Have you joined my incredibly non-annoying, once-in-a-while email newsletter?
From Popbitch, the UK celebrity gossip newsletter that comes out every Thursday (and for some reason, didn’t come out until Friday this week)
p>Israeli Jewish, Israeli Arab and Palestinian teens are competing on a joint team at this weekend’s World Shotokan Karate championships in Tokyo.
Why exactly can CHILDREN see past nationality or color or language or petty battles, yet adults can’t? It’s always been that way, right?
Peter – Fantastic idea! What a great way to give back.
Don’t need the trip, my friend. Just want to thank you for making such a generous offer. I’m sure it will make some surprised people VERY happy!
Peter – Fantastic idea! What a great way to give back.
Don’t need the trip, my friend. Just want to thank you for making such a generous offer. I’m sure it will make some surprised people VERY happy!
Wonderful idea!!! Love that ur doing it!
I would love to go see my sister and her family in Boston for the holidays. We’re Jewish, but I’ve celebrated Christmas with my soon-to-be (next Wednesday is the actual court date) ex-husband (he was raised Catholic) and this is the first year in almost 10 years that I won’t be celebrating Christmas. It’s not that I actually want to celebrate it, but I’m really going to miss his family and the tradition of it all. So, if I had my druthers, I’d spend Christmas/NY with my sister and her family. They’re loud and loving and crazy and it would be a really wonderful way to keep my mind off of the past and look towards the future. Thanks for your consideration. Happy holidays!
be a proud jew instead and celebrate hannuka
Wonderful idea!!! Love that ur doing it!
I would love to go see my sister and her family in Boston for the holidays. We’re Jewish, but I’ve celebrated Christmas with my soon-to-be (next Wednesday is the actual court date) ex-husband (he was raised Catholic) and this is the first year in almost 10 years that I won’t be celebrating Christmas. It’s not that I actually want to celebrate it, but I’m really going to miss his family and the tradition of it all. So, if I had my druthers, I’d spend Christmas/NY with my sister and her family. They’re loud and loving and crazy and it would be a really wonderful way to keep my mind off of the past and look towards the future. Thanks for your consideration. Happy holidays!
be a proud jew instead and celebrate hannuka
What awesome generosity! Peter, as usual you are tha best!
What awesome generosity! Peter, as usual you are tha best!
SUCH a brilliant idea!
SUCH a brilliant idea!
I don’t want or need to go anywhere – I just wanted to tell you how absolutely AWESOME this is.
Peter – love your information. I am currently separated from my wife and son (age 6, 7 on the 27th). They live in Dayton, OH and I am in Austin, TX area. Due to supporting 2 households and under the weight of several medical bills (my son has Asperger’s and requires therapy and many doctor’s appointments), traveling there for the holidays is very very unlikely. We talk on the phone regularly but it has been 6 months since i have seen him. He is an amazingly smart boy who is hooked on the NFL (telling me last week how the Bears led the NFL in turnovers – his comment not mine!). It would make my holiday but more importantly his to know for sure I can be there on Christmas morning and for his birthday 2 days later.
I actually don’t need the tickets myself, but would love for my sister in San Francisco to be able to join our family for the holidays. We are all gathering in DC from all over the country for the first time in years and, at the moment, it doesn’t look like she’ll be able to join us due to the cost of having to wait to the last minute (because of her work schedule) to book tickets. Would definitely be amazing if you could help get her over on the right coast with the whole family! Thanks Peter!!
I don’t want or need to go anywhere – I just wanted to tell you how absolutely AWESOME this is.
Peter – love your information. I am currently separated from my wife and son (age 6, 7 on the 27th). They live in Dayton, OH and I am in Austin, TX area. Due to supporting 2 households and under the weight of several medical bills (my son has Asperger’s and requires therapy and many doctor’s appointments), traveling there for the holidays is very very unlikely. We talk on the phone regularly but it has been 6 months since i have seen him. He is an amazingly smart boy who is hooked on the NFL (telling me last week how the Bears led the NFL in turnovers – his comment not mine!). It would make my holiday but more importantly his to know for sure I can be there on Christmas morning and for his birthday 2 days later.
I actually don’t need the tickets myself, but would love for my sister in San Francisco to be able to join our family for the holidays. We are all gathering in DC from all over the country for the first time in years and, at the moment, it doesn’t look like she’ll be able to join us due to the cost of having to wait to the last minute (because of her work schedule) to book tickets. Would definitely be amazing if you could help get her over on the right coast with the whole family! Thanks Peter!!
My family lives in Memphis, Tennessee. I am in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I moved here 12 years ago to work in the high tech sector and got laid off a year later in the High Tech Wreck. I’ve stayed here because I love the area and have many good friends. But finding a job in my industry has been difficult in the remaining years…I have managed, of course, but it has been hard to get back home, especially on the holidays. Most of the time my family has helped out, but it would be really nice for once to be able to handle that instead of imposing upon them. Since my father passed away two years ago, it just feels so important to be with them.
Laura, hi, two quick questions – 1. Do you work or have experience in communication ?(wondering since you follow Peter and 2. – Do you have desire to move back to Memphis?
Hi Peter. I’d gladly accept your offer to travel from Raleigh NC to Pittsburgh PA to visit family. I have a nephew who I wasn’t able to see over Thanksgiving due to divorce/custody issues but he will be with my sister for Christmas. Without your offer, I won’t be able to afford to fly home for Christmas. Whether I’m the winner or not… awesome idea. Keep doing what you do.
My family lives in Memphis, Tennessee. I am in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I moved here 12 years ago to work in the high tech sector and got laid off a year later in the High Tech Wreck. I’ve stayed here because I love the area and have many good friends. But finding a job in my industry has been difficult in the remaining years…I have managed, of course, but it has been hard to get back home, especially on the holidays. Most of the time my family has helped out, but it would be really nice for once to be able to handle that instead of imposing upon them. Since my father passed away two years ago, it just feels so important to be with them.
Laura, hi, two quick questions – 1. Do you work or have experience in communication ?(wondering since you follow Peter and 2. – Do you have desire to move back to Memphis?
Hi Peter. I’d gladly accept your offer to travel from Raleigh NC to Pittsburgh PA to visit family. I have a nephew who I wasn’t able to see over Thanksgiving due to divorce/custody issues but he will be with my sister for Christmas. Without your offer, I won’t be able to afford to fly home for Christmas. Whether I’m the winner or not… awesome idea. Keep doing what you do.
You ROCK!
You ROCK!
Unreal. This is amazing, Peter.
Unreal. This is amazing, Peter.
I’d like to see my mom back in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I don’t get home often, and when I do, I usually have to drive 10 hours to do so.
I do contract work for a nonprofit in the Metro DC area. I love the work, but one of the caveats of contract work is that you don’t get paid holidays. You only get paid for when you work. Which leaves my bank account a little less than full. As of right now, I don’t know if I can make the trip home for Christmas to see my mom and grandmother, who pretty much represent all the family I have left.
My mom is suffering from a botched back operation that leaves her unable to fly much less drive, so the only way I get to see her is if I head out there. As of now, I’m on the fence about making it home, and if I do, it’ll maybe be for a day, If I can work out some sort of ride share.
Maybe there is someone out there more deserving than me for this, but all I know is that I just want to wake up on Christmas at my mom’s place so we can spend that day together.
Thanks,
Hashim R. Hathaway
Peter – You rock (as well as Meagan and whoever else brainstormed this). It’s so generous and right in the spirit of the holidays.
I’d like to see my mom back in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I don’t get home often, and when I do, I usually have to drive 10 hours to do so.
I do contract work for a nonprofit in the Metro DC area. I love the work, but one of the caveats of contract work is that you don’t get paid holidays. You only get paid for when you work. Which leaves my bank account a little less than full. As of right now, I don’t know if I can make the trip home for Christmas to see my mom and grandmother, who pretty much represent all the family I have left.
My mom is suffering from a botched back operation that leaves her unable to fly much less drive, so the only way I get to see her is if I head out there. As of now, I’m on the fence about making it home, and if I do, it’ll maybe be for a day, If I can work out some sort of ride share.
Maybe there is someone out there more deserving than me for this, but all I know is that I just want to wake up on Christmas at my mom’s place so we can spend that day together.
Thanks,
Hashim R. Hathaway
Peter – You rock (as well as Meagan and whoever else brainstormed this). It’s so generous and right in the spirit of the holidays.
I am not in the U.S. Just want to say this is wonderful.
I am not in the U.S. Just want to say this is wonderful.
I would like my husband to be able to come with us to California. I used miles for my tickets but we don’t have enough for him. He is going to miss our son’s 3rd birthday and our baby’s first Christmas, but my dad is disabled and hasn’t seen the baby yet so that’s why I’m going. It would mean so much to have my husband there. We live in Northern VA and usually fly out of Dulles. My parents are in Palm Springs now but we sometimes fly into LAX or Ontario. No matter who you choose, thank you for doing this!
I just wanted to say that this is lovely and although you ask for nothing in exchange it will come back to you tenfold in all kinds of wonderful ways! I hope your wide reach inspires many to give so creatively this holiday season! All the best to you and your family Peter!
I would like my husband to be able to come with us to California. I used miles for my tickets but we don’t have enough for him. He is going to miss our son’s 3rd birthday and our baby’s first Christmas, but my dad is disabled and hasn’t seen the baby yet so that’s why I’m going. It would mean so much to have my husband there. We live in Northern VA and usually fly out of Dulles. My parents are in Palm Springs now but we sometimes fly into LAX or Ontario. No matter who you choose, thank you for doing this!
I just wanted to say that this is lovely and although you ask for nothing in exchange it will come back to you tenfold in all kinds of wonderful ways! I hope your wide reach inspires many to give so creatively this holiday season! All the best to you and your family Peter!
Peter, great idea and in the spirit of giving and community you have built, I would be willing to chip in $20 for the winner to have a meal while traveling. Pay through PayPal or whatever works best for you.
Peter (and/or Meagan), in this same vein, I’d like to chip in something for the winners to procure something festive during their travel. Spiced tea, jaunty hat, or anything else to help make someone feel extra warm and fuzzy during this season. Please let me know how best to contribute!
I’m tearing up just reading this.
I moved to Aynor, South Carolina, from Oregon with my boyfriend in October 2010, and this will be my third Christmas away from my family. My mom and dad and sister and her husband and my niece and nephew are all in Portland, Oregon. My niece and nephew keep getting bigger, and it kills me to miss the last few years of them still being kids. It’s hardest on my mom though, she said last week she was in Home Depot with my dad and heard “I’ll be home for Christmas” come on the sound system and she burst into tears in the middle of the lumber aisle.
I don’t have the saddest story, I’m sure. No one in my family is very ill (well, my mom isn’t doing great, she broke her leg after her hip replacement surgery a few months back, but she’ll survive). I’m just a normal person in my early 30s who works all the time and can’t quite get together enough money to make a holiday trip happen. My boyfriend is in grad school, so you know he’s broke. My folks are normal working class people – dad drives a cement truck and mom works in insurance.
Just thinking about surprising my parents by showing up for Christmas … well, like I said. I’m tearing up thinking about it.
What a great thing you’re doing! (I think it’s great even if I don’t win)
I guess I’m the first 🙂 This is a very generous gesture so regardless of if I’m selected I want to thank you for the opportunity! I live in SF and work in tech marketing. My most recent company was acquired in April (no big $$ for me though) and I have not secured a new position yet. As you’re probably aware, SF rents have gone through the roof in the last 2 years so my severance and savings are gone. I’m positive given my extensive experience and stellar track record that I will have a job very soon but flights are so expensive right now that the costs are hard to justify. My story is a little unique in that the family I want to visit are my close friends and their families (husbands, kids, parents, etc) b/c they have been more family than my own. My father is very ill w/cancer and while I would love to see him his wife takes that option off the table. I grew up in the mid-Atlantic so all my closest friends are there and since my close friends in SF are also from other states they won’t be around to celebrate locally. I unfortunately lost my mom 3.5 years ago so holidays are hard and the best way I’ve gotten through the last few years is to celebrate with friends and to enjoy the joy their kids bring to the day/holiday. I’ve been looking at flights for a week now and the prices are crazy. I’m also exploring spending the end of my trip – nye with a close friend from ny at her parent’s apt in FL for relaxation and pre-new job mini-vaca. I don’t know if you want the details but my travel cities are SFO – DC/BWI and DC/BWI to FLL and back to SFO. If you’re not cool w/multi city then I’ll work with you re: the roundtrip options :). Thanks again for your generosity!
Peter, great idea and in the spirit of giving and community you have built, I would be willing to chip in $20 for the winner to have a meal while traveling. Pay through PayPal or whatever works best for you.
Peter (and/or Meagan), in this same vein, I’d like to chip in something for the winners to procure something festive during their travel. Spiced tea, jaunty hat, or anything else to help make someone feel extra warm and fuzzy during this season. Please let me know how best to contribute!
I’m tearing up just reading this.
I moved to Aynor, South Carolina, from Oregon with my boyfriend in October 2010, and this will be my third Christmas away from my family. My mom and dad and sister and her husband and my niece and nephew are all in Portland, Oregon. My niece and nephew keep getting bigger, and it kills me to miss the last few years of them still being kids. It’s hardest on my mom though, she said last week she was in Home Depot with my dad and heard “I’ll be home for Christmas” come on the sound system and she burst into tears in the middle of the lumber aisle.
I don’t have the saddest story, I’m sure. No one in my family is very ill (well, my mom isn’t doing great, she broke her leg after her hip replacement surgery a few months back, but she’ll survive). I’m just a normal person in my early 30s who works all the time and can’t quite get together enough money to make a holiday trip happen. My boyfriend is in grad school, so you know he’s broke. My folks are normal working class people – dad drives a cement truck and mom works in insurance.
Just thinking about surprising my parents by showing up for Christmas … well, like I said. I’m tearing up thinking about it.
What a great thing you’re doing! (I think it’s great even if I don’t win)
I guess I’m the first 🙂 This is a very generous gesture so regardless of if I’m selected I want to thank you for the opportunity! I live in SF and work in tech marketing. My most recent company was acquired in April (no big $$ for me though) and I have not secured a new position yet. As you’re probably aware, SF rents have gone through the roof in the last 2 years so my severance and savings are gone. I’m positive given my extensive experience and stellar track record that I will have a job very soon but flights are so expensive right now that the costs are hard to justify. My story is a little unique in that the family I want to visit are my close friends and their families (husbands, kids, parents, etc) b/c they have been more family than my own. My father is very ill w/cancer and while I would love to see him his wife takes that option off the table. I grew up in the mid-Atlantic so all my closest friends are there and since my close friends in SF are also from other states they won’t be around to celebrate locally. I unfortunately lost my mom 3.5 years ago so holidays are hard and the best way I’ve gotten through the last few years is to celebrate with friends and to enjoy the joy their kids bring to the day/holiday. I’ve been looking at flights for a week now and the prices are crazy. I’m also exploring spending the end of my trip – nye with a close friend from ny at her parent’s apt in FL for relaxation and pre-new job mini-vaca. I don’t know if you want the details but my travel cities are SFO – DC/BWI and DC/BWI to FLL and back to SFO. If you’re not cool w/multi city then I’ll work with you re: the roundtrip options :). Thanks again for your generosity!
