We finally put up our tree, committed to staying put, no matter what the situation afar may be. My gut told me to sit tight, to watch and wait. With all the tumult, and proposed break up, our grand daughter's future hangs in the balance, so not swooping in required an act of extreme self restraint.

We knew our son had the baby to himself, as the baby's mama is in jail. The great grandma, who usually lives with them, and does an enormous amount of child care, is gone for six months. Though our son is really good with the baby, this would be the first time he's ever had to care for her by himself for an extended period of time. We'd sent money for Christmas, relying on him to ask if he needed more help. No word, which had us worried.

At the time that my son's girlfriend got picked up by the police, she had all the cash, the food card, and the keys to everything including their shop. This left my son not only with a 9mo baby, but no money, no transportation, and no ability to open the shop to earn any money. They live nine miles out of town where there is no cell phone service, and no land line. Add relationship woes, and all the accompanying emotions, and you've got a pretty stressful situation.

My daughter, upon hearing of his plight, went to check up on him. They found him a bit frazzled, as you might expect any single parent to be, but doing well with baby. She and her boyfriend took him and baby home with them. My daughter babysat so my son could go shopping and have some time away. They took them back home with a promise to check up again soon.

Later, my other son and his girlfriend drove 50 miles to check on him. They played with baby, then went and bought groceries for him, and also for my daughter, who had used her money to help my son. In fact, I had sent all of them money for Christmas, and I have a feeling they each spent it helping the other out.

What's the best gift you can give a mother? For me, it's knowing that this son, who has had his share of struggles, is stepping up to the plate for his daughter. It's seeing brother and sister rally 'round him, despite past faults and hurts. It's seeing acts of unselfishness, service, and compassion among them.

I need no other gifts, this makes my Christmas!