[louise]

our candle from Christmas Eve was "seen". Janie found us on the 29th of Dec and moved in yesterday. She is almost eighteen and homeless, was asked to leave by her father and stepmother. Great kid, good student, in need of some nurturing and care.

Those candles work.

[Jerry]

Wow, how wonderful!! I appreciate you sharing the tradition. The kids didn't say anything when I lit the candles and explained what each was for. It had an impact on all of us. Added something to our holiday. I think we will have a good year....................
Diane and I will be leaving for a week in CA next monday. Three days in Long Beach and 4 days in Sacramento. We may not be transfering back to CA like we thought. It seems deep budget cuts are going to hit us hard too. One day at a time.

[Supersport]

Out of curiousity, I am wondering what this candle tradition is? Is it something you care to share with us?

[louise]

One of the more special traditions, is on Christmas Eve we light a candle for "the stranger who may need shelter". Each of the kids can light a candle (or a few!) for the people they are missing, birthmothers, fathers, first families...the list can get quite long. In the process of including thoe our children are missing and honoring both the person and the child's need, we seem to acomplish a sense of inclusiveness and tremendous comfort for our children.

Hope this helps.