You see growing up I didn’t have much. My parents through amazing hard work were able to give us a roof over our heads and food and clothes but that was pretty much the extent of my existence. And I was happy. I never thought much about it but the majority of my clothing came from Salvation Army and Goodwill. As did some toys, furniture, kitchen supplies. It was because of the kindness of strangers that give to these charities that helped my family survive. It was because of food banks and church charities that many years we were able to have our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. It was because of them that we got presents EVERY YEAR. Whether it was because they gave them or by giving us food my parents were able to take some money from the budget to buy them. But it was never one sided. When things were going good we made sure to give back so that whomever needed it that year would have it. See, no matter how bad things would get I knew that I would always have my family. I knew that everything else was immaterial.

It’s because of that life that I am determined to give more to my kids. Not because that life wasn’t good but because I can. I am in no way ashamed of the humble life that my parents gave me, in fact, I am proud. They gave me an abundance of love and caring, and that is something that is going to stay with me till I draw my last breath. They gave me my determination to make a better world and life for everyone. That gave me a open heart that reaches out to help anyone that I can. And they gave me the humility to know that it is not shameful to reach out and ask for help when you need it. I would not be who I am without the experiences of youth or without the love that my parents gave me. I only hope that I can teach my children the same lessons that my parents taught me. That no matter what we have the most important thing is the bond and the love between us all.

So, it’s because of this all that I can’t pass a single charity bucket without dropping something in it. I can’t just throw out my kids clothes that are in good condition but outgrown. That I’m going to go to the store and buy about a million boxes and cans of food for the Lincoln Elementary School food drive. I’ll make sure to give at least one toy, per child in my house to Toys for Tots. Because there are still families out there that need those things and are depending on the kindness of strangers. Because right now, things are good and I will never forget to give back when we can.

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Here’s something that has been on my mind lately. How often should anyone update a blog? I try my hardest to update every day, and I usually fall short on that but I know a few bloggers that update several times during the day. Not saying that’s a bad thing. I think if you have that much to write about and can write it well go for it. But is there a limit to that? At what point are you blogging too frequently? When does it change from blogging to micro blogging?

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