Eye on LSSI, Winter 2005

Christmas may mean different things to different people, but connecting with the people we love, gathering with family, expressing a spirit of sharing and reflecting on our faith are what makes the holiday special for many of us. Following are thoughts from Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) clients, volunteers and staff.

Christmas is a time for friendly smiles, friendly handshakes, hugs. For me it’s the warmness, content[ment], feeling of giving someone [something] that you’ll know that they’ll enjoy … It’s really not in the receiving but in the giving, truly.
—Bill Carraher, resident, Fox Hill CILA, Aurora
Fox Hill CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) is a group home for adults with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Though we get tangled in the “tinsel” of Christmas, there really is no gift greater than hope expressed through the love of family members for one another. … As one who drives children and caregivers to see women at Dwight [Correctional Center], the strongest emotions I see are renewed hope and joy, because children and adults have seen and heard that they are dearly missed and loved.
—Jean B. Jenkins, Visits to Mom/Visits to Dad volunteer driver
Prisoner and Family Ministry

Christmas with LSSI just wouldn’t be possible without a community of elves. From staff, to volunteers, to local businesses, to churches, to families all willing to donate time, money and love to others they may never meet. Most of all, Christmas with LSSI is teamwork between family, friends, co-workers and communities... To all of those involved, THANK YOU!!!
—Shanda (Feather) Sylwester, Child Welfare Services licensing specialist
LSSI Southern Region, Marion

Christmas is waiting for the birth of the baby Jesus. At Christmas, we celebrate with family and friends, and we spend time in unity and peace.
—Evalinda, Latino Group participant
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program, Chicago

Last year, our church bought gifts for 100 kids served by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). My adopted son, Victor, 10, is developmentally challenged. I wondered how well he’d get the idea of buying gifts for other kids. But he did get it. He was worried why their mommies weren’t buying them toys. We feel very blessed that Lutheran [Social Services] does accept gifts for kids. That’s what Christmas is about.
—Michelle Hutchison, LSSI foster and adoptive parent
Buncombe

Christmas means sharing warmth with loved ones. To be without warmth on Christmas is a state that nobody should endure. Whether one is employed in a helping field, volunteering or donating resources, we are all able to reach those in need and extend some warmth.
—Emily Polak, family service worker
Winthrop Children’s Center, Chicago

[Christmas] is a day to reflect on the past year on how good my God has been in my life and gives me the opportunity to give back some small amount of joy to someone else’s life.
—Andre J., Men’s Residence West 2005 alumni
Elgin
The Men’s Residence West is a halfway house for men in recovery from addictions.

Whenever I hear “Away in a Manger,” it reminds me of my daughter Laura, who was adopted from China when she was one and had some difficulties speaking English. In December, when she was a little over three years old, she began speaking in short sentences, except when she would sing “Away in a Manger,” a song she learned on her own by listening to the music we played at holiday time. She would sing all three verses by memory, modifying the words “Lord Jesus” to “baby Jesus” instead. Some would say it was a miracle.
—Pam Parkos, adoptive mother
Park Ridge

A man who had sent his family off to Christmas Eve worship noticed that a bitter storm was coming up. He saw birds swirling in the winds — and went out to help them. He tried to shoo them into his barn, but they scattered. He turned the barn light on and off, hoping to attract them. Finally he thought, “If I could only be a bird, I could lead them to safety.” In that moment, he understood a beautiful little baby lying in a manger — and I understand that because He became one of us, I can become one with Him, and one with those who suffer, in their pain, in their dementia, in their hopelessness.
—Dr. Chuck Olson, Chaplain, P.A. Peterson Center for Health
Rockford

It is the day after Christmas that is special to those of us who know the dear and generous relatives who care for the children until mom comes home from prison. Some years ago, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington began collecting gift certificates for these special women. We always hold off sending them until the day after Christmas so the grandmothers and other relatives won’t be tempted to give them to the children. The responses we receive back tell us how delighted the caregivers are that they received a gift for themselves.
—Sr. Pat Davis, Family Connections, assistant director, Prisoner and Family Ministry

I was born and raised in southern Germany. Preparations for Christmas started in November. On December 24th, the big celebration would take place. I can still remember the smell of a real Christmas tree filling the house. My parents would decorate the tree in the living room behind closed doors. When dinner was over, a bell would ring, and then the kids could see the Christmas tree. It was decorated with tinsel and decorations, and lighted with real candles. My family would gather around it, and say a prayer and sing some Christmas carols. Then, we could open gifts. Even though we didn’t have a lot, Christmas was wonderful. Now, it’s much quieter. But, I like to have a tree and sit by it and just take everything in.
—John Peter, resident, Lincoln Manor Senior Housing
Rochelle

I like Christmas because the house is always filled with your children and grandchildren. You get to see all your old friends you don’t get to see during the year.
—Clara Larson, resident, P.A. Peterson Center for Health
Rockford

Christmas to me is memories of my ma and pa [in Sweden]. Ma would make lutefisk, limpa [bread] and beans — a full smorgasbord. My sister would play Christmas songs on the piano, and family and friends would drop by.
—Thorsten, resident, St. Matthew Center for Health
Park Ridge

Every day should be Christmas! During the Christmas season, most people dedicate time to their families, friends and the Lord. This should be done on a daily basis. Gifts are nice, but the true gift is pure love.
—Margaret Wright, parent, Messiah Englewood Head Start
Chicago

To me, Christmas means being with your family that you have not seen in a while. Everybody getting along. And, of course, the presents!
—Xavier, Steps to Life participant,
Chicago
Steps to Life is a program for teenage foster children who are transitioning into adulthood.

When you give somebody a present [and] you put your Christmas tree up, then Christmas comes.
—Kiary, student, North Austin Head Start
Chicago

My beautiful four-year-old adopted daughter, Halle, has changed my outlook on Christmas. With Halle, I have the opportunity to pass on family traditions and keepsakes. I believe Christmas is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and is a special time for all people, regardless of age. But I also believe that my celebrations of Christmas are much more special because I can share them with Halle.
—Dr. Sharon Evans, adoptive mother
Macomb

I am from Colombia. In my country, we celebrate Christmas through the whole month of December. For me, Christmas is a time of sharing, caring for others and teaching our children about our traditions.
—Adriana Klepp, family service worker, Trinidad Head Start
Chicago

The Christmas that stands out most in my mind was the first Christmas after my divorce. All of my family lived far away. I was lucky to have a nice home and keep food on the table; however, there was no extra money for the holiday. I came home from work on December 19 [to find] I had a letter at the post office. I picked up an envelope with no return address on it and outside the post office, I opened it. Inside was a $50 money order. I never [found out] who sent the money. From that Christmas on, I have tried to give to others because that was the best Christmas I have ever had. It wasn’t the money — it was a change in my attitude that made the difference. It was the gift from the heart that opened mine. Now I welcome those without family into my home at Christmas. My extended family and friends have joined in this adventure. God has bestowed on all of us the gift of opening our hearts to others. It only took one little envelope to open my heart.
—TyAnne Unger, manager, Lincoln Manor Senior Housing
Rochelle