Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Felipe Arellano | Airman 1st Class Rosalie Cammarata, right, hangs out with her son Javier near their...... read more read more
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ELK GROVE, Calif. - We are the masters of multi-tasking. We can pack a lunch, wipe a runny nose and fix a leaky faucet all before breakfast. Our days begin before the sun rises and end long after the stars peek out from the onyx sky. This is the life of a single mother.
My life revolves around the kind, mischievous, fun-loving and intelligent 5-year-old boy I proudly call my son. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s not all giggles and Eskimo kisses, though. We’ve both made sacrifices since I enlisted in the National Guard two years ago. My son has adapted and accepted change, while I have struggled with the guilt of giving him a not-so-ordinary childhood. It has paid off greatly though, and Dec. 11 was just another example.
Retired California National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Rick Sihner and the nonprofit Elk Grove Grange held their third annual holiday dinner for local families and CNG members in need that day. Founded after the Civil War to improve farmers’ economic and social positions, the Grange’s efforts now include a growing focus on military members.
As I pulled into the parking lot Dec. 11, one thought kept playing in my mind: I don’t like accepting hand-outs. Typically, I don’t ask for help, even when I need it. So I nervously grabbed my son’s small, warm hand, and we walked through the crisp darkness up to the front doors.
We were immediately overwhelmed by warmth. Rick and his father, Howard, greeted us with glowing smiles as we proceeded to the registration table. My son created our name tags, and I quickly located our friends from other Guard families.
The evening commenced with a magic show, followed by a delicious dinner and a visit from Santa. I watched my son laugh and play with his friends, and joy washed over me. I felt very grateful for the chance to attend this dinner and share the experience with friends and their children.
As our children played with gifts from stockings passed out by Santa, Rick asked me and Staff Sgt. Leandra Bodah, a fellow single mom, to follow him. He led us to a room filled with toys for all ages, including scooters, cars and dolls. The back corner was filled with food: hams, rolls,canned goods, fresh fruit and desserts.
“I was a CNG soldier for 24 years, and I know life can be a struggle,” Rick said. “I want to help my brothers and sisters.”
As I fought the urge to hug him, Rick introduced us to his wife, Claire, and his mother, Jonnie, who compiled gift bags and stockings stuffed with goodies.
Bodah looked at me, tears rimming her eyes, and said, “The girls have been asking for this very scooter, and now I can give it to them for Christmas.”
As I tucked my son in that evening, he said, “This was the best night ever. Thank you mommy.”
I felt a lump swell in my throat, and my heart swelled with gratitude. I’ve always appreciated acts of kindness, especially when help isn’t requested. I most appreciate the help given to my son because I can’t do it all myself. It’s encouraging to know there are others who want to help.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2014 18:59 |
| Story ID: | 119779 |
| Location: | ELK GROVE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 251 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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