Please give to the kids at the Cleveland Christian Home this Christmas!

lady of shallot · Wed Dec 08, 2010 11:55 am

Chris, I am going to cancel the purchase of the back pack and buy some art supplies instead. My husband is an artist and it would give him great pleasure to purchase such things and encourage kids. I also remember my h.s. art classes and how "lost" I could get in drawing during troubled times. Can you tell Maria our gifts might arrive after the 10th as we will not be mailing till tomorrow. Thanks.

Chris OConnor · Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:56 am

There really is no need to tell Maria about the gifts arriving a few days from now. The CCH will be happy whenever they arrive.

And I love the idea of sending art supplies!

lady of shallot · Thu Dec 09, 2010 10:30 am

Hi Chris we did get some of the art supplies from the list. My husband is fretting about the brushes as he thinks people should use good brushes. Maybe we will buy through the year to send next year as we only went to 2 stores yesterday. I am loving buying for kids who are unknown but of course would like to know the kids too! I wish them and you a wonderful Christmas.

lady of shallot · Fri Dec 10, 2010 11:36 am

Stahrwe, your son is a fine looking young man and I too want to thank him for keeping us safe. It must be very worrisome to have him in danger and so far away. My niece was in Jordan at the beginning of the Iraq war and that was hard for all of us. I certainly hope he returns home safe to all of you.

Chris, I mailed the things yesterday. We got some extra brushes to put in with the watercolors. Wish it could have been more but art supplies are expensive! I asked my husband, what he would recommend for starting artists and said a plentiful supply of paper and charcoal! Maybe next time I will send that.

stahrwe · Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:08 pm


	lady of shallot wrote: Stahrwe, your son is a fine looking young man and I too want to thank him for keeping us safe. It must be very worrisome to have him in danger and so far away. My niece was in Jordan at the beginning of the Iraq war and that was hard for all of us. I certainly hope he returns home safe to all of you. Chris, I mailed the things yesterday. We got some extra brushes to put in with the watercolors. Wish it could have been more but art supplies are expensive! I asked my husband, what he would recommend for starting artists and said a plentiful supply of paper and charcoal! Maybe next time I will send that.

This is our son's first deployment. He turned 21 in Budapest Hungary on his way to Afghanistan. He told me he decided to join the Marines on 9/11/2001. That amazes me. It is not just his safety but many of the boys in his squad have been to our home and we have become close to.

Chris OConnor · Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:16 pm

Thank you lady of shallot! The kids will love the art supplies.

When I lived at the Cleveland Christian Home we did "Activities" every night from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Sometimes we road Big Wheels or roller skated in the huge basement. Other times we played on the playground or swing sets. But quite often we spent time in the "fireside room" doing arts and crafts. I wish I kept some of the drawings I did way back then!

Stahrwe, I can see how 9/11 could inspire your son to join the Marines. I'm glad we have people like him that run towards danger as opposed to away from it. I felt so many emotions that morning of the attacks on our country. But one strong one was a desire to go back into the military and help confront the people that brought the terror to our shores. Of course I was too old at that point...but I do understand he emotions.

lady of shallot · Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:25 pm

"After 9/11", oil on canvas, 32 x 40 inches. This painting was done from a small sketch made 5 days after 9/11. As I sat on the rocks looking out to sea the Portland Pilot boat came by flying a large American flag. The sight inspired this painting which, to me, speaks of resolve, courage and hope.  

Stahrwe: this is for your son. My husband painted this as he says above. He was depressed when he went to look at the ocean which gives great solace.

My husband also gives thanks to your son and the many like him who have "kept us safe"

Chris, my Dad enlisted in the navy during WW11. At the time he was 39 and had six children the youngest of whom was 6 months. They sent him far away (Seattle) but at least not into danger.

President Camacho · Fri Dec 10, 2010 8:18 pm

In that case... maybe we should buy them some females.

Chris OConnor · Fri Dec 10, 2010 11:41 pm

That's a gorgeous painting and an inspiring story, lady of shallot.

stahrwe · Tue Dec 14, 2010 1:40 pm


	lady of shallot wrote: "After 9/11", oil on canvas, 32 x 40 inches. This painting was done from a small sketch made 5 days after 9/11. As I sat on the rocks looking out to sea the Portland Pilot boat came by flying a large American flag. The sight inspired this painting which, to me, speaks of resolve, courage and hope.   Stahrwe: this is for your son. My husband painted this as he says above. He was depressed when he went to look at the ocean which gives great solace. My husband also gives thanks to your son and the many like him who have "kept us safe" Chris, my Dad enlisted in the navy during WW11. At the time he was 39 and had six children the youngest of whom was 6 months. They sent him far away (Seattle) but at least not into danger.

Lady,

thank you and your husband. I am fortunate to live near the Atlantic and views of the ocean are always amazing

stahrwe · Tue Dec 14, 2010 1:50 pm

Of all of the things I have done this year, the one I am happiest about is being able to participate in this. I know Chris had reasons for doing this other than recognition, but, as a member of BT I would like to thank Chris for sharing part of his life's story with us and providing this opportunity to help. The internet is often a way of hiding identities, sharing intimate experiences is easy then, but to put it out there as Chris has shows a level of trust that I appreciate and honor. Thank you Chris, I know the boys at CCH will have a merrier Christmas due to your efforts.

Chris OConnor · Thu Jul 28, 2011 4:58 pm

Thank you, Stahrwe.

I'm going to ask Maria at the Cleveland Christian Home to send us some photos of the gifts as they're being wrapped. I wish we could see photos of the kids opening them, but the CCH cannot show minors in such photos for legal reasons.

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