Bells have a habit of ringing during the Hoilday season, but today bells rang out for two different occasions.
1. On this day 23 years ago, bells rang as Hillary Ann Dunklin entered this world and let me tell you… They have been ringing ever since! The whole world honestly should have been celebrating you because let’s face it, you deserve it! I could not imagine life without your crazy stories (like when you had brunch in Dallas and Lunch in Houston or when you valley the car everywhere possible), your fabulous personality, and your golden heart. My Dunklin Sisters are very special to me for different reasons, but I admire you A LOT hill because now I have kind of been in your shoes. You were such a constant encouragement during my first semester because you had lived that and because you knew what it was like to come to Texas and know no one. I have always looked up to you for that and I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement during this time. You being brave back when you made this leap of faith gave me more encouragement than you will ever know. THANK GOD Olive birthed you 23 years ago, or who knows where I’d be! Now, it’s time to stop being a big girl and hurry home for Christmas break fun! Hillary I am thankful for you most everyday, but today you deserve all the glory! You are one of a kind sister, and that is why I am so thankful!
2. Today, I was in charge of the workers for the local Salvation Army bell ringing at Mayflower and that in itself was a blessing. I have always loved ringing that bell because nothing seems to give me more joy than when a complete stranger puts money into a bucket just because. I am so thankful for all my great volunteers. I had beauty queens, family, and friendship of all ages, which was really an awesome sight. I got to spend lots of time there also and I fell in love ringing that bell all over again. I am also thankful for anyone that took the time and money to do donate to such a great cause. It’s not every day you get that opportunity… Making that small jester is so big in my eyes. I loved seeing the community during this busy time. I loved that even though they were so busy, they still were focused on the real reason for the season. I could not have picked a better thing to do on my first day of Winter Break… Nothing could have been better. Be thankful for those bell ringers (even if it is annoying… Trust me I know) because odds are they are volunteers, who are freezing, that just wants to put a smile on your face and wish you “Merry Christmas!” You see so many people ringing the bell and you talk to people you have never seen before. My favorite today was a man, complete stranger, who came to me and Hannah and said, “congrats on being lovely human beings.” It’s the little comments, like this, that make standing in the freezing cold where you try to see if your smile is real or frozen on, worth it all! There is no better feeling and there is no better thing to be thankful for than having the opportunity to ring the Salvation Army Bell in your home town!
Bells will be ringing all season long, but today they were ringing for great opportunities and a great sister! I am beyond thankful for this day that The Lord has made!
P.S. More pictures on my Facebook page!
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful
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