Comments on: Kerrying On: Still Stumbling

By: Surviving the Holidays | Shared Visions

Surviving the Holidays | Shared Visions — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:53:50 +0000

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By: Lani Laganowski

Lani Laganowski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:15:11 +0000

Kerry,
I am disappointed anyone would have such a response to your article and to make you feel like you had to defend it. I heard your message loud and clear and shared it with others. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

By: Michel Joy

Michel Joy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:02:15 +0000

Thank you for your ever-thoughtful appreciation for each moment! Staying present in the moment, sharing love, and expressing gratitude are the most precious gifts in life.

By: Nita Brady

Nita Brady — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:28:15 +0000

When I read this commentary, I couldn’t help but think about the unexpected joy I found in the people, particularly the children, in the tiny impoverished country of Uganda when I visited there about a year or so ago. Walking through the slums, I was overwhelmed by the smiles and laughter of the chilren, running and playing in what we in America would call deplorable conditions. Over and over I noticed how these children sat around telling stories, laughing, playing with whatever they could find in a garbage dump, walking down the roads with their arms around each other, big smiles on their faces. Joy in a place like this? Was it possible? I went to minister to them–but I received much more from them than what I gave. I came home changed, appreciating everything I have, and remembering the lesson that the best things in life cannot be bought with money.

By: Jean Tobin

Jean Tobin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:05:39 +0000

Your stories are absolutely wonderful! Just reading this last one, reminded me of Jackie Kennedy. If it’s my correct understanding,
Caroline and John were to write poems to give as a present. This truly showcased their mother as a class act and the importance of having a very personal piece of their child by the writing of their poems.

By: Michael Vitali

Michael Vitali — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:13:47 +0000

I loved reading this article for two reasons. First, it reminds me that material wealth, although important, is temporary and fleeting. Second, I was reminded that it’s never too late to make the kind of memories Kerry talks about. Regardless of family situation, there are always opportunities to seek out and help another human being, befriend someone who may need befriending, share a meal with another, or just sing (out of tune, froggy voice and all) songs of gratitude. The ability to act on our gratitude is one of God’s greatest gifts.

By: Trevor Kendall

Trevor Kendall — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:03:29 +0000

I was moved by the first story and encouraged by the second. In my early years (and I’m only 37), things like wooden pallettes, bailing wire or rope, and a good imagination is all you needed to survive. Palletes served as make-shift steps down the hill to the house, as the perfect firewood holder (they’d keep the wood from soaking up ground moisture), or as a great pretend Huck Finn raft when connected to 4 large inner tubes. Bailing wire was the “Fasten-All” of my childhood. I swear my dad could fix any tractor, car, or structure with it. I hated the knock-off shoes when others had Nikes, I hated going to yard sales for clothes all the while hoping the seller wasn’t a classmate, and I hated looking at Owens Corning insulation as I laid in bed staring at the ceiling because we couldn’t afford ceiling coverings….BUT I love the memories that could only be afforded by our situation. If hard work and dedication alone created wealth, my dad would be a millionaire. Sometimes its simply the circumstances your dealt, the opportunities you create, and good timing. Sometimes it’s hard to get all three, and sometimes your simply playing your part in the chess game of changing history, even if it means that it may take your entire lifetime without ever seeing the generations after you finally breaking the mold. It’s funny how I now have the money to share Christmas gifts with my children that as a child I only would have owned in a deep sleep, but that I’d still expect bailing wire to be hanging around the garage somewhere. I can still remember the cattail wars at the pond in the woods. When cut off above the water level, and slung like a yard dart, you could literally bomb the enemy from 100 miles away. Who needed expensive cap guns. All we needed was a pocket knife, acreage purchased with every last dime, and a little bit of time. This blog response has been theraputic with every touch of the keyboard. Thanks, Dad!

By: Deb Harvey

Deb Harvey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:11:27 +0000

Loved your story and response to others. For Christmas last year instead of gifts in December we took a trip to Florida in April. The trip was very pricy for the 6 of us and I realized my favorite part was watching my son and my son-in-law have a contest in the pool to see who could swim the farthest with one kick and one breathe which could have been done in our local pool for $3.00 if we would slow down and take time with each other. Thank you I really enjoy reading these comments and the thinking and reflecting and learning that I do.

By: Grizzly Bear Mom

Grizzly Bear Mom — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:29:28 +0000

I rememeber being poor, and how people blew off my requests for help. So when I became successful I stopped celebrating a commercialized CRASH-MESS, and give 90% of my gifts to those who Christ would have me care for on his birthday: the hungry, homeless, poor, orphaned, and the imprisoned. Rather than stressing out of the holidays, I feel JOY!

By: Jill

Jill — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:24:49 +0000

My dad loved peanut brittle, too. I am going to be giving it away along with the Christmas presents. Thanks for the help.