You rock! I don’t need this either, but I wanted to say thank you for thinking of others.
You rock! I don’t need this either, but I wanted to say thank you for thinking of others.
Awesome that you are blessed to do this and I would be blessed to be one of the recipients. Yes, flights are expensive. I would absolutely love to go to Chicago to visit my family, particularly my grandmother. She cannot travel due to age and medical issues and she has never seen my youngest child. I live in SoCal and to pay for five airfares (have three kids) is a huge financial burden. This year my family has had three grand milestones. I turned 40, my mom turned 60 and my grandmother (whom we want to take the kids to visit), turned 90. This would be an absolute blessing to visit. I know this is for two people only but if I was selected, I’d probably borrow the airfare cash for the kiddos since grandma is not in the best of health. Plus, it looks like I’m first to comment. Yay me.
My name is Tyger Danger.. silly name I know.. my parents were hippies. I want to travel home to Minnesota for the holidays. I was born in St. Paul, Minn., and now live in Orlando, Fla. I hate to tell a sap story, but my grandmother passed away last week, and I couldn’t afford to fly up on such short notice to Minnesota. I missed her funeral and wasn’t able to be there to console my mom. Tickets were outrageous. My grandma Elaine was a thriving, bold 94-year-old ball buster. I am a young professional just making rent after student loans and car payments. I haven’t been able to get up to Minnesota in years. It would be so awesome to visit my aunts, uncles, brother and cousins this year. I’d even get to see snow again! This is a really cool idea. Thanks for letting me enter. Fingers crossed!
Awesome that you are blessed to do this and I would be blessed to be one of the recipients. Yes, flights are expensive. I would absolutely love to go to Chicago to visit my family, particularly my grandmother. She cannot travel due to age and medical issues and she has never seen my youngest child. I live in SoCal and to pay for five airfares (have three kids) is a huge financial burden. This year my family has had three grand milestones. I turned 40, my mom turned 60 and my grandmother (whom we want to take the kids to visit), turned 90. This would be an absolute blessing to visit. I know this is for two people only but if I was selected, I’d probably borrow the airfare cash for the kiddos since grandma is not in the best of health. Plus, it looks like I’m first to comment. Yay me.
My name is Tyger Danger.. silly name I know.. my parents were hippies. I want to travel home to Minnesota for the holidays. I was born in St. Paul, Minn., and now live in Orlando, Fla. I hate to tell a sap story, but my grandmother passed away last week, and I couldn’t afford to fly up on such short notice to Minnesota. I missed her funeral and wasn’t able to be there to console my mom. Tickets were outrageous. My grandma Elaine was a thriving, bold 94-year-old ball buster. I am a young professional just making rent after student loans and car payments. I haven’t been able to get up to Minnesota in years. It would be so awesome to visit my aunts, uncles, brother and cousins this year. I’d even get to see snow again! This is a really cool idea. Thanks for letting me enter. Fingers crossed!
Hi Peter and Meagan. What an awesome thoughtful thing to do over the holidays. Of course I would love to fly from my home in California to see my family in Boston. I only see some of the family once a year, if that. As you know, airline is expensive, especially cross-country. However, I will say that if you pick me, I would like to donate my tickets to a service member who would otherwise be unable to see family over the holidays. Even though I don’t have a lot, I am thankful for the friends, family, and job that I do have. Pick me, and I’ll be happy to pay it forward. Thanks.
Hi Peter and Meagan. What an awesome thoughtful thing to do over the holidays. Of course I would love to fly from my home in California to see my family in Boston. I only see some of the family once a year, if that. As you know, airline is expensive, especially cross-country. However, I will say that if you pick me, I would like to donate my tickets to a service member who would otherwise be unable to see family over the holidays. Even though I don’t have a lot, I am thankful for the friends, family, and job that I do have. Pick me, and I’ll be happy to pay it forward. Thanks.
Hi Peter. I would love a ticket to go from Phoenix, AZ to my family in Massachusetts/New York I’m currently staying with my brother in Arizona, and I don’t have enough money to fly home to my partner and his two children. My trip to Arizona was unexpected, and I won’t have enough time to earn the money to make it back for Christmas. The boys don’t know I won’t be there yet, and I would love to be able to be there as a family. My partner’s dad has severe Alzheimers as well, so we don’t know how many more Christmases there will be with him.
Thank you for being awesome…there’s not many people who would even consider this.
Hi Peter. I would love a ticket to go from Phoenix, AZ to my family in Massachusetts/New York I’m currently staying with my brother in Arizona, and I don’t have enough money to fly home to my partner and his two children. My trip to Arizona was unexpected, and I won’t have enough time to earn the money to make it back for Christmas. The boys don’t know I won’t be there yet, and I would love to be able to be there as a family. My partner’s dad has severe Alzheimers as well, so we don’t know how many more Christmases there will be with him.
Thank you for being awesome…there’s not many people who would even consider this.
Peter, this is a wonderful opportunity and a kind gesture to your followers/fans! I am commenting not for me, but for my brother and sister-in-law who live in Minnesota. I want so badly to bring them home to Arizona for Christmas, so we can all be together. My brother is a youth minister who works with young children and teenagers in a small, rural town in Minnesota. He is a passionate, committed and tireless role model for his youth group, while also helping raise my two young nephews. My sister-in-law is finishing her psychiatric residency while balancing their new life with a nearly two-year-old and a newborn. Our family is very close, and we have spent almost each and every Christmas together despite distance or circumstance. This year the expense of two young children and two working parents is too much to overcome to get us all home together, and I would be thrilled to provide them a way to surprise my parents and my 90-year-old grandma with a family reunion. Thanks for considering my brother and sister-in-law for your giveaway, and best of luck to Meagan in choosing deserving winners! Happy Holidays!
Peter, this is a wonderful opportunity and a kind gesture to your followers/fans! I am commenting not for me, but for my brother and sister-in-law who live in Minnesota. I want so badly to bring them home to Arizona for Christmas, so we can all be together. My brother is a youth minister who works with young children and teenagers in a small, rural town in Minnesota. He is a passionate, committed and tireless role model for his youth group, while also helping raise my two young nephews. My sister-in-law is finishing her psychiatric residency while balancing their new life with a nearly two-year-old and a newborn. Our family is very close, and we have spent almost each and every Christmas together despite distance or circumstance. This year the expense of two young children and two working parents is too much to overcome to get us all home together, and I would be thrilled to provide them a way to surprise my parents and my 90-year-old grandma with a family reunion. Thanks for considering my brother and sister-in-law for your giveaway, and best of luck to Meagan in choosing deserving winners! Happy Holidays!
Too bad it starts and ends in the Continental US. I’m from the Dominican Republic and would have LOVED to take good use of your awesome gift! I’m the only child, currently living in the US of a divorced mom, who lives in a developing country where the $1 USD is $29 DOP… 🙂
Good luck to everyone that’s eligible!
I don’t need the tickets but wanted to tell you this was really nice. Happy holiday, Peter!
I am applying on behalf of my spouse. Last week my husbands best friend of 12 years (my husband is former military and his best friend is current military) had a brother that was unexpectedly hit by a head on collision and die. I know that my spouse would love to go his best friend, but would feel too guilty to use our families bill and Christmas money to do so. They have not seen each other in over 3 years face to face because of all the deployments and TDYs, and the way life tends to get in the way, and I know that the death has really made my spouse think of his friend. Just today he was asking me of a gift to send over, but I would rather send HIM. My husband has just a few days left from work this year to take off and I would gladly give up the days with him this season to send him on some time with his best friend. When someone passes it makes you realize that spending time with the ones you love is the only thing that is important. Thank you for the consideration.
Too bad it starts and ends in the Continental US. I’m from the Dominican Republic and would have LOVED to take good use of your awesome gift! I’m the only child, currently living in the US of a divorced mom, who lives in a developing country where the $1 USD is $29 DOP… 🙂
Good luck to everyone that’s eligible!
I don’t need the tickets but wanted to tell you this was really nice. Happy holiday, Peter!
I am applying on behalf of my spouse. Last week my husbands best friend of 12 years (my husband is former military and his best friend is current military) had a brother that was unexpectedly hit by a head on collision and die. I know that my spouse would love to go his best friend, but would feel too guilty to use our families bill and Christmas money to do so. They have not seen each other in over 3 years face to face because of all the deployments and TDYs, and the way life tends to get in the way, and I know that the death has really made my spouse think of his friend. Just today he was asking me of a gift to send over, but I would rather send HIM. My husband has just a few days left from work this year to take off and I would gladly give up the days with him this season to send him on some time with his best friend. When someone passes it makes you realize that spending time with the ones you love is the only thing that is important. Thank you for the consideration.
Peter, this is a wonderful. I don’t need it, but I’m going to share the hell out of this post, because someone I know might. Happy Holidays!
Excellent, Peter. I had a similar idea the other day to start a charity that does this… People can donate their miles to a bank from which other people can borrow. Trying to work out the logistics for start-up. Any ideas?
This is SUCH a fabulous idea. I would love to see something like this.
Peter, this is a wonderful. I don’t need it, but I’m going to share the hell out of this post, because someone I know might. Happy Holidays!
Excellent, Peter. I had a similar idea the other day to start a charity that does this… People can donate their miles to a bank from which other people can borrow. Trying to work out the logistics for start-up. Any ideas?
This is SUCH a fabulous idea. I would love to see something like this.
Awesome idea. I wish my sister and nephew hadn’t planned on going somewhere else because I haven’t spent xmas with my sister since my mom passed away in 2001 and I’ve not spent it with my nephew since he was just 5 or 6 yrs old (he’s 18 now and just started college in Atlanta.). But they’re going to Puerto Rico so I guess I’ll need to wait for some other time.
Awesome idea. I wish my sister and nephew hadn’t planned on going somewhere else because I haven’t spent xmas with my sister since my mom passed away in 2001 and I’ve not spent it with my nephew since he was just 5 or 6 yrs old (he’s 18 now and just started college in Atlanta.). But they’re going to Puerto Rico so I guess I’ll need to wait for some other time.
This Is So awesome Your Doing this! My Name is Jessica Im 23 Years Old and Moved to Belleview Florida In March From Maine 🙂 I Havent Been Able to See Any Of My Family Since Then & I Miss Them So Much! My Sister Had a My Beautiful Neice Casey Marie In September and I Have Yet to Meet Her! Last Week My Dad Had a Heart Attack. It Really Scares Me Being So Far Away From My Family When They Need Me Around Right Now.I Really Want to Go Home For Christmas So I Can Spend As Much Time With My Dad As Possible!Ticket Prices are So Expensive Now There is No Way I Could Afford to Go Home From Christmas and I Work 2 Jobs.
I Really Hope You Pick Me! It Would Be a Dream Come True! 🙂
IM WISHING FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS 🙂
This Is So awesome Your Doing this! My Name is Jessica Im 23 Years Old and Moved to Belleview Florida In March From Maine 🙂 I Havent Been Able to See Any Of My Family Since Then & I Miss Them So Much! My Sister Had a My Beautiful Neice Casey Marie In September and I Have Yet to Meet Her! Last Week My Dad Had a Heart Attack. It Really Scares Me Being So Far Away From My Family When They Need Me Around Right Now.I Really Want to Go Home For Christmas So I Can Spend As Much Time With My Dad As Possible!Ticket Prices are So Expensive Now There is No Way I Could Afford to Go Home From Christmas and I Work 2 Jobs.
I Really Hope You Pick Me! It Would Be a Dream Come True! 🙂
IM WISHING FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS 🙂
I’ll be home for the holidays. Just wanted to say that you’re an awesome dude for doing this. As a fellow 100K+ miler per year, I hope the skies treat you well!
Wow Peter, your generoisty never ceases to amaze. I hope your goodwill encourages more people to think about how they can extend their gifts and resources. My in-laws would love to come visit us in Seattle from San Diego – I know, not that far logistically, but financially difficult for them and quite expensive considering the relatively short distance. I’ve gotten from Seattle to Chicago for much less! It would mean a lot to them to be with their only son during the holidays. It’s the first year we’ve lived away from San Diego and are not traveling to visit them for Christmas. I know the holiday just will not be the same for them to be away from my husband! Happy, happy holidays to you and yours!
I’ll be home for the holidays. Just wanted to say that you’re an awesome dude for doing this. As a fellow 100K+ miler per year, I hope the skies treat you well!
Wow Peter, your generoisty never ceases to amaze. I hope your goodwill encourages more people to think about how they can extend their gifts and resources. My in-laws would love to come visit us in Seattle from San Diego – I know, not that far logistically, but financially difficult for them and quite expensive considering the relatively short distance. I’ve gotten from Seattle to Chicago for much less! It would mean a lot to them to be with their only son during the holidays. It’s the first year we’ve lived away from San Diego and are not traveling to visit them for Christmas. I know the holiday just will not be the same for them to be away from my husband! Happy, happy holidays to you and yours!
I think this is awesome and while I’m not eligible for this, I just want to say that I know first hand what an impact this will have on the two couples chosen.
I’ve lived in Europe for the last 2 1/2 years because of DOMA (no, my friends, it’s not an awesome vacation – believe me. I miss the States everyday). I work freelance, which I’m SO grateful for, but it doesn’t pay much. Further, most of my clients are in the U.S., so I get paid in USD, which you know as a frequent flyer that the dollar is weak against the euro.
Combine that with the cost of living here, and the cost of even a small wedding? Well, I think it will be quite a while before we can fly home to visit. I would never choose to live in here (customer service is horrible, the culture in this Western country is not really what you’d expect from a Western, civilized country, while I easily made friends and easily booked television appearances back home – people here are much different, and you can’t trust their motives) and I’m horribly homesick. So, I know that anyone that has the opportunity to go home for the holidays when they haven’t seen family in years (whether it’s due to financial constraints or legal discrimination) will be tweeting you, fb’ing you and whatever new social media thing they can do in the future that develops!
As it is, thank you SO much for HARO. Your service helps me maintain my credibility so that I can continue to work from home with kind Americans, and that alone, Peter, is enough. You’re a rock star. 🙂
I think this is awesome and while I’m not eligible for this, I just want to say that I know first hand what an impact this will have on the two couples chosen.
I’ve lived in Europe for the last 2 1/2 years because of DOMA (no, my friends, it’s not an awesome vacation – believe me. I miss the States everyday). I work freelance, which I’m SO grateful for, but it doesn’t pay much. Further, most of my clients are in the U.S., so I get paid in USD, which you know as a frequent flyer that the dollar is weak against the euro.
Combine that with the cost of living here, and the cost of even a small wedding? Well, I think it will be quite a while before we can fly home to visit. I would never choose to live in here (customer service is horrible, the culture in this Western country is not really what you’d expect from a Western, civilized country, while I easily made friends and easily booked television appearances back home – people here are much different, and you can’t trust their motives) and I’m horribly homesick. So, I know that anyone that has the opportunity to go home for the holidays when they haven’t seen family in years (whether it’s due to financial constraints or legal discrimination) will be tweeting you, fb’ing you and whatever new social media thing they can do in the future that develops!
