Dear Tom, Sybil and J. Anthony Brown:
I have been listening to your show for as long as I can remember and I love you all. I have always heard about the recipients of Christmas wish, but always thought I was less than deserving. I am not a hero, mother of many or popular in that sense. I am just a youthful, fifty-eight year-old woman who could use some help.
I have been working with people with problems since I graduated from college in 1982. I am a case worker coping with the problems of the homeless, Alzheimer patients, substance abusers and HIV-positive youth. Due to downsizing, I found myself out of work for about two years. During that time I became the sole caretaker of my terminally ill aunt. When she passed away this summer, she had no insurance and no children, so I paid for her funeral.
Tom, my eighty-seven year-old mother lives with me and recently our water heater broke. By the grace of god, i have found another job, but I’m living check to check and can’t afford to replace it. I hate to see my mom having to deal with cold showers and “wash-ups”— you know. I would be forever grateful if you would grant us a Christmas wish of a new water heater.
Peace and blessings,
Elise Salmon
