Can you believe that it’s almost Christmas?! As you can imagine, there are a lot of excited children who simply cannot wait for this joyous season to arrive. For some of our children, this will be their first Christmas at TCM. I’ve heard more than a few conversations around our campus about what can be expected. It was one of these conversations that inspired this letter. Let me take a moment of your time to tell you about Thomas and Tina, two young people with the kindest hearts.
Thomas has this huge smile. In just a few seconds, he can change the mood of a room with his contagious grin. He’s got an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special and loved. It really is a gift, especially considering the roller coaster he and his twin sister, Tina, have been on.
At some point in our lives, we all have experienced the seeming unfairness of life. However, Thomas and Tina have become personally acquainted with this concept at a very young age. They lost their dad when they were in elementary school, and their mom fought health battles while doing everything she could to provide for them. Money was tight, and the struggles just kept coming.
About a year ago, their hearts were shattered again when they lost their mom. Their sweet grandmother stepped in to provide them with a home, but unfortunately, a few months later, she also passed away unexpectedly.
I know. My heart aches for them, too.
Thomas and Tina found themselves without a home, their hearts heavy with loss and uncertainty. But here’s where their story takes a turn.
They found a home with us at the Mansion. Surrounded by love and support, they started to heal and find their way again. Thomas’ smile still lights up the room, even though there are days when the sadness feels too heavy.
We’ve been walking this journey with them, reminding them that they are never alone. We talk about the love of Jesus; how He is Emmanuel, God with us. We tell them that they are loved and never alone.
Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s going to be a tough one for Thomas and Tina…their first one without their family. We want to wrap them up in love and show them that they are not alone, that there’s a whole world of people who care.
And that’s where you come in! Can you help us shower Thomas, Tina, and all of the children here with love and hope this Christmas? Your gift, no matter how big or small, is a message of love, telling them that they matter, that they are seen, and that they are part of a bigger family.
Together, we can bring the true meaning of Christmas to life for them. This time of year, lots of letters are being sent to Santa, but at TCM we know that we don’t need reindeer to deliver hope to the Mansion; we’ve got something even more powerful - the love and generosity of people like you.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of Thomas and Tina’s story and for showing them the love that Jesus brought into the world on that holy night.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Chad Parker
TCM President
NOTE: We have changed the names of the children referenced in this letter and they are not pictured.
