"Mommy, is Christmas over now?"

[Victor_c3]

2. I have two kids of my own

they are aged 2 and 4. Little kids are naturally sweet and caring. My oldest daughter has suggested doing donating her toys to the poor herself. Embrace it and encourage it! It sounds like your friend's son is going to grow up to be one hell of a man! Too often boys are encouraged to not show compassion and caring.

In hindsight there are many times that I wished I would have displayed more compassion and given more to people I affected. I have a lot of deep regrets for these instances (nearly all of them are related to my time in Iraq). However, I never have any regrets for the times that I stopped and gave a helping hand to a person in need. In fact, those instances are highlighted as special memories for me. Once you start giving and doing charity work you find it is addictive. As selfish as this may sound, it is a great way to feel good about yourself with the added benefit of helping someone in need.