As it is, thank you SO much for HARO. Your service helps me maintain my credibility so that I can continue to work from home with kind Americans, and that alone, Peter, is enough. You’re a rock star. 🙂
u know what Peter, I’m not asking for free trip. I just want to tell u that your idea is AWESOME!!! free round trip for people who have the strongest reason, I mean, you really know how to PR for yourself and probably for United Airline~!!!
u know what Peter, I’m not asking for free trip. I just want to tell u that your idea is AWESOME!!! free round trip for people who have the strongest reason, I mean, you really know how to PR for yourself and probably for United Airline~!!!
This is an amazing thing to do. I’m sure whoever wins will be so appreciative.
This is an amazing thing to do. I’m sure whoever wins will be so appreciative.
Peter, I don’t need this but will definitely share it in hopes that someone I know does. Thanks for being a great roll model! Have a very Blessed Holiday Season.
Peter, I don’t need this but will definitely share it in hopes that someone I know does. Thanks for being a great roll model! Have a very Blessed Holiday Season.
I love reading the stories here. There’s something about you all sharing a snippet of your lives, and why these tickets would be important to you. It takes strength and courage. Travel on!
I love reading the stories here. There’s something about you all sharing a snippet of your lives, and why these tickets would be important to you. It takes strength and courage. Travel on!
Meagan – You have a great boss!! My name is Janet Stone, and every word of this is true. I was raised by an incredibly controlling and abusive mother. About 21 years ago, she basically gave my entire family an ultimatum – cut off all communication with myself, my husband and our then 3-year old son, or she would make all of their lives the living hell that I’d been thru for 32 years. My husband and I decided that we’d step away and not put my family in the middle – so for 20 years we had no contact with anybody. I found out just over two years ago that she had passed on, and, on my 50th birthday, I reached out to a the only family member I could find on Facebook. He got in touch with one of my aunts that lived nearby him, and she called me immediately! It’s been two years since we’ve been back in touch and I’d love to be able to see her and my cousin, before something happens and they’re gone as well. My husband and I live in Fort Smith, Arkansas and they live in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. My birthday is Sunday the 9th, and it would be an amazing gift to share with the ones I have always loved. Thank you both – Peter for thinking about others at this time of the year, and Meagan for having the unenviable job to pick just two stories out of the hundreds you’ll get. Merry Christmas to both of you and your families !!!
Meagan – You have a great boss!! My name is Janet Stone, and every word of this is true. I was raised by an incredibly controlling and abusive mother. About 21 years ago, she basically gave my entire family an ultimatum – cut off all communication with myself, my husband and our then 3-year old son, or she would make all of their lives the living hell that I’d been thru for 32 years. My husband and I decided that we’d step away and not put my family in the middle – so for 20 years we had no contact with anybody. I found out just over two years ago that she had passed on, and, on my 50th birthday, I reached out to a the only family member I could find on Facebook. He got in touch with one of my aunts that lived nearby him, and she called me immediately! It’s been two years since we’ve been back in touch and I’d love to be able to see her and my cousin, before something happens and they’re gone as well. My husband and I live in Fort Smith, Arkansas and they live in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. My birthday is Sunday the 9th, and it would be an amazing gift to share with the ones I have always loved. Thank you both – Peter for thinking about others at this time of the year, and Meagan for having the unenviable job to pick just two stories out of the hundreds you’ll get. Merry Christmas to both of you and your families !!!
Such a cool idea. What a blessing this will be to someone in need!
Such a cool idea. What a blessing this will be to someone in need!
Peter, I think it is fantastic that you’re doing this! What a wonderful way to give back, and I know whoever you choose will be very appreciative. Although I’m ineligible for this one, I wish I could ask to use points “towards” tickets to England where my family is (I haven’t seen any of them for 2 years and the last time my husband, daughter and I got to go home together was 2006). It was really hard explaining to my 6 year old that we couldn’t afford to go back this year like we had planned (a company still hasn’t paid me for 3 months of work during the summer). My little girl went and got her piggy bank and told me she wanted to use what she had saved to pay for the tickets to go see her Grandma and Grandad. I teared right up, as I’m sure you can imagine.
However, I do have a lot to be thankful for – my husband is not deployed this year which is wonderful (he’s been gone for more than he’s been home since our daughter was born), and we get to have Christmas together as a family here in San Diego. As is the case for any military family, having my own immediate family together is not a given at any holiday or birthday, so that does make it more special. I just wish we could have gone home to England this year too. Next year 🙂
Kudos to you Peter for doing this. I know whoever you choose to send home will be forever grateful for your generosity 🙂 Thank you for giving back 🙂
Peter, I think it is fantastic that you’re doing this! What a wonderful way to give back, and I know whoever you choose will be very appreciative. Although I’m ineligible for this one, I wish I could ask to use points “towards” tickets to England where my family is (I haven’t seen any of them for 2 years and the last time my husband, daughter and I got to go home together was 2006). It was really hard explaining to my 6 year old that we couldn’t afford to go back this year like we had planned (a company still hasn’t paid me for 3 months of work during the summer). My little girl went and got her piggy bank and told me she wanted to use what she had saved to pay for the tickets to go see her Grandma and Grandad. I teared right up, as I’m sure you can imagine.
However, I do have a lot to be thankful for – my husband is not deployed this year which is wonderful (he’s been gone for more than he’s been home since our daughter was born), and we get to have Christmas together as a family here in San Diego. As is the case for any military family, having my own immediate family together is not a given at any holiday or birthday, so that does make it more special. I just wish we could have gone home to England this year too. Next year 🙂
Kudos to you Peter for doing this. I know whoever you choose to send home will be forever grateful for your generosity 🙂 Thank you for giving back 🙂
My brother and sister in law who I haven’t seen in 3 years will be flying to Boston with my 11 month old nephew who i have never met. I would love to fly from Philadelphia to see them. I have been oit of work for a month due to an illness and am broke. I cant drive as my car needs repairs. I would love to see them on dec 21…..
My brother and sister in law who I haven’t seen in 3 years will be flying to Boston with my 11 month old nephew who i have never met. I would love to fly from Philadelphia to see them. I have been oit of work for a month due to an illness and am broke. I cant drive as my car needs repairs. I would love to see them on dec 21…..
Like some others, I’ll kick in some spending money for whomever you select. Put me down for $25, I’ll figure out the transfer stuff later.
Like some others, I’ll kick in some spending money for whomever you select. Put me down for $25, I’ll figure out the transfer stuff later.
This is an incredible gesture of generosity. After reading some of the other stories here, I’m not sure if it’s even reasonable to throw my hat in the ring, but it’s been a difficult year so I’m going to give it a shot. I mean, who knows, right? Nice things happen all the time 🙂
My partner and I have been struggling with finances this year and have been trying to make the heart-wrenching decision between going to visit his long-lost sister in the Bay Area or my elderly parents in Southern CA this Holiday season. We can’t afford to do both trips, but there are really good reasons to go to both places this year:
His whole family (Bay Area, Oakland) has been estranged for almost 20 years, but even so, the conflict was never with his sister. Recently, they found each other online and they began the process of reconnecting with each other. Many conversations, stories, tears, and laughter have been shared over the phone. Now we would love to go and see them in the Bay Area during the Holidays so they can continue the process of reestablishing their relationship.
My father (Southern CA) has had 2 heart bypasses, a pacemaker, cataract surgery, and retinal repair all in the last few years. He is slowly losing his vision and it kills me to know that there will come a day when he won’t be able to see well enough to do what he loves most: repairing and fixing up classic cars. I haven’t been able to afford to fly down from Seattle to see them in a long time and this year has been more difficult than most. Whenever I think about the likelihood of seeing him before he loses his sight just breaks my heart so I try not to dwell on it. I just keep hoping that time will be kind to us and I’ll figure out a way to see him sooner than later.
I know we aren’t the most needy of folks out there. We are lucky to have what we have and are grateful for our life together. I just figure, what the heck. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? So I ask kindly, if there is any chance to help us with even one of these trips to see our families, it would be the greatest gift ever and would definitely be appreciated for a lifetime. Thank you so much for your consideration.
This is an incredible gesture of generosity. After reading some of the other stories here, I’m not sure if it’s even reasonable to throw my hat in the ring, but it’s been a difficult year so I’m going to give it a shot. I mean, who knows, right? Nice things happen all the time 🙂
My partner and I have been struggling with finances this year and have been trying to make the heart-wrenching decision between going to visit his long-lost sister in the Bay Area or my elderly parents in Southern CA this Holiday season. We can’t afford to do both trips, but there are really good reasons to go to both places this year:
His whole family (Bay Area, Oakland) has been estranged for almost 20 years, but even so, the conflict was never with his sister. Recently, they found each other online and they began the process of reconnecting with each other. Many conversations, stories, tears, and laughter have been shared over the phone. Now we would love to go and see them in the Bay Area during the Holidays so they can continue the process of reestablishing their relationship.
My father (Southern CA) has had 2 heart bypasses, a pacemaker, cataract surgery, and retinal repair all in the last few years. He is slowly losing his vision and it kills me to know that there will come a day when he won’t be able to see well enough to do what he loves most: repairing and fixing up classic cars. I haven’t been able to afford to fly down from Seattle to see them in a long time and this year has been more difficult than most. Whenever I think about the likelihood of seeing him before he loses his sight just breaks my heart so I try not to dwell on it. I just keep hoping that time will be kind to us and I’ll figure out a way to see him sooner than later.
I know we aren’t the most needy of folks out there. We are lucky to have what we have and are grateful for our life together. I just figure, what the heck. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? So I ask kindly, if there is any chance to help us with even one of these trips to see our families, it would be the greatest gift ever and would definitely be appreciated for a lifetime. Thank you so much for your consideration.
This is so kind and generous of you! My request would be for my son and myself. I have another son in Escondido California, and we haven’t seen him in a year and a half. I’ve been divorces for 2 years and have been concentrating on getting my degree in education. My youngest son has been in college and does not have the funds to fly out to see him either. Plus, my youngest son is graduating next week on the 16th and my eldest son, (in CA) will be having his birthday on the 19th. I could be so very special to have my sons together again, Just askin’! HAve a wonderful holiday with you and yours. Thank you.
This is so kind and generous of you! My request would be for my son and myself. I have another son in Escondido California, and we haven’t seen him in a year and a half. I’ve been divorces for 2 years and have been concentrating on getting my degree in education. My youngest son has been in college and does not have the funds to fly out to see him either. Plus, my youngest son is graduating next week on the 16th and my eldest son, (in CA) will be having his birthday on the 19th. I could be so very special to have my sons together again, Just askin’! HAve a wonderful holiday with you and yours. Thank you.
What an awesome idea, thank you for paying it forward.
P,S: If you were giving international travel miles, I would love to visit my parents in India – I haven’t spent Christmas with them in the last 4 years!
What an awesome idea, thank you for paying it forward.
P,S: If you were giving international travel miles, I would love to visit my parents in India – I haven’t spent Christmas with them in the last 4 years!
I would love to have my son come home to Anchorage from Boston. He just finished his internship for his college degree, and hasn’t been home since last fall. I may not be able to swing it on a teacher’s salary – even a little would help!
I am up here alone for the first time since my hasband passed away five years ago and Christmas is looking kinda dreary without my two kiddos! THANK YOU!!
When I met my beautiful wife 10 years ago, we agreed that “family” is those you choose to be with, and not always those you’re born to. And with her parents dead, and only one of my parents left, but living in Australia, we decided that our “family” would be those who love and support us, tell us off when we need it, buy us a drink when it’s the right time, and let you know when your breath smells.
We left our “family” in Boston five years ago when we moved to San Francisco, and while we’ve certainly made new family, it would be special to spend the holidays with our sorely missed Boston family. So I’m asking for the flights to take us home, not for me, but for my partner. We found out four weeks ago that she has MS, and although it’s no longer a killer disease, I know how much she would love to hear from her Boston family that everything is going to be OK.
I would love to have my son come home to Anchorage from Boston. He just finished his internship for his college degree, and hasn’t been home since last fall. I may not be able to swing it on a teacher’s salary – even a little would help!
I am up here alone for the first time since my hasband passed away five years ago and Christmas is looking kinda dreary without my two kiddos! THANK YOU!!
When I met my beautiful wife 10 years ago, we agreed that “family” is those you choose to be with, and not always those you’re born to. And with her parents dead, and only one of my parents left, but living in Australia, we decided that our “family” would be those who love and support us, tell us off when we need it, buy us a drink when it’s the right time, and let you know when your breath smells.
We left our “family” in Boston five years ago when we moved to San Francisco, and while we’ve certainly made new family, it would be special to spend the holidays with our sorely missed Boston family. So I’m asking for the flights to take us home, not for me, but for my partner. We found out four weeks ago that she has MS, and although it’s no longer a killer disease, I know how much she would love to hear from her Boston family that everything is going to be OK.
This is amazing and I want to get in on the holiday/giving spirit. As I told Peter, I’m going to donate $1 for each comment posted here to a local women and childrens shelter here in Chicago. Bravo and thanks, Peter! -Catherine
This is amazing and I want to get in on the holiday/giving spirit. As I told Peter, I’m going to donate $1 for each comment posted here to a local women and childrens shelter here in Chicago. Bravo and thanks, Peter! -Catherine
I would love to go see my grand daughter,Amelie in Sasebo, Japan.She just started walking and it is breaking my heart being so far away.If you have a chance look at “Introducing Amelie” on YOUTUBE.I love my daughter and son in law and miss them too.
PS You really are the spirit of the season!
Meagan is certainly going to have a great deal of reading to do. These stories are so touching! I’d like to nominate my sister-in-law and her 3 year old daughter. They are currently living in Connecticut with the rest of our family in North Carolina. My brother is an active member of the military and will be away for Christmas. Obviously since he’s in the military and she is a stay at home mom, money is extremely tight if not sparse. She has very little support from her own family and will most likely be spending Christmas alone with her 3 year old and 1 year old daughters. I know that this will absolutely make her Christmas because she has already spent much of the year alone with my brother away at sea. Not to mention how much it would mean to my mom and dad to have all of their grandchildren by their side this holiday. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
I would love to go see my grand daughter,Amelie in Sasebo, Japan.She just started walking and it is breaking my heart being so far away.If you have a chance look at “Introducing Amelie” on YOUTUBE.I love my daughter and son in law and miss them too.
PS You really are the spirit of the season!
Meagan is certainly going to have a great deal of reading to do. These stories are so touching! I’d like to nominate my sister-in-law and her 3 year old daughter. They are currently living in Connecticut with the rest of our family in North Carolina. My brother is an active member of the military and will be away for Christmas. Obviously since he’s in the military and she is a stay at home mom, money is extremely tight if not sparse. She has very little support from her own family and will most likely be spending Christmas alone with her 3 year old and 1 year old daughters. I know that this will absolutely make her Christmas because she has already spent much of the year alone with my brother away at sea. Not to mention how much it would mean to my mom and dad to have all of their grandchildren by their side this holiday. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
Peter – First, BravoZulu for HARO. Fantastic stuff.
Second, I’ll happily chip in $20 (not much, but what I can afford this year) to pay it forward to whomever Meagan picks. I can PayPal (or whatever) the amount to you or the winner. PM me once a winner is picked.
Fair winds and following seas,
Anton Ross
S/V Meridian – Hilton Head Island, SC
Peter – First, BravoZulu for HARO. Fantastic stuff.
