The Gift of Now
Lessons Are Gifts Too
Earlier this week, my mentor Dr. Natalie Ellington and I brought presents to a kinship family through Seattle Angels. It was a wonderful experience meeting the family and learning more about them. I left feeling a sense of meaningful accomplishment. I also had the chance to share this experience with Dr. Natalie, someone who I admire and leads one of my favorite organizations, Eileen & Callie’s Place.
After we wrapped up, I had some time to reflect. It’s been so many years since I’ve been in care. However, the holidays serve as a reminder of what I experienced as a child in the system. Feeling lonely and completely alienated from others; I wasn’t with my family during a time of celebration and togetherness. Instead, I experienced grief. What helped to get through those times were my caring foster parents and fellow community members. People who brought us presents and invited us to holiday gatherings. Though it was hard for me, I knew I was surrounded by loving people I knew and cared about.
These actions gave me what I like to call ‘the gift of now,’ which was the chance to be present and for a moment, forget about feeling sad. I look back and see some of my best memories from past holidays. Whether it was getting a present I really wanted or relaxing during Christmas break, I felt there was something to always be grateful for.
As the holiday season continues, I encourage you to look for the good in things and share that with others. I’ve compiled a list of organizations I feel are working hard to ensure that those with lived experience from foster care feel remembered and cherished, especially during these times.
From left to right: Delivering gifts to a kinship family through Seattle Angels, USA Ambassador Pageant national queens photoshoot in New England, first commercial acting gig for an internal company video, and working as a brand ambassador for the ‘Merrier Together’ event sponsored by Alaska Airlines and Starbucks.
