Ah Christmas, the season for giving (and receiving)

Like everyone else, I tend to get very excited around Christmas. Yes, it's become a horrible consumerized day, but still. Presents. Decorations. Christmas card from family and loved ones.

But this year was different. It appears that "out of sight, out of mind" applies more this year than in previous years. Sure, my family is on another continent. But I hoped and prayed I would at least get a few cards from them. I knew that as sure as God made shiny green apples I wouldn't be getting any gifts from them. Fair enough, international shipping costs from Africa to the U.S. may be a little higher than what they can afford. So, a card would suffice.

I received three card this year. The little bear card on the right was from my sister, her husband, and my niece. Nice gesture. Warms my heart. So who sent the other two? Well, here's the thing. No one else in my family sent me a card this year. The other two cards came from my prison penpals. I shit you not!

And whilst tears well up in my eyes, I feel a little rage. These inmates are locked up, they make less than minimal wage with the menial tasks and jobs they can find within those prison walls. So even buying a postage stamp with which to mail a reply letter is a pretty big deal for them. But for two of them to save up and buy me a Christmas card each? Kinda puts a whole new perspective on things, doesn't it?!