Second, I’ll happily chip in $20 (not much, but what I can afford this year) to pay it forward to whomever Meagan picks. I can PayPal (or whatever) the amount to you or the winner. PM me once a winner is picked.
Fair winds and following seas,
Anton Ross
S/V Meridian – Hilton Head Island, SC
Wow, Peter,,what you are doing is amazing…you have a heart of gold…whilst my family unfortunately are not in the US, they are over 3000 miles away in the city of Liverpool, England!! I live in Hackensack NJ…so needless to say, Sandy hit our area fast and furious, whilst thankfully my boyfriend and I still have a roof over our head, sadly, a lot of friends do not!! The closest thing I have to family here in the US for Christmas is my boyfriends family in Florida, being Flying home to the UK is completely out of the question due to extremely high prices, I was contemplating to apply for a new credit card to fly my boyfriend and I to Florida to be with his family, but decided against it as I felt it to be so selfish to get into debt for this when I have so, many friends whom lost everything in the storm…regardless Peter, again what you are doing is simply amazing and very touching, no doubt your family is extremely proud of you!! Wishing yourself, Megan and family a brilliant Christmas, good luck, health and happiness for 2013!
Wow, Peter,,what you are doing is amazing…you have a heart of gold…whilst my family unfortunately are not in the US, they are over 3000 miles away in the city of Liverpool, England!! I live in Hackensack NJ…so needless to say, Sandy hit our area fast and furious, whilst thankfully my boyfriend and I still have a roof over our head, sadly, a lot of friends do not!! The closest thing I have to family here in the US for Christmas is my boyfriends family in Florida, being Flying home to the UK is completely out of the question due to extremely high prices, I was contemplating to apply for a new credit card to fly my boyfriend and I to Florida to be with his family, but decided against it as I felt it to be so selfish to get into debt for this when I have so, many friends whom lost everything in the storm…regardless Peter, again what you are doing is simply amazing and very touching, no doubt your family is extremely proud of you!! Wishing yourself, Megan and family a brilliant Christmas, good luck, health and happiness for 2013!
Hi Peter –
What a generous and kind thought to give back. My girlfriend and I live in Minneapolis (where my family is based) and her family is in Washington D.C. While we have been searching for affordable flights over the holidays, we have found nothing under $450 a piece. Even with this, we were hoping to scrounge up the money to ensure we could see her family. Last week, we received a call that her brother has been struggling and unfortunately had developed a severe addiction to narcotics. In order to get him and the family healthy, we took the money we saved to fly my girlfriend home and help pay for an intervention and entrance into treatment. He just left yesterday and with the family left to pick up the pieces, we are now unable to afford flights back to spend Christmas with her family on the year that they need us most – as they mend from the pain of addiction, enabling, and family trauma.
We would so appreciate this gift to be able to support and celebrate with her family in their greatest time of need.
Thank you!!
Becky
Hi Peter –
What a generous and kind thought to give back. My girlfriend and I live in Minneapolis (where my family is based) and her family is in Washington D.C. While we have been searching for affordable flights over the holidays, we have found nothing under $450 a piece. Even with this, we were hoping to scrounge up the money to ensure we could see her family. Last week, we received a call that her brother has been struggling and unfortunately had developed a severe addiction to narcotics. In order to get him and the family healthy, we took the money we saved to fly my girlfriend home and help pay for an intervention and entrance into treatment. He just left yesterday and with the family left to pick up the pieces, we are now unable to afford flights back to spend Christmas with her family on the year that they need us most – as they mend from the pain of addiction, enabling, and family trauma.
We would so appreciate this gift to be able to support and celebrate with her family in their greatest time of need.
Thank you!!
Becky
Peter, I am absolutely blown away with your generosity and wish I had the means to do something similar… maybe someday! I don’t need a trip and am fortunate to have my family close by, but I just had to leave a comment and give you a virtual pat on the back and tell you how awesome you are. “Pat Pat”.
Peter, I am absolutely blown away with your generosity and wish I had the means to do something similar… maybe someday! I don’t need a trip and am fortunate to have my family close by, but I just had to leave a comment and give you a virtual pat on the back and tell you how awesome you are. “Pat Pat”.
This is a wonderful idea! I would like to nominate my ex-husband and our kiddos. My ex lost his job in October and will be starting a new job in the new year. He just got word that his mother;s health is failing fast and they do not expect her to last through to next Christmas. He is really wanting to take the kids to San Diego (from Denver) for Christmas Currently his plan is to drive out, leaving on Christmas day. I have given my blessing that they leave the weekend before giving up my time with the kids on Christmas, but the kids are balking at missing the time with their family here in Denver. With the 2 round trip tickets he would only need to purchase one more for them all to go see his mom. One ticket costs significantly less than the fuel will cost for the round trip driving.
Thank you for impacting my life in a positive way every day! It is great to see you blessing others!
Wow Jenny. You are amazing to be asking on behalf of your ex. Oy. Wow.
This is a wonderful idea! I would like to nominate my ex-husband and our kiddos. My ex lost his job in October and will be starting a new job in the new year. He just got word that his mother;s health is failing fast and they do not expect her to last through to next Christmas. He is really wanting to take the kids to San Diego (from Denver) for Christmas Currently his plan is to drive out, leaving on Christmas day. I have given my blessing that they leave the weekend before giving up my time with the kids on Christmas, but the kids are balking at missing the time with their family here in Denver. With the 2 round trip tickets he would only need to purchase one more for them all to go see his mom. One ticket costs significantly less than the fuel will cost for the round trip driving.
Thank you for impacting my life in a positive way every day! It is great to see you blessing others!
Wow Jenny. You are amazing to be asking on behalf of your ex. Oy. Wow.
This is a wonderful idea! I would like to nominate my ex-husband and our kiddos. My ex lost his job in October and will be starting a new job in the new year. He just got word that his mother;s health is failing fast and they do not expect her to last through to next Christmas. He is really wanting to take the kids to San Diego (from Denver) for Christmas Currently his plan is to drive out, leaving on Christmas day. I have given my blessing that they leave the weekend before giving up my time with the kids on Christmas, but the kids are balking at missing the time with their family here in Denver. With the 2 round trip tickets he would only need to purchase one more for them all to go see his mom. One ticket costs significantly less than the fuel will cost for the round trip driving.
Thank you for impacting my life in a positive way every day! It is great to see you blessing others!
This is a wonderful idea! I would like to nominate my ex-husband and our kiddos. My ex lost his job in October and will be starting a new job in the new year. He just got word that his mother;s health is failing fast and they do not expect her to last through to next Christmas. He is really wanting to take the kids to San Diego (from Denver) for Christmas Currently his plan is to drive out, leaving on Christmas day. I have given my blessing that they leave the weekend before giving up my time with the kids on Christmas, but the kids are balking at missing the time with their family here in Denver. With the 2 round trip tickets he would only need to purchase one more for them all to go see his mom. One ticket costs significantly less than the fuel will cost for the round trip driving.
Thank you for impacting my life in a positive way every day! It is great to see you blessing others!
This is a wonderful idea! I would like to nominate my ex-husband and our kiddos. My ex lost his job in October and will be starting a new job in the new year. He just got word that his mother;s health is failing fast and they do not expect her to last through to next Christmas. He is really wanting to take the kids to San Diego (from Denver) for Christmas Currently his plan is to drive out, leaving on Christmas day. I have given my blessing that they leave the weekend before giving up my time with the kids on Christmas, but the kids are balking at missing the time with their family here in Denver. With the 2 round trip tickets he would only need to purchase one more for them all to go see his mom. One ticket costs significantly less than the fuel will cost for the round trip driving.
Thank you for impacting my life in a positive way every day! It is great to see you blessing others!
Now THIS is the spirit of giving! For your consideration, please consider my mother. We’d much like to get her down to ATL from CVG (or Dayton, given how outrageous prices at CVG can be) this year. It would mean considerably more because it’s been a tough year for my mother: earlier this year she lost her husband about 8 months after diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. In light of the diagnosis, they married at Christmastime last year and her husband passed on just 4 months later. Struggling on her teacher’s assistant salary, she soon found herself without a car (repossessed) and having to move from the home they shared for 10 years (now staying in family’s basement). Meanwhile myself and my sisters live in Atlanta; my sisters have both started new jobs recently and cannot take off work for the holiday. None of us can afford travel for her right now. It would mean the world to my mom to come down for Christmas as this will undoubtedly be a hard time without the love of her life and her daughters. Thank you for your consideration!
Now THIS is the spirit of giving! For your consideration, please consider my mother. We’d much like to get her down to ATL from CVG (or Dayton, given how outrageous prices at CVG can be) this year. It would mean considerably more because it’s been a tough year for my mother: earlier this year she lost her husband about 8 months after diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. In light of the diagnosis, they married at Christmastime last year and her husband passed on just 4 months later. Struggling on her teacher’s assistant salary, she soon found herself without a car (repossessed) and having to move from the home they shared for 10 years (now staying in family’s basement). Meanwhile myself and my sisters live in Atlanta; my sisters have both started new jobs recently and cannot take off work for the holiday. None of us can afford travel for her right now. It would mean the world to my mom to come down for Christmas as this will undoubtedly be a hard time without the love of her life and her daughters. Thank you for your consideration!
Now THIS is the spirit of giving! For your consideration, please consider my mother. We’d much like to get her down to ATL from CVG (or Dayton, given how outrageous prices at CVG can be) this year. It would mean considerably more because it’s been a tough year for my mother: earlier this year she lost her husband about 8 months after diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. In light of the diagnosis, they married at Christmastime last year and her husband passed on just 4 months later. Struggling on her teacher’s assistant salary, she soon found herself without a car (repossessed) and having to move from the home they shared for 10 years (now staying in family’s basement). Meanwhile myself and my sisters live in Atlanta; my sisters have both started new jobs recently and cannot take off work for the holiday. None of us can afford travel for her right now. It would mean the world to my mom to come down for Christmas as this will undoubtedly be a hard time without the love of her life and her daughters. Thank you for your consideration!
What a great idea!
I would personally love to fly and see my family who has recently moved to Arkansas while I am going to school here in Alaska. Being a college student and the oldest of 7 kids I can’t (neither can my family) afford for me to fly to Arkansas to see my mom, dad, Nana, Papa, and the youngest siblings (7 and 4).
But I’m putting in a request for a friend of mine Katie Sharp she came to Alaska on a One Year Challenge to help out our church in anyway possible by serving and helping children here in Anchorage. Shes been an amazing 19 year old so far from home and is starting to become homesick as the holidays approach. Her family is all in Chicago and I know it would be amazing for her to be able to go home for the holidays and be with them during the holidays.
What a great idea!
I would personally love to fly and see my family who has recently moved to Arkansas while I am going to school here in Alaska. Being a college student and the oldest of 7 kids I can’t (neither can my family) afford for me to fly to Arkansas to see my mom, dad, Nana, Papa, and the youngest siblings (7 and 4).
But I’m putting in a request for a friend of mine Katie Sharp she came to Alaska on a One Year Challenge to help out our church in anyway possible by serving and helping children here in Anchorage. Shes been an amazing 19 year old so far from home and is starting to become homesick as the holidays approach. Her family is all in Chicago and I know it would be amazing for her to be able to go home for the holidays and be with them during the holidays.
Peter you are so sweet to do this for someone. My name is Kim. Last march my house burned to the ground and my daughter and I lost everything but the clothes on our backs. I did not have insurance and I am finally getting back up and running so to speak. My son is in the army stationed at ft meyer Va and I am in Oklahoma. He is part of the old guard. He cannot come home for christmas and I have not seen him for two years. I am starting over from the fire and cannot afford to travel at this time. I know it is not going home for christmas like you stated but I would be going to my son and that would be a great christmas present. My daughter goes to her dads for the holidays and generally I am by myself for christmas. So, whether or not you would pick me I am thankful you took the time to read my story and consider me. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Big Hugs
Kim
Peter you are so sweet to do this for someone. My name is Kim. Last march my house burned to the ground and my daughter and I lost everything but the clothes on our backs. I did not have insurance and I am finally getting back up and running so to speak. My son is in the army stationed at ft meyer Va and I am in Oklahoma. He is part of the old guard. He cannot come home for christmas and I have not seen him for two years. I am starting over from the fire and cannot afford to travel at this time. I know it is not going home for christmas like you stated but I would be going to my son and that would be a great christmas present. My daughter goes to her dads for the holidays and generally I am by myself for christmas. So, whether or not you would pick me I am thankful you took the time to read my story and consider me. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Big Hugs
Kim
My entire family is in California, and I am unable to afford a ticket at this point to see them. I have not met my new nephew yet, who was born in August! While I don’t look forward to spending the holidays alone, I see sadder stories than mine on here. I do not expect to be able to go out and see them, so I plan to spend Christmas day caring for the cats at the CT Humane Society who have no home for the holidays. Peter, you are wonderful to do this for someone!
My entire family is in California, and I am unable to afford a ticket at this point to see them. I have not met my new nephew yet, who was born in August! While I don’t look forward to spending the holidays alone, I see sadder stories than mine on here. I do not expect to be able to go out and see them, so I plan to spend Christmas day caring for the cats at the CT Humane Society who have no home for the holidays. Peter, you are wonderful to do this for someone!
Hey Peter,
My wife and I split the holidays. We spend Christmas with her family in Florida and Thanksgiving with my family here in MA. Our Thanksgiving trip went off without a hitch, and was the best time we have ever had with my family. As it stands right now, Christmas is going to be a lot harder. We only have enough money for one ticket to Florida. Our plan is for her to go to Florida and for me to stay here and hang out with the fam.
We do not want to be apart for the holidays, but for my wife visits to her family are essential. She is a teacher in a really tough, really on the edge urban district. She does good work, but it takes every ounce of everything she has to give. Time with her family recharges her batteries in ways few other things can.
We do not have kids, neither do we have large medical biils. We’re just a young, newly married couple trying to live on one salary while one of us (me) looks for a job. I freelance, so we get by, but this year there’s no way both of us are going to be able to make it to Florida.
I am going to miss her and I’m going to miss her family. They are good people and I’ve come to love them like flesh and blood. Her (our) nieces cried when they heard I’d be missing from Christmas this year. I would love love love to surprise them by being able to be at what has become my second home for Christmas.
Regardless of us getting these tickets I want to thank you for doing this. You’re a good man and this is a good thing.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Peter, I just found out about you, and it seems we have something in common. The giving spirit. I lost my father to pancreatic cancer 6 months ago, but just before he passed, I created The Extra Mile. While traveling home (Michigan) to see him from Los Angeles about once a month, I was inspired to create this NPO. Our mission is to collect frequent flyer miles and donate them to those individuals with family/loved ones terminally ill with cancer. From personal experience, those precious visits BEFORE that loved one passes are priceless. The conversations, the sharing of intimate feelings, they are moments no one should be denied. So, we are pretty new, but really trying to gain some momentum. You can see what we are doing here : http://www.facebook.com/thextramileorg as well as http://www.thextramile.org And if I were to get your tickets, I would turn around and give them to someone that’s sole wish is to visit their dying dad, and share a few precious days before he’s gone. Thanks for your consideration, and I’m really impressed with your idea.
