.

They made a sacrifice to give us money to help out over the holidays.

Rather than exchange gifts with their own brothers and sisters, the Walkers

decided to give the money to our family. And, when they told their siblings

about the idea, they decided to do the same thing too. The amount of the

money is not as important as the spirit in which they gave. Scott and

I cried in our living room as we received this undeserved outpouring of

love.

Recently, our hearts were touched

again when we received a call from the mother of an 11-year-old girl.

This angel recently had a birthday and asked her party guests to bring

a donation for Mr. Scott rather than gifts for her. This act of kindness

was so incredible because it was her idea. She doesn't even really

know Scott.

As the freckle-faced doll came

over to present the gift to Scott, I held back the tears as I truly realized

how honored we were to have this amazing child standing in our kitchen.

I know that her mother and father must have brimmed with tears too as

they realized that Katie will surely grow up one day into a loving, giving

woman.

I realize that we are in midst

of this storm, but for now I take comfort in my faith and in the generosity

of so many people. In this world where we hear so much about violence

and hatred, I have been able to personally experience the compassion of

others and wanted to share this with my hometown. Thank you to the folks

of Fayetteville for taking us in and truly loving us during this trial.

Please realize how much you can make a difference in someone's life of

others by reaching out to those in need. We have been truly blessed by

the kindness of others.

Richelle Jarrett Jordan

Fayetteville