All month long, I have been saying "It is the time for miracles." The holiday season always brings surprises, joy, and generosity.

Working at Longmont's transitional housing facility, the Inn Between, I have witnessed these miracles for years. Anonymous donors and community support miraculously appear to help the Inn's many residents. I have the honor of watching people's tears of joy and relief when something they are in need of appears. I see their gratefulness for the help, and the instant renewal to their spirit. Donna Lovato, the Inn's Executive Director, attributes it to the Inn's angels. When a tenant needs something, Donna just asks the angels to bring it to the Inn. Within a few days, sometimes sooner, it appears. I am fortunate to work in a place where I get to see miracles happen every day!

Last week, one of the largest miracles I have seen occurredat the Inn. One of the residents was in desperate need of $1,000 to get her car fixed. She was very distraught over the high repair quote. An anonymous donor appeared at our door wanting to donate money for this specific tenant. We graciously accepted the donation and worked quickly to pass it on to the tenant. The tenant was called to the office where we presented her with a check for $1,000. She was shocked, amazed, grateful, shaking, and full of tears. By the time she left the entire staff was in tears as well.

This year, I not only witnessed a grand miracle, I experienced one first hand. My family has been struggling financially. For the past several months, the bills have exceeded our income to the point where buying groceries was a luxury. My husband and I both work, and run a retail internet business on evenings and weekends. We both have been putting in long days trying to keep up with the increasing costs of survival. I am stubborn, proud, and self-sufficient. I have always worked, and did whatever it took to keep my family going. We don't live extravagantly, but we are happy with what we have. Our house is 1000 square feet, our newest car is 12 years old, and our cell phones don't take pictures. I thought I felt gratitude for the things I do have, but I realized that I had no idea what being grateful really felt like.

When my neighbor, Judy, asked the innocent question, "Do you have all of your Holiday shopping done?" I laughed and said, "Well, maybe I can buy groceries out of my next check, then Christmas presents with the one after that!" We continued on with our conversation about our health, stress, kids, etc. and I didn't give it another thought, until today. Her son came by our house to drop off a Christmas card. I opened the card and two grocery store gift cards tumbled onto the floor! I picked them up thinking 'oh how sweet'. Then I saw that they were in the amount of $500 each. I started crying and shaking and saying "oh my God" over and over. I didn't know what to do. I think I had a mini panic attack after that. I tried calling her immediately to tell her that I couldn't possibly accept such a large gift. She wasn't home. I tried to think of what to say to her. While my thoughts were reeling, it occurred to me that my own miracle had just occurred. Last week, while I was working at the Inn, I had asked the angels for a Christmas miracle. I knew that I would need one to make it through the Holidays.

I did get to talk with Judy a little later. She explained that she had experienced a similar situation, and that someone had helped her out. Her family had a really prosperous year and they wanted to share it with others. Still overwhelmed, I am feeling a better about accepting the gift. I have been crying all afternoon, feeling humble, relieved, and grateful. This experience has shown me that the "pay it forward" idea really can work!

I never thought I would be in a position where I would have to rely on someone else to make it. It is a new and eye opening experience to be on the same side as those I work to help every day. I thought I understood what they were going through, when I really had no idea. What an enlightening experience. It made me realize that if it happened to me, it could happen to any one of us. During the five years I have worked at the Inn, I have always said that most people are just one paycheck away from needing to live there. Today, I realized just how truthful that statement is.

I will never forget the feeling I have today. This experience has made a deep imprint on my soul that will not be forgotten. I will remember to share when I can, and to think of how much of an impact you can have by helping others. I thank Judy and Terry for their generous spirit and hope that they realize how thankful I am. Their generosity not only makes an enormous difference in my life today, but for many years to come. I give thanks to the Inn's angels for bringing me a Christmas miracle.

My Christmas wish to you is to receive good fortune and health, so that you too can share it with others in their time of need. If you are in need, then I wish that your Christmas miracle is delivered to you.

Holiday Blessings,

Connie Wilcox