Hey Peter,
My wife and I split the holidays. We spend Christmas with her family in Florida and Thanksgiving with my family here in MA. Our Thanksgiving trip went off without a hitch, and was the best time we have ever had with my family. As it stands right now, Christmas is going to be a lot harder. We only have enough money for one ticket to Florida. Our plan is for her to go to Florida and for me to stay here and hang out with the fam.
We do not want to be apart for the holidays, but for my wife visits to her family are essential. She is a teacher in a really tough, really on the edge urban district. She does good work, but it takes every ounce of everything she has to give. Time with her family recharges her batteries in ways few other things can.
We do not have kids, neither do we have large medical biils. We’re just a young, newly married couple trying to live on one salary while one of us (me) looks for a job. I freelance, so we get by, but this year there’s no way both of us are going to be able to make it to Florida.
I am going to miss her and I’m going to miss her family. They are good people and I’ve come to love them like flesh and blood. Her (our) nieces cried when they heard I’d be missing from Christmas this year. I would love love love to surprise them by being able to be at what has become my second home for Christmas.
Regardless of us getting these tickets I want to thank you for doing this. You’re a good man and this is a good thing.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Peter, I just found out about you, and it seems we have something in common. The giving spirit. I lost my father to pancreatic cancer 6 months ago, but just before he passed, I created The Extra Mile. While traveling home (Michigan) to see him from Los Angeles about once a month, I was inspired to create this NPO. Our mission is to collect frequent flyer miles and donate them to those individuals with family/loved ones terminally ill with cancer. From personal experience, those precious visits BEFORE that loved one passes are priceless. The conversations, the sharing of intimate feelings, they are moments no one should be denied. So, we are pretty new, but really trying to gain some momentum. You can see what we are doing here : http://www.facebook.com/thextramileorg as well as http://www.thextramile.org And if I were to get your tickets, I would turn around and give them to someone that’s sole wish is to visit their dying dad, and share a few precious days before he’s gone. Thanks for your consideration, and I’m really impressed with your idea.
I’m lucky enough to live close to my family. Just wanted to say how cool it is for someone to do something like this. Shows that there are some really good people out there. Cheers!
I’m lucky enough to live close to my family. Just wanted to say how cool it is for someone to do something like this. Shows that there are some really good people out there. Cheers!
I’m lucky enough to live close to my family. Just wanted to say how cool it is for someone to do something like this. Shows that there are some really good people out there. Cheers!
Awesome!! I just sent this information to the wounded warriors at the Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Battalion. Hopefully you’ll see some of entries from these wounded who’ve been away from their families for WAY too long. Thank you for doing this. Very cool.
Awesome!! I just sent this information to the wounded warriors at the Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Battalion. Hopefully you’ll see some of entries from these wounded who’ve been away from their families for WAY too long. Thank you for doing this. Very cool.
I’ve been sitting on my couch reading everyone’s stories wondering how I could possibly ask for such a generous gift when so many others are in need. The things that you do amaze me. I love charity work ad when I read these things you involve yourself in, it drives me to do more to help people. Thank you for that – its an amazing thing.
My mother’s entire family lives in Mobile, Alabama and I know it would make her and my family so incredibly happy to see us over the holidays. It’s been about 21 years since I and my mom have spent the holidays with my grandparents and aunts. It’s been years in general since we’ve seen them. My grandmother is one of the most positive people I’ve ever met and the thought of surprising her makes me literally cry. I love this idea, and even if I can’t take my mom and I to see my family this holiday with your generous offer, I think I may work on a plan to try to somehow surprise my family with this next year somehow. It’s such a happy thought!! Thank you, Peter, and your team, for what you do every day.
I’ve been sitting on my couch reading everyone’s stories wondering how I could possibly ask for such a generous gift when so many others are in need. The things that you do amaze me. I love charity work ad when I read these things you involve yourself in, it drives me to do more to help people. Thank you for that – its an amazing thing.
My mother’s entire family lives in Mobile, Alabama and I know it would make her and my family so incredibly happy to see us over the holidays. It’s been about 21 years since I and my mom have spent the holidays with my grandparents and aunts. It’s been years in general since we’ve seen them. My grandmother is one of the most positive people I’ve ever met and the thought of surprising her makes me literally cry. I love this idea, and even if I can’t take my mom and I to see my family this holiday with your generous offer, I think I may work on a plan to try to somehow surprise my family with this next year somehow. It’s such a happy thought!! Thank you, Peter, and your team, for what you do every day.
My kids (Faith age 8 and Dean age 6) dad moved across the country to Indiana about a year and a half ago. Due to various financial issues that have occurred since then the three of them have not seen each other since last spring. Summer vacation, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas plans have all been canceled. Their dad is a great dad and loves them more than anything and has been extremely upset and unhappy as a result. And my kids, especially my daughter, are absolutely devastated. The kids and I are just now getting into our new home after having been homeless for over a month so I am unable to help. Unfortunately, their dad just received news that his employer is cutting hours and doing another round of layovers over the next few months which means that it is highly likely that spring break plans and possibly even summer again may be canceled as well (we have not told the kids this yet). To add a bit more difficulty onto things, the airport near to their dad is a small airport which translates into much, much higher ticket prices and leaving him or us unable to take advantage of periodic specials from airlines such as Southwest since it doesn’t service that airport (he is near to Fort Wayne, IN). If I won one of the tickets and was able to fly their dad out here to Los Angeles for the holidays, the joy that all three of them would experience being able to see each other, share hugs and kisses, and just spend time with one another would be unparalleled. Actually, him being able to come here for the holidays would be a gift to more than just Faith and Dean – it would also be a wonderful gift for his mom and dad and my two older kids (his step-children) and assorted other family members who all live here in southern California as well. Peter – I think that you are awesome for offering this opportunity regardless of who wins. I have always held you in high regard and this just serves to further cement that. I hope that you, your family, Meaghen, and everyone else has the greatest holiday season possible. Thank you.
My kids (Faith age 8 and Dean age 6) dad moved across the country to Indiana about a year and a half ago. Due to various financial issues that have occurred since then the three of them have not seen each other since last spring. Summer vacation, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas plans have all been canceled. Their dad is a great dad and loves them more than anything and has been extremely upset and unhappy as a result. And my kids, especially my daughter, are absolutely devastated. The kids and I are just now getting into our new home after having been homeless for over a month so I am unable to help. Unfortunately, their dad just received news that his employer is cutting hours and doing another round of layovers over the next few months which means that it is highly likely that spring break plans and possibly even summer again may be canceled as well (we have not told the kids this yet). To add a bit more difficulty onto things, the airport near to their dad is a small airport which translates into much, much higher ticket prices and leaving him or us unable to take advantage of periodic specials from airlines such as Southwest since it doesn’t service that airport (he is near to Fort Wayne, IN). If I won one of the tickets and was able to fly their dad out here to Los Angeles for the holidays, the joy that all three of them would experience being able to see each other, share hugs and kisses, and just spend time with one another would be unparalleled. Actually, him being able to come here for the holidays would be a gift to more than just Faith and Dean – it would also be a wonderful gift for his mom and dad and my two older kids (his step-children) and assorted other family members who all live here in southern California as well. Peter – I think that you are awesome for offering this opportunity regardless of who wins. I have always held you in high regard and this just serves to further cement that. I hope that you, your family, Meaghen, and everyone else has the greatest holiday season possible. Thank you.
My youngest son and his family live in San Diego. Since he’s in the Navy, he’s out to see a lot. Plus, the military doesn’t pay very well and trying to bring a family of five to Seattle on a plane is too expensive. Driving takes two days each way, which eats into the short time he can visit, plus it’s hard to travel with very young children. I have a grand-daughter that is only one and haven’t seen her since she was born (her father was out to sea when she was born). Living so far away, all the grand-kids are growing up too fast between visits and I really miss them. If I had the money, I’d fly there to be with them at Christmas….at least I know he won’t be at sea during the holiday!
My youngest son and his family live in San Diego. Since he’s in the Navy, he’s out to see a lot. Plus, the military doesn’t pay very well and trying to bring a family of five to Seattle on a plane is too expensive. Driving takes two days each way, which eats into the short time he can visit, plus it’s hard to travel with very young children. I have a grand-daughter that is only one and haven’t seen her since she was born (her father was out to sea when she was born). Living so far away, all the grand-kids are growing up too fast between visits and I really miss them. If I had the money, I’d fly there to be with them at Christmas….at least I know he won’t be at sea during the holiday!
I am writing on behalf of my son. Our story is not compelling like so many of the others I have read in this blog. I just miss him and he misses his family. He is in the Navy, Was shipped to Guantanamo Bay where someone convinced him it would be a wonderful experience to be a prison guard (not). He has done 2 tours on the USS Carl Vinson and was aboard the ship during the burial of Bin Laden. He was paid well during those times. But now he works 6 days a week, 12-15 hour days keeping the fighter jets in top notch condition. This work doesn’t pay well. I have been a single mom most of his life, work at a non-profit (not good pay), and a friend of mine told me to enter this. How nice of you to think of our military men and women. You are an inspiration! I just miss him, and so does his sister and his very old dog. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
I am writing on behalf of my son. Our story is not compelling like so many of the others I have read in this blog. I just miss him and he misses his family. He is in the Navy, Was shipped to Guantanamo Bay where someone convinced him it would be a wonderful experience to be a prison guard (not). He has done 2 tours on the USS Carl Vinson and was aboard the ship during the burial of Bin Laden. He was paid well during those times. But now he works 6 days a week, 12-15 hour days keeping the fighter jets in top notch condition. This work doesn’t pay well. I have been a single mom most of his life, work at a non-profit (not good pay), and a friend of mine told me to enter this. How nice of you to think of our military men and women. You are an inspiration! I just miss him, and so does his sister and his very old dog. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
@Peter, like anyone needed another reason to love you … this is such a beautiful gesture. I almost feel guilty responding given all the lives destroyed by the hurricane, but I’ve also learned that you cannot go through life comparing circumstances and that we all need to focus on what we have, not on what we’ve lost. That said, the last four years have been rough between losing my job, getting an unexpected diagnosis and undergoing five surgeries. That I’ve navigated through all of these obstacles is something that I’m profoundly grateful for, but I’ve yet to be in a position to take a breath and embrace it. It’s hard to admit that I haven’t taken a vacation (not even a weekend away at the beach), updated my wardrobe, or even upgraded my phone (I’m still ridiculed for owning a Blackberry, lol) as such luxuries are simply not in the cards until I’m working again — and even then, it’s not like you can start a new job and put in for vacation time. And then there are still medical bills to be paid. It’s a daily challenge living vicariously through everyone traveling, going to dinners, concerts, and events and social media only amplifies the isolation — yet I’m proud to say that I’ve lived within my means for all this time and have not gone into debt. But it’s exhausting. I’d give anything to get out of town for a few days with a friend and hit a resort in Arizona or a trip to the California coast to chill out and recharge my battery as interviews continue to come my way.
@Peter, like anyone needed another reason to love you … this is such a beautiful gesture. I almost feel guilty responding given all the lives destroyed by the hurricane, but I’ve also learned that you cannot go through life comparing circumstances and that we all need to focus on what we have, not on what we’ve lost. That said, the last four years have been rough between losing my job, getting an unexpected diagnosis and undergoing five surgeries. That I’ve navigated through all of these obstacles is something that I’m profoundly grateful for, but I’ve yet to be in a position to take a breath and embrace it. It’s hard to admit that I haven’t taken a vacation (not even a weekend away at the beach), updated my wardrobe, or even upgraded my phone (I’m still ridiculed for owning a Blackberry, lol) as such luxuries are simply not in the cards until I’m working again — and even then, it’s not like you can start a new job and put in for vacation time. And then there are still medical bills to be paid. It’s a daily challenge living vicariously through everyone traveling, going to dinners, concerts, and events and social media only amplifies the isolation — yet I’m proud to say that I’ve lived within my means for all this time and have not gone into debt. But it’s exhausting. I’d give anything to get out of town for a few days with a friend and hit a resort in Arizona or a trip to the California coast to chill out and recharge my battery as interviews continue to come my way.
I am originally from Colorado. My grandparents and great grandparents are from there. I live in PA now, and have for many years. My grandmother is having her 90th birthday the first week of January. I have a crazy dream about flying to Colorado to surprise her. She and I have always had a deep connection, we talk on the phone every week and she is very lonely and has chronic pain that prevents her from travel anymore. I haven’t flown anywhere in about five years (the last time I flew it was to visit her), and I barely have the money to put on a decent Christmas for my kids and pay the mortgage. So a visit to Colorado is out of the question unless the Christmas spirit intervenes. Thank you for doing this!
I am originally from Colorado. My grandparents and great grandparents are from there. I live in PA now, and have for many years. My grandmother is having her 90th birthday the first week of January. I have a crazy dream about flying to Colorado to surprise her. She and I have always had a deep connection, we talk on the phone every week and she is very lonely and has chronic pain that prevents her from travel anymore. I haven’t flown anywhere in about five years (the last time I flew it was to visit her), and I barely have the money to put on a decent Christmas for my kids and pay the mortgage. So a visit to Colorado is out of the question unless the Christmas spirit intervenes. Thank you for doing this!
I’m a mom who lives in Minnesota, my kids live in Fairbanks, Alaska and Tampa, Florida. My son who lives in Fairbanks is combat medic stationed at Ft. Wainwright, recently returned from Afghanistan. He is not fond of the harsh winter conditions in Alaska and wanted to go somewhere warm for Christmas so he decided to go see his best friend and brother in Tampa. I’m a public school teacher and I just can’t go because I don’t have the cash. I don’t use credit cards so that’s not an option for me. I’d love to spend Christmas with them since we have no family near us to be with on Christmas. Thanks!
I’m a mom who lives in Minnesota, my kids live in Fairbanks, Alaska and Tampa, Florida. My son who lives in Fairbanks is combat medic stationed at Ft. Wainwright, recently returned from Afghanistan. He is not fond of the harsh winter conditions in Alaska and wanted to go somewhere warm for Christmas so he decided to go see his best friend and brother in Tampa. I’m a public school teacher and I just can’t go because I don’t have the cash. I don’t use credit cards so that’s not an option for me. I’d love to spend Christmas with them since we have no family near us to be with on Christmas. Thanks!
What an AMAZING gesture, Peter! And what a heart of gold.
Some of us have been so devastated by the economic downturn, that seeing family has been almost out of reach for too long. As I sit here wishing I could be with loved ones at the holidays, and knowing I can barely pay to survive the winter, a good friend sent me your email.
I imagine the greatest X-Mas gift I could receive would be to see my 80-year old father, who I adore, who holds me together, but who sadly I have not seen in 2 years. He lives outside Seattle, and I have sisters & step-sisters & a brother in Seattle as well.
I am stuck in Los Angeles, and out of work at the wrong time of year.
If ever the blessing of a gift of their warm hearts and faces in person were to be received, I would be truly grateful! It’s not a long way, but the distance seems at times insurmountable. So, if luck is with me, perhaps my friend’s sending me this email and your generosity will shine a beacon to lead me home.
Whoever you choose, just know the heart of what you do will touch lives in every way.
Thank you!
Alexandra S.
What an AMAZING gesture, Peter! And what a heart of gold.
