Tamara, Ursula and Cameron

No one knows for sure how many words are in the English language but estimates are anywhere from 175,000 to 260,000.

And out of all of those hundreds of words, not one adequately expresses the energy and feeling that was present as we celebrated Christmas at The Madison yesterday afternoon.

There were tears and laughter, stories and teasing, music and singing. Silent Night. Jingle Bells. We wish you a Merry Christmas. The Spirit of Christmas was alive and well and shining brightly at The Madison. And smiles glowed and spirits shone and hearts were touched.

It was a busy time. I arrived at 1 with the stuffing and cranberry sauce and the turnip puff Jane had dropped off  just as Agnes turned up with more vegetables. Tamara and Ursula quickly followed with decorations for the table and the turkey all wrapped up in towels to keep him warm.

And then, we were in full swing. Tamara decorated. Howard whipped the cream that he and Kerry had brought for the dessert they’d made.  Cameron, one of the residents of The Madison, carved the turkey like an expert while Mikaela and Amanda laid out the food for serving. C.C. arrived with Taylor and his guitar and Alex, a friend of Amanda’s brought her violin and the two musicians serenaded everyone.

Cory, the staff member from Alpha House, (Alpha House operates the program on behalf of the Homeless Foundation) kept the place organized, letting the residents know when dinner was served as well as ensuring each resident got the stocking that C.C., my beloved, helped fill with items we’d bought because of all the donations. As each person entered I handed out their present and card — presents that we were also able to purchase because of the generosity of so many people. People like Tim Richter, the former CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation who was instrumental in the establishment of The Madison — a 15 unit apartment building for formerly homeless veterans. People like Joy M., a woman I’ve never met, who arrived at my door one day with a box of 15 jars of homemade crabapple jelly and a box of books to give as gifts. And my friend Jackie who contributed books and a beautiful Hudson’s Bay Company jacket. And Lynda who made the most amazing Gingerbread cake with eggonog sauce and a pan of carrots (to die for!) and her son, Cody, who dropped it all off!

And then there was Ian and Liseanne and Vicky and Jerry who shopped and contributed to the gifts, as well as LP, Al and Jane, Caitlin, Troy and Marnie, Kayleigh, Wendy, Sharon, Nev, Veronica and so many more like Keri and Randy who contributed and who came to the concert and so many people I don’t know. People like Elizabeth O., another woman I’ve never met. When they heard about the event, they lobbied grocery stores for gift cards and made donations to ensure everything went well.

You made such an amazing difference. You touched so many lives and I am grateful.

It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a community to create Christmas at the Madison.

A community of people committed to bringing peace, hope, love and joy into the world. A community committed to ensuring the spirit of this special season is known to all.

When Brian Weismiller, the reporter from the Calgary Herald who turned up to write about the event (Christmas Dinner Celebrates Veterans New Lives Off The Streets)  asked me, “What’s so important to you that you do this?” I told him about my parents. About growing up on military bases and how my mom and dad always ensured that everyone had a place at the table. Even complete strangers. I told him how the men and women who serve our country need to be celebrated. Need to be acknowledged for their sacrifice and their commitment to our freedom. How homelessness is numbing. How it strips pride and dignity, how it destroys hope. And how, through connecting through our human condition, we are able to transcend the sorrow and remember — we are all connected. We all deserve to know dignity, pride, Love.

And I told him how giving is receiving.

I received an amazing gift yesterday. The residents of The Madison invited us into their home and shared Christmas with each of us. I received the generosity of my family,  friends and acquaintances, and even people I don’t know who stepped forward and shared their time, treasures and talents. And, I received the gift of the spirit of Christmas as it shone in the hearts of everyone involved. In its shining, we all received the gift of knowing, we make a difference when we turn up and let magic happen.

When I returned home, as I finished preparing dinner, as I served the meal and sat at the table surrounded by the one’s I love — and a new guest too — I felt the wonder and awe of the day in the air all around me.

Oh yes, my heart cried out in delight. This is Christmas.

Thank you everyone. You have made an enormous difference. You have touched many hearts and raised many spirits.

Namaste.