On the Receiving End

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the kindness extended to Clark and Phil’s community.  A few weekends ago was Seafair's Annual Special People's Holiday Cruise - a holiday tradition!  They boarded private yachts at south Lake Union with hundreds of their peers for a two-hour cruise of Lake Washington and Lake Union.  When we picked them up at the conclusion they had on blinking Santa hats and a bag of goodies each.  Their smiles told us they had had a good time.

The following Saturday was the Washington Ferry Holiday Cruise sponsored by AFECT (Active Ferry Employee Charitable Trust).  Paul, Cherlyn and I joined them for this excursion on a Washington State ferry which went half way to Bremerton and then back.  We left our car in the parking lot and walked on—past employees, clowns, musical groups, Coast Guard and Marine volunteers.  What a happy, festive atmosphere.  Santa made his rounds passing out stuffed toys while we enjoyed being on the water and munching on snacks provided by the volunteers.  When we disembarked 1 ½ hours later Clark and Phil each received a large stuffed animal donated by Toys R Us.