Some of us have been so devastated by the economic downturn, that seeing family has been almost out of reach for too long. As I sit here wishing I could be with loved ones at the holidays, and knowing I can barely pay to survive the winter, a good friend sent me your email.
I imagine the greatest X-Mas gift I could receive would be to see my 80-year old father, who I adore, who holds me together, but who sadly I have not seen in 2 years. He lives outside Seattle, and I have sisters & step-sisters & a brother in Seattle as well.
I am stuck in Los Angeles, and out of work at the wrong time of year.
If ever the blessing of a gift of their warm hearts and faces in person were to be received, I would be truly grateful! It’s not a long way, but the distance seems at times insurmountable. So, if luck is with me, perhaps my friend’s sending me this email and your generosity will shine a beacon to lead me home.
Whoever you choose, just know the heart of what you do will touch lives in every way.
Thank you!
Alexandra S.
I recently relocated to San Francisco and the whole process has not gone quite as smoothly as I might have hoped, leaving me flat broke with no way to fly up to Seattle for Christmas. My family is quite small: both parents, my grandfather, an uncle and a couple cousins. My grandfather is in failing health and I know how much it would mean for me to be able to make it up for Christmas; unfortunately I don’t think I can buy a flight and still pay rent next month. Sigh. By the way Peter, whether I’m selected or not I want you to know that this is such a generous thing you are doing! It is absolutely amazing, and I hope more people see this and follow your example!
I recently relocated to San Francisco and the whole process has not gone quite as smoothly as I might have hoped, leaving me flat broke with no way to fly up to Seattle for Christmas. My family is quite small: both parents, my grandfather, an uncle and a couple cousins. My grandfather is in failing health and I know how much it would mean for me to be able to make it up for Christmas; unfortunately I don’t think I can buy a flight and still pay rent next month. Sigh. By the way Peter, whether I’m selected or not I want you to know that this is such a generous thing you are doing! It is absolutely amazing, and I hope more people see this and follow your example!
What a blessing. Actually its for my son. I live in Detroit and he is lives in Denver. He is a single parent of a 1 year old son and making a modest living as an entrepreneur. He had planned to come home for Christmas even thought ticket prices are more ths he expected, However, last month he found there was black mold in his apartment. He had to pack up his belonging, which he temporarily put in storage. , and is staying at a friends house until he finds an apartment. Unfortunately I can’t give him the money you’ because I am dealing with a cancer diagnosis and on disability. I have only seen my grandson once and I,miss both of them terribly. Our whole family was looking forward topseeing. Actually I have 21,000 Delta miles and we would only need enough to,make it a roundtrip flight. That would leave the additional ticket for Someone else. Whoever you select, you are a blessing tithe world. process love in the Universes
What a blessing. Actually its for my son. I live in Detroit and he is lives in Denver. He is a single parent of a 1 year old son and making a modest living as an entrepreneur. He had planned to come home for Christmas even thought ticket prices are more ths he expected, However, last month he found there was black mold in his apartment. He had to pack up his belonging, which he temporarily put in storage. , and is staying at a friends house until he finds an apartment. Unfortunately I can’t give him the money you’ because I am dealing with a cancer diagnosis and on disability. I have only seen my grandson once and I,miss both of them terribly. Our whole family was looking forward topseeing. Actually I have 21,000 Delta miles and we would only need enough to,make it a roundtrip flight. That would leave the additional ticket for Someone else. Whoever you select, you are a blessing tithe world. process love in the Universes
What a gracious act.
I’m alone and finances always limit my ability to visit my son, dil, and grandkids (4 & 7) in Atlanta. Often see them only once a year – generally before or after the winter holidays. (Haven’t spent Xmas or New Years with them in 5 years, when they came here to NY.) Although not badly hurt by Superstorm Sandy, seems I was preoccupied enough to miss the window of opportunity for affordable fares – even for the shoulder of the season. The kids are growing so fast and it would be so special to spend the actual holiday with them.
Want to thank you for your generosity and inspiration.
What a gracious act.
I’m alone and finances always limit my ability to visit my son, dil, and grandkids (4 & 7) in Atlanta. Often see them only once a year – generally before or after the winter holidays. (Haven’t spent Xmas or New Years with them in 5 years, when they came here to NY.) Although not badly hurt by Superstorm Sandy, seems I was preoccupied enough to miss the window of opportunity for affordable fares – even for the shoulder of the season. The kids are growing so fast and it would be so special to spend the actual holiday with them.
Want to thank you for your generosity and inspiration.
What a gracious act.
I’m alone and finances always limit my ability to visit my son, dil, and grandkids (4 & 7) in Atlanta. Often see them only once a year – generally before or after the winter holidays. (Haven’t spent Xmas or New Years with them in 5 years, when they came here to NY.) Although not badly hurt by Superstorm Sandy, seems I was preoccupied enough to miss the window of opportunity for affordable fares – even for the shoulder of the season. The kids are growing so fast and it would be so special to spend the actual holiday with them.
Want to thank you for your generosity and inspiration.
I want to go home to Atlanta to see my 80 year old mom who is having open heart surgery on December 20. Since this surgery is so close to Christmas, fights are super expensive. So if you select me for the tickets, I will be able to be at the hospital during and following her surgery.
Very generous offer! Thank you…..
Cindy
I want to go home to Atlanta to see my 80 year old mom who is having open heart surgery on December 20. Since this surgery is so close to Christmas, fights are super expensive. So if you select me for the tickets, I will be able to be at the hospital during and following her surgery.
Very generous offer! Thank you…..
Cindy
I want to go home to Atlanta to see my 80 year old mom who is having open heart surgery on December 20. Since this surgery is so close to Christmas, fights are super expensive. So if you select me for the tickets, I will be able to be at the hospital during and following her surgery.
Very generous offer! Thank you…..
Cindy
First, I have to say that this is one of the most generous things I’ve seen done in a LONG time! Secondly, I would give anything to take my 2 young children (a 3 year old who’s never met her grandparents and a 10 year old with Asperger’s and ADHD who can’t handle the 13 hour drive time it would take) who have not been to Ohio to visit their grandparents, in their 80s in 5 years. 2 of the 3 grandparents are now in assisted living centers and don’t always remember people, even family, but I just KNOW that the presence of these GREAT GRANDCHILDREN would bring a smile to their faces and joy to their hearts! I, too, have ADHD and heard you speak in Minnesota last spring. I laughed and laughed at some of the things you said because, between my son & myself and my husband (who has MAJOR OCD) we drive each other nuts half the time, but we are passionate about our family and would give anything to spend this holiday closer to them! Being a school teacher means I don’t have a lot of vacation time (I have to teach in the summer as well to keep my son in his therapy) but this year I have 2 full weeks off for the holidays and would truly be blessed to receive the gift of travel. Thank you so much for your gift. You are not only blessing the lives of the 2 ‘winners’ but their many family members as well! God bless you!
First, I have to say that this is one of the most generous things I’ve seen done in a LONG time! Secondly, I would give anything to take my 2 young children (a 3 year old who’s never met her grandparents and a 10 year old with Asperger’s and ADHD who can’t handle the 13 hour drive time it would take) who have not been to Ohio to visit their grandparents, in their 80s in 5 years. 2 of the 3 grandparents are now in assisted living centers and don’t always remember people, even family, but I just KNOW that the presence of these GREAT GRANDCHILDREN would bring a smile to their faces and joy to their hearts! I, too, have ADHD and heard you speak in Minnesota last spring. I laughed and laughed at some of the things you said because, between my son & myself and my husband (who has MAJOR OCD) we drive each other nuts half the time, but we are passionate about our family and would give anything to spend this holiday closer to them! Being a school teacher means I don’t have a lot of vacation time (I have to teach in the summer as well to keep my son in his therapy) but this year I have 2 full weeks off for the holidays and would truly be blessed to receive the gift of travel. Thank you so much for your gift. You are not only blessing the lives of the 2 ‘winners’ but their many family members as well! God bless you!
Wow….I found your page through a friend of mine and I’d just like to say, what an amazing generous soul you have. Thank you for embodying the spirit of the season!! This is exactly why I love this season….because people do such amazing and generous things! Happy flights to your winners!
Wow….I found your page through a friend of mine and I’d just like to say, what an amazing generous soul you have. Thank you for embodying the spirit of the season!! This is exactly why I love this season….because people do such amazing and generous things! Happy flights to your winners!
Please count me in for $100 ($50 to each one selected) to help with added travel expenses. Will PayPal the $ once the selection is made. Would love to help make someone’s holiday special and memorable.
Please count me in for $100 ($50 to each one selected) to help with added travel expenses. Will PayPal the $ once the selection is made. Would love to help make someone’s holiday special and memorable.
First off…What a wonderful, selfless idea! I happened upon your FB page a few months ago and was hooked! I don’t personally need to go anywhere (my husband, kids, etc. all live close by) but we are really missing our younger brother, Steve. He just got out of the Army this past spring and moved from Cali to NC. He is alone down there and doesn’t have money to come visit us. His paychecks barely pay his bills (he’s a server at a local tavern.) It would be so great to have him home with us and our older brother, sister-in-law, nephews and niece for his first holiday out of the military. And what a great surprise it would be for him!!
Just a p.s. – Our only living grandfather passed away in August of this year from pancreatic cancer. My brother was unable to make it back north for the funeral and I know it would mean the world to our grandmother (who is in poor health herself) to be able to see him, too!!
First off…What a wonderful, selfless idea! I happened upon your FB page a few months ago and was hooked! I don’t personally need to go anywhere (my husband, kids, etc. all live close by) but we are really missing our younger brother, Steve. He just got out of the Army this past spring and moved from Cali to NC. He is alone down there and doesn’t have money to come visit us. His paychecks barely pay his bills (he’s a server at a local tavern.) It would be so great to have him home with us and our older brother, sister-in-law, nephews and niece for his first holiday out of the military. And what a great surprise it would be for him!!
Just a p.s. – Our only living grandfather passed away in August of this year from pancreatic cancer. My brother was unable to make it back north for the funeral and I know it would mean the world to our grandmother (who is in poor health herself) to be able to see him, too!!
Peter, my family is all in-state so I don’t need this but YOU ARE FABULOUS to gift others this way!!
You’re amazing for doing this.
Peter, my family is all in-state so I don’t need this but YOU ARE FABULOUS to gift others this way!!
You’re amazing for doing this.
I am entering for my mother. She does not have email nor is online – so I am her intermediary. She has never met her great grand children – 5 year old boy and 2 year old girl. My son is her favorite and ONLY grandchild and they live in Florida. Her being on a limited income and I have helped all I can , it would be a joy to see her get to meet her Great Grand Children for the holidays. She is a proud woman and I think if this was a gift of love she would receive it VS accepting it from me as a gift. Did I say she feels I have helped her too much. 😉 How wonderful would it be to connect three generations for the holidays that have not shared a Christmas before. My son being a young family cannot afford to bring her there either or it would have already happened. Thanks for the possibility to see this manifest.
I am entering for my mother. She does not have email nor is online – so I am her intermediary. She has never met her great grand children – 5 year old boy and 2 year old girl. My son is her favorite and ONLY grandchild and they live in Florida. Her being on a limited income and I have helped all I can , it would be a joy to see her get to meet her Great Grand Children for the holidays. She is a proud woman and I think if this was a gift of love she would receive it VS accepting it from me as a gift. Did I say she feels I have helped her too much. 😉 How wonderful would it be to connect three generations for the holidays that have not shared a Christmas before. My son being a young family cannot afford to bring her there either or it would have already happened. Thanks for the possibility to see this manifest.
Crap! Makes me feel blessed beyond belief to be surrounded by so much family/friends within driving distance. You’re a rockstar Peter!
Crap! Makes me feel blessed beyond belief to be surrounded by so much family/friends within driving distance. You’re a rockstar Peter!
My husband and I just decided yesterday that we wouldn’t be traveling from Phoenix to Chicago to see family for Christmas. We’re in the middle of starting a new business so we can work for ourselves and spend more time with family (ironically) and we just can’t squeeze it out financially to spend the amount that holiday airline tickets cost. I have, for the first time in years, put in for vacation time at work, and I have off, but currently, I’m planning to spend it here working our our new startup and doing a small Christmas with my husband and son, the same that we did for Thanksgiving. I would love to be able to visit my family. I have a new cousin and a new godson (both almost a year old) that I haven’t met. My best friend who I haven’t seen in years, is in town in Chicago, but only until January before she leaves for 4 more years overseas in Indonesia. I haven’t met her kids yet either. We had a really hard year last year, including the death of our youngest a year ago this past Monday, and so family has become even more important than we may have realized it is in the past. After so many years of having holidays without family around, it would be really nice to be able to just fly across the country w/out having to worry about not only trying to scrape together the money, but the cost of doing so putting us 4-5 months behind. Family wins out over money and business any day, but it’s just not always possible.
My husband and I just decided yesterday that we wouldn’t be traveling from Phoenix to Chicago to see family for Christmas. We’re in the middle of starting a new business so we can work for ourselves and spend more time with family (ironically) and we just can’t squeeze it out financially to spend the amount that holiday airline tickets cost. I have, for the first time in years, put in for vacation time at work, and I have off, but currently, I’m planning to spend it here working our our new startup and doing a small Christmas with my husband and son, the same that we did for Thanksgiving. I would love to be able to visit my family. I have a new cousin and a new godson (both almost a year old) that I haven’t met. My best friend who I haven’t seen in years, is in town in Chicago, but only until January before she leaves for 4 more years overseas in Indonesia. I haven’t met her kids yet either. We had a really hard year last year, including the death of our youngest a year ago this past Monday, and so family has become even more important than we may have realized it is in the past. After so many years of having holidays without family around, it would be really nice to be able to just fly across the country w/out having to worry about not only trying to scrape together the money, but the cost of doing so putting us 4-5 months behind. Family wins out over money and business any day, but it’s just not always possible.
Just a note to say this is an incredible gesture. I know it’s going to be tough to pick just two people – so many people are hurting and your gesture is going towards making the world a better place. Bravo. Wishing you Happy Holidays and good karma. Your friends at Lucky Dog Creative
Just a note to say this is an incredible gesture. I know it’s going to be tough to pick just two people – so many people are hurting and your gesture is going towards making the world a better place. Bravo. Wishing you Happy Holidays and good karma. Your friends at Lucky Dog Creative
Just a note to say this is an incredible gesture. I know it’s going to be tough to pick just two people – so many people are hurting and your gesture is going towards making the world a better place. Bravo. Wishing you Happy Holidays and good karma. Your friends at Lucky Dog Creative
Well done Peter! I’ll pass this on and can’t wait to read about the lucky recipients!
Well done Peter! I’ll pass this on and can’t wait to read about the lucky recipients!
Well done Peter! I’ll pass this on and can’t wait to read about the lucky recipients!
As a native Oklahoman living in DC and working at a nonprofit I only go home once a year(Christmas). Although my ticket is already booked this season I know this selfless gesture is going to mean a lot to the winner.What an amazing gift you are giving someone this year! It migh even be better than “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list!!!
As a native Oklahoman living in DC and working at a nonprofit I only go home once a year(Christmas). Although my ticket is already booked this season I know this selfless gesture is going to mean a lot to the winner.What an amazing gift you are giving someone this year! It migh even be better than “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list!!!
