a gift to both the receiver and giver. This holiday season I got a phone call from a stranger. Now didn’t I have enough to do already with all the students, graduates and my own family members? But I paused, I listened, THAT IS WHAT WE DO AT HORIZONS4GIRLS and I responded. This mom, new to the area had gotten my phone number from someone who knew what kind of work I was doing. She had just left an unbearable situation, was homeless, and because of her toddler’s unique needs was having challenges finding housing. It was just a few days till Christmas, and the toddler’s birthday was also just a day or two away. Wow!! Do I turn away from her needs or add to my list of what needs to be done? Well, I paused! I invited her into my home, open up a closet door, pulled out a spare winter coat, a couple warm blankets, and my husband opened his wallet and gave her gas money for a job she had just gotten. I gave her some phone numbers for community resources and …….It worked! They found an apartment, a simple Christmas tree, a Christmas gift AND a simple birthday gift. This family has settled in to a safe, warm and welcoming home. She sends me photos and regular updates of how they are doing. That pause….an interruption, or is it a gift 🎁. You decide.