I recently spent the equivalent to the GNP of a small country on school clothes and supplies for my Extra Kids, you know the ones that don't live here, all while making my own kids use what they already have. I told them all that this would be the last year that I would be sponsoring them. That sounds harsh, but it is essentially what I do, sponsor them. I pay school fees, buy clothes, supplies, birthday and Christmas presents, pay for field trips, take them on vacation, buy school pictures, take them to the movies and other fun outings, and often times parent them every single weekend (though I did put a stop to that - after a year). Helping others has always brought me a great deal of joy, but I need to reel that giving spirit back in a little. Or a lot. Nine hundred dollars is a lot of money to spend in one trip on kids that aren't even yours. While their guardians spend money on cigarettes, cell phones, concerts, etc. But I digress.
This is just one kid's stuff. He is 16 and swore he needed the thumb drive for computer class and then slipped up and said otherwise on the way home. The rest was stuff he legitimately needs. Three pair of shorts, three pants, seven shirts. Gave him shoes the last time we took everyone somewhere, the drive inn movies I think, but he didn't have them on his feet so I'm guessing someone in his household took over the shoes. He's family so I've always bought him things. The other Extras have only been sponsored for 3 years, since TheDaughter and Melissa were in Kindergarten together. Ahh, well, at least they get to start school with decent things.
4 comments:
wow. you are a superhero. but, remember, place your own oxygen mask first, before helping those around you.
We have done the same thing for certain family members. One nephew even lived with us for his 6th grade year after coming to us with the clothes on his back in Oct. and left our house in May with a van load of stuff. I always want to help kids, but my resentment grew after hearing about all the vacations my bil was taking with his new wife while his son from a former relationship was being raised by us. I was clipping coupons and stretching every penny (happily at first) to be able to provide for more children, and he was completely shirking his parental responsibilities. Well, my nephew is 19 now and we help him out here and there still - and his dad doesn't - but he recently apologized to his son for not being around all the years he was growing up and voila!! all is well (augh). It is so hard to keep on giving in the spirit you intend when the resentment gets in the way....pulling back for awhile does help you and replenish you so you can keep doing it.
I forget that whole oxygen mask thing and then can't breath as a result. You'd think I'd learn eventually.
Yes, exactly Lisa, must pull back for a while to get rid of resentment and replenish my savings. LOL
I agree, you are definitely superwoman. Holy cats, that is serious generosity right there!
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