Oh my word, Peter! I am so glad I don’t have to choose. The stories below are so real and heart-rendering. Thank you (and amazing Megan!) for doing this. Great idea and love how you are going to make a difference in the life of someone else this holiday season.
Not sure if you are able to take something like this but I would like to contribute $100.00 to your worthy recipients travel costs. I can PayPal, do gift cards, whatever. Just let me know how I can contribute to the good of the cause!
Oh my word, Peter! I am so glad I don’t have to choose. The stories below are so real and heart-rendering. Thank you (and amazing Megan!) for doing this. Great idea and love how you are going to make a difference in the life of someone else this holiday season.
Not sure if you are able to take something like this but I would like to contribute $100.00 to your worthy recipients travel costs. I can PayPal, do gift cards, whatever. Just let me know how I can contribute to the good of the cause!
I received my Christmas present early when I learned a few days ago that my sister will be traveling from South Carolina to Florida to stay with me for the holidays. I will donate $15 (all I can spare, but it might help), to your cause of making someone else feel as wonderful as I did when I found out I would have my family with me for the holidays. Thanks Peter!
I received my Christmas present early when I learned a few days ago that my sister will be traveling from South Carolina to Florida to stay with me for the holidays. I will donate $15 (all I can spare, but it might help), to your cause of making someone else feel as wonderful as I did when I found out I would have my family with me for the holidays. Thanks Peter!
Stalking completed! 😉 Hi Peter! My name is Patty, and I must say that I was kind of disappointed that you weren’t physically disabled. Just kidding! You see, I saw your generous “contest” on my Facebook news feed via Susan Katz and Anjali Forber-Pratt, two fellow wheelchair peeps and dear friends, and I thought you were “one of us”. I guess ADHD is close enough. 🙂
Anyway, I would love to “enter” my sister, Mari, and my brother-in-law, Nathan, for the Christmas fly-away. And this is why…
On July 2nd, Nathan was involved in a horrible car accident with my 3 year old niece, Alejandra, and 5 year old nephew, Santiago. The other driver pulled out in front of him, and unfortunately, like so many other accidents, she was on her phone. This distracted driver almost ruin my sister’s life. And to make it worse, my sister was 7 months pregnant. Miraculously, the kids had NOT A SCRATCH on them. The theory (since no one really knows) is that Nathan shielded them before flying out of the passenger window. He was not so lucky. He was flown to the University of Cincinnati ICU with many injuries, but a traumatic brain injury, being the most serious. They told my sister he had had a very slim chance of living. Luckily, within the next 24 hours, they were able to stabilize him, but he spent the next month in a coma. And even worse yet, my sister had to take unpaid leave to be with Nathan because they had just moved to a new town. AND, when we had all thought the worst was over, she was denied paid maternity leave since she had only been with the company a short time.
This might seem like another car accident story, but the reason I want my sister to win so badly is because she needs it and cannot afford it. 16 years ago we were in a car accident together that paralyzed me. She came out physically OK, but had to deal with the mental anguish of watching me relearn to live life again. And now, she had/has to be the bystander once again. She needs some major counseling, but this trip would be a great start. 😉 My brother-in-law is progressing so well; even the doctors are amazed. He’s up and walking and is about 80% recovered. He is still delayed and has some physical setbacks, but he is so determined to get back to old Nathan.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I live in Denver, and they live in Batesville, IN. (I know, small town. Google it.) They were suppose to come out here in early August for a month because I was due with my first child July 21st. I had my beautiful daughter on the 22nd of July, and my sister had my beautiful nephew exactly 4 months later on Thanksgiving, November 22nd.
You might be thinking, “Why doesn’t she just go see them?” I would LOVE to, but I finally convinced my husband to let me take a year off to be a stay-home mom, and unfortunately, we’re not going home for the holidays either.
Ok, long story short, I would love for my sister and her family to come out to Denver for the holidays. She needs something like this. She has been to hell and back. And I would love to spend the holidays with my big sister, my best friend. 🙂
Thank you! And thank you for a kind heart! What you’re doing is simply a blessing to whomever wins.
Patty
Stalking completed! 😉 Hi Peter! My name is Patty, and I must say that I was kind of disappointed that you weren’t physically disabled. Just kidding! You see, I saw your generous “contest” on my Facebook news feed via Susan Katz and Anjali Forber-Pratt, two fellow wheelchair peeps and dear friends, and I thought you were “one of us”. I guess ADHD is close enough. 🙂
Anyway, I would love to “enter” my sister, Mari, and my brother-in-law, Nathan, for the Christmas fly-away. And this is why…
On July 2nd, Nathan was involved in a horrible car accident with my 3 year old niece, Alejandra, and 5 year old nephew, Santiago. The other driver pulled out in front of him, and unfortunately, like so many other accidents, she was on her phone. This distracted driver almost ruin my sister’s life. And to make it worse, my sister was 7 months pregnant. Miraculously, the kids had NOT A SCRATCH on them. The theory (since no one really knows) is that Nathan shielded them before flying out of the passenger window. He was not so lucky. He was flown to the University of Cincinnati ICU with many injuries, but a traumatic brain injury, being the most serious. They told my sister he had had a very slim chance of living. Luckily, within the next 24 hours, they were able to stabilize him, but he spent the next month in a coma. And even worse yet, my sister had to take unpaid leave to be with Nathan because they had just moved to a new town. AND, when we had all thought the worst was over, she was denied paid maternity leave since she had only been with the company a short time.
This might seem like another car accident story, but the reason I want my sister to win so badly is because she needs it and cannot afford it. 16 years ago we were in a car accident together that paralyzed me. She came out physically OK, but had to deal with the mental anguish of watching me relearn to live life again. And now, she had/has to be the bystander once again. She needs some major counseling, but this trip would be a great start. 😉 My brother-in-law is progressing so well; even the doctors are amazed. He’s up and walking and is about 80% recovered. He is still delayed and has some physical setbacks, but he is so determined to get back to old Nathan.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I live in Denver, and they live in Batesville, IN. (I know, small town. Google it.) They were suppose to come out here in early August for a month because I was due with my first child July 21st. I had my beautiful daughter on the 22nd of July, and my sister had my beautiful nephew exactly 4 months later on Thanksgiving, November 22nd.
You might be thinking, “Why doesn’t she just go see them?” I would LOVE to, but I finally convinced my husband to let me take a year off to be a stay-home mom, and unfortunately, we’re not going home for the holidays either.
Ok, long story short, I would love for my sister and her family to come out to Denver for the holidays. She needs something like this. She has been to hell and back. And I would love to spend the holidays with my big sister, my best friend. 🙂
Thank you! And thank you for a kind heart! What you’re doing is simply a blessing to whomever wins.
Patty
Hey Peter,
So great that you are doing this. I wonder if there’s any way that others of us who are road warriors could donate miles to expand the number of people who can be selected. I’ll donate 6,000 American miles or 10,000 United miles. I’m on the road myself right now, so can’t volunteer for any of the logistics/administrivia involved. But. if possible, could be very cool.
Hey Peter,
So great that you are doing this. I wonder if there’s any way that others of us who are road warriors could donate miles to expand the number of people who can be selected. I’ll donate 6,000 American miles or 10,000 United miles. I’m on the road myself right now, so can’t volunteer for any of the logistics/administrivia involved. But. if possible, could be very cool.
I want to go to Sweden in February. I know this plan can’t really win the contest, considering the cool responses. But I thought you might find it funny to send me someplace cold and dark in the middle of the winter.
I want to go to Sweden in February. I know this plan can’t really win the contest, considering the cool responses. But I thought you might find it funny to send me someplace cold and dark in the middle of the winter.
Great and super nice that you are doing this! While I would love to visit my Uncle Robert in Yountville, CA. He is a retired fire fighter in the San Francisco Bay area. He has lung cancer. However…since I am a teacher in FL and am having foot surgery over the holiday break this won’t be an option. My insurance stinks and I have to pay $$$$ not covered by ins! Would love to for spring break though! 🙂
Bet Santa is good to you this year! Enjoy!!!!!
Great and super nice that you are doing this! While I would love to visit my Uncle Robert in Yountville, CA. He is a retired fire fighter in the San Francisco Bay area. He has lung cancer. However…since I am a teacher in FL and am having foot surgery over the holiday break this won’t be an option. My insurance stinks and I have to pay $$$$ not covered by ins! Would love to for spring break though! 🙂
Bet Santa is good to you this year! Enjoy!!!!!
Thank you for offering your miles to your avid readers! I was turned on to your blog via the marketing person I took over for here at Ethix Ventures. The new job is a pleasure and I love being more connected than ever with the help of a RSS reader I use daily. Besides…I come from an airline family and I love reading good reviews. Anyway, seeing your offer I wanted to share a little bit about me this time! I’ve recently become engaged to my partner of over 4 years (I asked him 😉 ) and we’ve begun the process of planning our wedding. We wanted to elope- but the family has spoken. With that there is a lot of pressure on family members to invest financially in our day. My partner’s father lives in Seattle with his wife. He and I have never met. He hasn’t seen his son in 5 years. We live outside of Boston – bicoastal can be a drag. I would love to be able to meet each other before we take our vows. He offered to pay, but we would prefer he use it to participate and come see us on our day. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for offering your miles to your avid readers! I was turned on to your blog via the marketing person I took over for here at Ethix Ventures. The new job is a pleasure and I love being more connected than ever with the help of a RSS reader I use daily. Besides…I come from an airline family and I love reading good reviews. Anyway, seeing your offer I wanted to share a little bit about me this time! I’ve recently become engaged to my partner of over 4 years (I asked him 😉 ) and we’ve begun the process of planning our wedding. We wanted to elope- but the family has spoken. With that there is a lot of pressure on family members to invest financially in our day. My partner’s father lives in Seattle with his wife. He and I have never met. He hasn’t seen his son in 5 years. We live outside of Boston – bicoastal can be a drag. I would love to be able to meet each other before we take our vows. He offered to pay, but we would prefer he use it to participate and come see us on our day. Thank you for reading!
That’s really lovely. Maybe also ask the winners if they know how to use Skype and if they don’t, offer to train them. I live internationally most of the time and couldn’t figure out why my parents wouldn’t use Skype until I realized they were just boggled by it, especially video. Once I walked them through it they started to use it and it’s really made a difference, but they needed help over the initial hurdle.
That’s really lovely. Maybe also ask the winners if they know how to use Skype and if they don’t, offer to train them. I live internationally most of the time and couldn’t figure out why my parents wouldn’t use Skype until I realized they were just boggled by it, especially video. Once I walked them through it they started to use it and it’s really made a difference, but they needed help over the initial hurdle.
I was going to leave my story but it does not even compare to the others who need this much more than I do. That being said, I think this is a great gift you are giving and you will make one of these deserving families very happy this Christmas!
I was going to leave my story but it does not even compare to the others who need this much more than I do. That being said, I think this is a great gift you are giving and you will make one of these deserving families very happy this Christmas!
Peter, you are amazing! I saw this blog post yesterday and smiled at the reminder of how wonderful and generous people can be! But I was also very thankful that although I knew that I’d be spending the holidays apart from my family again this year, I wasn’t in a situation that really warranted participating. Cue this morning: I’m living in California while the rest of my family is back home in Wisconsin, and although it’s often tough, my mom’s educator’s salary and my own employed grad student work/class schedule and budget don’t really allow for trips home, we’ve made do since I moved years ago and still find ways to make the holidays apart special. Unfortunately, I was awoken this morning with a message that my grandmother, who has advanced Alzheimer’s is suddenly being moved from assisted living to hospice and the outlook doesn’t look good. Although it sounds unlikely I could make it back in time to say goodbye, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to pay my respects and spend time with my family during what should have been a joyous season. After a rough divorce a while back, I know my mom takes it hard that I’m always away for the holidays, but it’s a comfort knowing that she always spends the day with HER mom. I would hate for her to have to navigate the holidays without either one of us this year. I’m sure you’ve seen how outrageous last minute flight costs are during this season and fitting it into an already over-committed budget will be crazy, so I, and my mother and extended family, would be forever grateful to your generosity if chosen to go home for the holidays. But, if the honor is given to any of the other very deserving people here, I’m sure they really need it as well and so I just want to say again, how amazing you are for doing this and I ask that everyone keep my family in their thoughts/prayers for now.
Peter, you are amazing! I saw this blog post yesterday and smiled at the reminder of how wonderful and generous people can be! But I was also very thankful that although I knew that I’d be spending the holidays apart from my family again this year, I wasn’t in a situation that really warranted participating. Cue this morning: I’m living in California while the rest of my family is back home in Wisconsin, and although it’s often tough, my mom’s educator’s salary and my own employed grad student work/class schedule and budget don’t really allow for trips home, we’ve made do since I moved years ago and still find ways to make the holidays apart special. Unfortunately, I was awoken this morning with a message that my grandmother, who has advanced Alzheimer’s is suddenly being moved from assisted living to hospice and the outlook doesn’t look good. Although it sounds unlikely I could make it back in time to say goodbye, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to pay my respects and spend time with my family during what should have been a joyous season. After a rough divorce a while back, I know my mom takes it hard that I’m always away for the holidays, but it’s a comfort knowing that she always spends the day with HER mom. I would hate for her to have to navigate the holidays without either one of us this year. I’m sure you’ve seen how outrageous last minute flight costs are during this season and fitting it into an already over-committed budget will be crazy, so I, and my mother and extended family, would be forever grateful to your generosity if chosen to go home for the holidays. But, if the honor is given to any of the other very deserving people here, I’m sure they really need it as well and so I just want to say again, how amazing you are for doing this and I ask that everyone keep my family in their thoughts/prayers for now.
I sorely miss one of my best friends, a former college swimming teammate who now lives across the country in San Francisco (I’m in New Orleans). I’d love to visit her and experience some of the amazing life she’s built for herself. It would also be great to give her a hug!
I sorely miss one of my best friends, a former college swimming teammate who now lives across the country in San Francisco (I’m in New Orleans). I’d love to visit her and experience some of the amazing life she’s built for herself. It would also be great to give her a hug!
I saw some comments on here and thought “how can I even apply?”. Give it to someone else, someone who really needs it. Thanks for being so Awesome and doing this, you’re really giving away a priceless gift. -Garry
I saw some comments on here and thought “how can I even apply?”. Give it to someone else, someone who really needs it. Thanks for being so Awesome and doing this, you’re really giving away a priceless gift. -Garry
This is the spirit of Christmas! I love this idea. Good luck choosing Meagan.
This is the spirit of Christmas! I love this idea. Good luck choosing Meagan.
I’m not eligible for this, being a Brit, but I just had to leave a message telling you how wonderful this is. It’s a brilliant representation of the season as well, giving and seeing the joy in others. You’re wonderful Peter, and good luck to those two lucky pairs of winners, whoever they may be. Happy holidays 🙂
I’m not eligible for this, being a Brit, but I just had to leave a message telling you how wonderful this is. It’s a brilliant representation of the season as well, giving and seeing the joy in others. You’re wonderful Peter, and good luck to those two lucky pairs of winners, whoever they may be. Happy holidays 🙂
With a career in local television news, my husband doesn’t get nights, weekends or holidays off like “normal” people. And even if he did, his meager salary would never be enough to afford plane tickets home to Waterford, Michigan for the holidays. Because of this, we haven’t seen his family for Christmas since college graduation, six years ago. Since then, his brother has gone from a clumsy toddler to a straight-A 10 year old. His father has lost two jobs and switched careers. His uncle has contracted and died from complications from ALS. Cousins have graduated and life has gone on…and we’ve watched from the sidelines, living vicariously through Facebook photos and email summaries.
