That Terrible #VDAYMUGSWAP Story

Doing swaps for me are a complete hit or miss. I either don't really feel 'connected' with the other person or I don't really take the time to put thought into the box and just send some things I find at Target and leave it at that. I'm sorry. It's true.

This swap was different though. VERY different. I got a very long, very warm response within hours or getting my swap partner. I went over to her site and thought immediately that I would have never been friends with this woman. Boy, was I wrong. We chatted back and forth via email and talked about everything from moving to kids to husbands to our favorite candy. It was very intellelectual I tell you. We clicked and hit it off and I felt like I had hit the swapping partner jackpot. The day had finally come to mail our packages and off they went. Both of us excited and even sending without tracking numbers so you KNOW we trusted each other.

This is where the story leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Saturday morning I had JUST gotten sick and was feeling terrible and awful and just wanted sleep. Dexter needed his diaper changed and Josh was gone. I quickly changed him and got ready for my nap when Dexter's diaper pierced my nostrils so violently I thought I was going to be ill. Like I said, I was REALLY sick and just didn't know it yet. So instead of up chuck everywhere I ran a load of trash out before I rested my little peppers. I head to the trash when I shiny gold box catches my eye. I am no stranger to dumpster diving and I took this as the perfect opportunity to do so. Edging in closer I notice some writing on the box and see that the name listed on part of it is mine. I seriously thought I was losing my mind. I pulled out the box to the outside being shredded and torn apart. All that was left in the box was some wrapping, or so I thought. I feverishly go through the box and my eyes filled with tears as I saw this.

Erica had made me a towel with my blog name on it. I had lost it. It was like seeing Dexter walk for the first time. I am not sure if It was because I was on so many medications or what but this melted my heart. Whoever took those things in the box were just that. THINGS. I know Erica put LOTS of effort into it and I know she was EXTREMELY bummed but I think the best thing I could have gotten from that box was this.

This has taught me that sometimes when people are desperate they will go through your mail and take things. Maybe they needed it more than me. Maybe they can't afford food and needed that Target giftcard. We struggle sometimes as a family but we have LOTS of resources to reach out to. Maybe this person doesn't. The next time you see someone stuggling take the extra time, money, thought, or effort to help. You never know what that little moment will do for someone.