Merry Christmas!

First let me say how EXTREMELY difficult it was for Kyu and I to choose a family for our Huge Holiday Giveaway. We received dozens of nominations and after a big announcement through the Daily Candy, my mailbox filled steadily from nominees across the country who knew VERY deserving families in Atlanta.

We couldn't choose just one family. It was so tough. SO, we chose 2 :)

Without further ado, I introduce our $2,000 winner. Recommended by one of my favorite families, the Shoops.

*********

Karen moved her 3 years ago from New Orleans. She was a victim, or should I say, survivor of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. She lost everything in the flooding that occurred after the hurricane. Her parents happen to live in Marietta so she evacuated with her husband and, then 2 year old, son to be here. Her husband went back to New Orleans a month later to check on things. There house was flooded to the second story. They lost everything and I mean everything. The only thing that remained was a few baby and wedding pictures that were hanging on the walls upstairs. If anyone cherishes pictures the most it’s my neighbor because she lost so many of them in the flood.

To make things worse, her husband died while he was back visiting. I’ve never asked about the cause of death, but it was some accident related to the flooding. She was able to purchase this house in Marietta with her insurance money, but she still has a mortgage. It was the weirdest thing to see someone move into a house with no moving van or boxes. There simply wasn’t anything to move or unpack. She is a single mom with a 5 year old and works full time as a teacher. She takes her son to school with her and I see her car pull out of the driveway every morning at 6:45am. She has a few health issues and had some cancer removed about 2 years ago. So, she’s been through a lot.

Most importantly, she never complains. She is so generous and giving and has never asked for anything. She gives us all of her son’s old clothes to Logan because she just so nice to us. I feel guilty having a nice husband and family and living right next door. But, she has been a wonderful friend and someone that I am thankful to have in my life.

I know that she’d love to have some professional pictures of her and her son for memories. It’s would be a chance for her to start over.

*********

Stay tuned for another family we look forward to giving away special photo memories to. Announced Christmas Day!