This year, we’d finally saved enough to go home for Christmas…and then he got laid off. Now, we are a struggling young couple, just trying to scrape by on a modest single income. We have college loans coming out of our ears and an apartment lease through the next July. Ramen noodles get old quickly, and nothing could quite satisfy our souls like a homemade meal from mom this Christmas.
I can’t tell you how much these tickets home for Christmas would mean to us, and after reading through many of the comments here, I know we are not alone. I’d like to echo the sentiments of gratitude and thanksgiving that many other have already posted – it means so much that you’re willing to give complete strangers the merry Christmas that they may have never dreamed possible!
With a career in local television news, my husband doesn’t get nights, weekends or holidays off like “normal” people. And even if he did, his meager salary would never be enough to afford plane tickets home to Waterford, Michigan for the holidays. Because of this, we haven’t seen his family for Christmas since college graduation, six years ago. Since then, his brother has gone from a clumsy toddler to a straight-A 10 year old. His father has lost two jobs and switched careers. His uncle has contracted and died from complications from ALS. Cousins have graduated and life has gone on…and we’ve watched from the sidelines, living vicariously through Facebook photos and email summaries.
This year, we’d finally saved enough to go home for Christmas…and then he got laid off. Now, we are a struggling young couple, just trying to scrape by on a modest single income. We have college loans coming out of our ears and an apartment lease through the next July. Ramen noodles get old quickly, and nothing could quite satisfy our souls like a homemade meal from mom this Christmas.
I can’t tell you how much these tickets home for Christmas would mean to us, and after reading through many of the comments here, I know we are not alone. I’d like to echo the sentiments of gratitude and thanksgiving that many other have already posted – it means so much that you’re willing to give complete strangers the merry Christmas that they may have never dreamed possible!
Peter – this is a wonderful, generous offer, and I would certainly appreciate being considered. I live on the east coast (near Hartford, CT), and my father is out in California (near Oakland). A week before Thanksgiving my father had a heart attack and was hospitalized. As a result of his being in the hospital, it became clear that lots of other “stuff” needs to be addressed medically – he is now receiving dialysis on a regular basis, as one item … I would love to be able to go out to California to spend some time with him while I still can. I don’t get to see him much, and I honestl don’t know when I will be able to get back out there. I am also presently unemployed – and have been for about 3 months, so money for airfare is somewhat prohibitive right now. My father is still in the hospital, and will likely be going to a long-term care facility soon – every day has been a waiting game for information, and next steps. I know you will receive inquiries from many deserving individuals. If you – and Meagan – happen to pick me, I would be forever grateful for your amazing gift. Thank you.
Peter – this is a wonderful, generous offer, and I would certainly appreciate being considered. I live on the east coast (near Hartford, CT), and my father is out in California (near Oakland). A week before Thanksgiving my father had a heart attack and was hospitalized. As a result of his being in the hospital, it became clear that lots of other “stuff” needs to be addressed medically – he is now receiving dialysis on a regular basis, as one item … I would love to be able to go out to California to spend some time with him while I still can. I don’t get to see him much, and I honestl don’t know when I will be able to get back out there. I am also presently unemployed – and have been for about 3 months, so money for airfare is somewhat prohibitive right now. My father is still in the hospital, and will likely be going to a long-term care facility soon – every day has been a waiting game for information, and next steps. I know you will receive inquiries from many deserving individuals. If you – and Meagan – happen to pick me, I would be forever grateful for your amazing gift. Thank you.
Hi Peter! I am currently living in Georgia getting my soul sucked dry by my family and friends. I would love to spend Christmas doing something more meaningful spending it in NYC helping Sandy victims for Christmas. I’d prefer to be in NY helping with the recovery efforts than stuck in Ga. watching the usual suspects over indulge and over consume. Please send me to NYC! Help me help Sandy victims for the Holidays! Thanks!
Hi Peter! I am currently living in Georgia getting my soul sucked dry by my family and friends. I would love to spend Christmas doing something more meaningful spending it in NYC helping Sandy victims for Christmas. I’d prefer to be in NY helping with the recovery efforts than stuck in Ga. watching the usual suspects over indulge and over consume. Please send me to NYC! Help me help Sandy victims for the Holidays! Thanks!
Excellent way to pay it forward, Peter. I have 85 year old parents in Pittsburgh and I can’t put a trip together to see them at Christmas – they can’t fly right now either.
Excellent way to pay it forward, Peter. I have 85 year old parents in Pittsburgh and I can’t put a trip together to see them at Christmas – they can’t fly right now either.
I’m an old veteran with only a wife and two “kids’ within a 10 minute drive, so I don’t need your offer. I just want to say thank you for your generosity and suggest that Megan choose one military family and one Sandy victim. All the comments seem to have a good case but when you can only choose two …
I’m an old veteran with only a wife and two “kids’ within a 10 minute drive, so I don’t need your offer. I just want to say thank you for your generosity and suggest that Megan choose one military family and one Sandy victim. All the comments seem to have a good case but when you can only choose two …
I’m a huge fan of paying it forward. I’ll kick in $100 in spending money for party you select. $50/per winner can only help.
Good idea, good energy, good people….and you can donate miles to organizations like Make a Wish Foundation if you are stuck with any leftovers….:-).
I’m a huge fan of paying it forward. I’ll kick in $100 in spending money for party you select. $50/per winner can only help.
Good idea, good energy, good people….and you can donate miles to organizations like Make a Wish Foundation if you are stuck with any leftovers….:-).
Peter, I too started a small business. After a service dog changed my life, I decided I needed to find a way to help others with disabilities train their own service dogs. Dog training as a profession is not a high profit margin business but add in the fact that I help the disabled, who typically do not have the ability to pay for the services the desperately need, I end up giving more money away than I get. As you can imagine, its put a great strain on my families finances. Add in the mix that my father, a law enforcement officer, last Christmas day broke the news to my family that he had only months to live. I dropped everything, closed down my business and flew last minute to be by his bedside and take care of him during his time in hospice. After years of not seeing my family members I realized what a grave error I had made. Unfortunately that grave error may have to be made again this year since my husband is facing a strike soon and I literally make no money. Being able to go see the rest of my family in Florida for Christmas would really put a skip in my step and help me help you continue on in the spirit of giving by giving back to the disabled children, mothers, fathers and grandparents I work with day in and day out.
Peter, I too started a small business. After a service dog changed my life, I decided I needed to find a way to help others with disabilities train their own service dogs. Dog training as a profession is not a high profit margin business but add in the fact that I help the disabled, who typically do not have the ability to pay for the services the desperately need, I end up giving more money away than I get. As you can imagine, its put a great strain on my families finances. Add in the mix that my father, a law enforcement officer, last Christmas day broke the news to my family that he had only months to live. I dropped everything, closed down my business and flew last minute to be by his bedside and take care of him during his time in hospice. After years of not seeing my family members I realized what a grave error I had made. Unfortunately that grave error may have to be made again this year since my husband is facing a strike soon and I literally make no money. Being able to go see the rest of my family in Florida for Christmas would really put a skip in my step and help me help you continue on in the spirit of giving by giving back to the disabled children, mothers, fathers and grandparents I work with day in and day out.
Hello Peter,
A friend of mine sent me this blog post. I think this is such a kind and generous gift you are giving. After reading some of the posts below, I believe others are more deserving of this kind gift than I am, but it is worth a shot. If you were to ask my friends about me and my personality you might get genuine, kind, loving, authentic, one of kind, and caring. Well, at least that is what I hope they would say. I try to always put a smile on my face and make sure those around me are takin care of and happy. The past 6 months have been difficult for me with going through a break up, losing a good friend, soon to be parting ways with my beloved dog, and being away from family around the holidays. I am currently living in Utah and my family is in Minnesota. I too have have been looking for flights home, but they are way too expensive. I am surrounded by friends this holiday season, but nothing beats being home for the holidays. I would be so appreciative of this lovely gift, but understand if you choose someone else to make their holiday brighter.
Merry Christmas,
Krista Kirkeeide
Hello Peter,
A friend of mine sent me this blog post. I think this is such a kind and generous gift you are giving. After reading some of the posts below, I believe others are more deserving of this kind gift than I am, but it is worth a shot. If you were to ask my friends about me and my personality you might get genuine, kind, loving, authentic, one of kind, and caring. Well, at least that is what I hope they would say. I try to always put a smile on my face and make sure those around me are takin care of and happy. The past 6 months have been difficult for me with going through a break up, losing a good friend, soon to be parting ways with my beloved dog, and being away from family around the holidays. I am currently living in Utah and my family is in Minnesota. I too have have been looking for flights home, but they are way too expensive. I am surrounded by friends this holiday season, but nothing beats being home for the holidays. I would be so appreciative of this lovely gift, but understand if you choose someone else to make their holiday brighter.
Merry Christmas,
Krista Kirkeeide
Peter – I was actually looking into flights to go home for the holiday season when I read over your posting. While I do have a heartfelt story I could share, after reading over several of the other stories I realized that many of the other people needed the ticket more than I and so I just wanted to wish those that really needed it the best of luck and I hope they have a happy holidays with their families!
Peter – I was actually looking into flights to go home for the holiday season when I read over your posting. While I do have a heartfelt story I could share, after reading over several of the other stories I realized that many of the other people needed the ticket more than I and so I just wanted to wish those that really needed it the best of luck and I hope they have a happy holidays with their families!
I am a 29 year old PR specialist for public schools in the pacific northwest. I moved across the country to pursue my career and I haven’t seen my mom in almost a year. I live in Portland, OR and she is in Memphis, TN. As a young adult woman, it’s tough to not have your mom around. In order to make up for the distance we have a standing phone date each Sunday. While it is always lovely to hear her voice, sometimes you just need a hug or a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes, you just need to see your mom.
I am a 29 year old PR specialist for public schools in the pacific northwest. I moved across the country to pursue my career and I haven’t seen my mom in almost a year. I live in Portland, OR and she is in Memphis, TN. As a young adult woman, it’s tough to not have your mom around. In order to make up for the distance we have a standing phone date each Sunday. While it is always lovely to hear her voice, sometimes you just need a hug or a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes, you just need to see your mom.
Peter, what an idea! it’s inspired me to do something selfless in my neck of the woods. Just wanted to thank you. May karma be very good to you & yours.
Peter, what an idea! it’s inspired me to do something selfless in my neck of the woods. Just wanted to thank you. May karma be very good to you & yours.
I have some remaining Alaska Air miles I’d like to donate, if that can help get someone a little closer to going home. Reading all of your stories..I wish I could send you all home. My husband and I are blessed this year to be with family and I want to pass along our good fortune.
I have some remaining Alaska Air miles I’d like to donate, if that can help get someone a little closer to going home. Reading all of your stories..I wish I could send you all home. My husband and I are blessed this year to be with family and I want to pass along our good fortune.
First, thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. I feel very fortunate that I am able to travel home and spend time with my family for the holidays so I am nominating a co-worker who I know would appreciate this. She is working full time while going to school at night. Her family is in Ohio and her dad was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer and only given a few months to live. This very well could be the last holiday she gets to spend with him but flights are around $2000 and she just can’t afford it. I would love for her to be able to get home and see her family for the holidays. Thank you again
First, thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. I feel very fortunate that I am able to travel home and spend time with my family for the holidays so I am nominating a co-worker who I know would appreciate this. She is working full time while going to school at night. Her family is in Ohio and her dad was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer and only given a few months to live. This very well could be the last holiday she gets to spend with him but flights are around $2000 and she just can’t afford it. I would love for her to be able to get home and see her family for the holidays. Thank you again
That is really a great thing to do. It doesn’t surprise me one bit, that you are doing it.
Stay well. By the way, I heard your involvement at the Vegas, Crowdfunding bootcamp was a huge success. Philip @ http://www.equitycrowdfundingdaily.com
That is really a great thing to do. It doesn’t surprise me one bit, that you are doing it.
Stay well. By the way, I heard your involvement at the Vegas, Crowdfunding bootcamp was a huge success. Philip @ http://www.equitycrowdfundingdaily.com
I had planned on seeing my children in Calumet, Ill this Christmas. I was sick all year with pancreatitus, then a bad kidney obstruction that had me down for 6 months & required 2 surgeries, then a broken foot 10 days after the stent removal. I was supposed to drive in with my ex, but he’s all of a sudden crying about not having enough to rent a car. He’s always been a deadbeat and I should have known he can’t be trusted, but I believed.. Anyway, I haven’t made any money this year, I missed my youngest sons wedding because I wound up in the hospital–my absence caused him to believe I didn’t care. I did, but there’s nothing you can do in that moment. I haven’t seen these two boys in 4 & 6 years. The youngest is in college studying biology and the oldest is a stay-at-home dad who spends time writing novels.
All the people who have written seem to be very deserving–I would understand if someone else is chosen, but I am putting in a request because, hey, miracles do happen, and it’s been a very tough year. Thanks for your time and thank you for such a wonderful thing you’re doing for others..p.s. I’m asking for only one ticket for myself.
I had planned on seeing my children in Calumet, Ill this Christmas. I was sick all year with pancreatitus, then a bad kidney obstruction that had me down for 6 months & required 2 surgeries, then a broken foot 10 days after the stent removal. I was supposed to drive in with my ex, but he’s all of a sudden crying about not having enough to rent a car. He’s always been a deadbeat and I should have known he can’t be trusted, but I believed.. Anyway, I haven’t made any money this year, I missed my youngest sons wedding because I wound up in the hospital–my absence caused him to believe I didn’t care. I did, but there’s nothing you can do in that moment. I haven’t seen these two boys in 4 & 6 years. The youngest is in college studying biology and the oldest is a stay-at-home dad who spends time writing novels.
All the people who have written seem to be very deserving–I would understand if someone else is chosen, but I am putting in a request because, hey, miracles do happen, and it’s been a very tough year. Thanks for your time and thank you for such a wonderful thing you’re doing for others..p.s. I’m asking for only one ticket for myself.
Personally, I am home for the holidays but I would love to find a family who wants to adopt a child in a country where child poverty, homelessness and begging are common and give them the ticket to help them as they rescue at least one child.
Personally, I am home for the holidays but I would love to find a family who wants to adopt a child in a country where child poverty, homelessness and begging are common and give them the ticket to help them as they rescue at least one child.
This is a true story: Last December, my roommate who I had known for 2 years, assaulted me, tried to kill my dog, and then ran around our kitchen with a butcher knife while she threatened to kill herself. I was forced to call 911, and subsequently she was arrested and the court issued an order of protection to keep her away from me. I suffered from PTSD following this event, and in January I moved to Los Angeles to put space between myself and the memory of the incident. At the time I didn’t really have a plan, I just knew that I needed time to recover from the trauma – So I packed up 2 suitcases and the dog, and left my hometown of New York without any idea how long I would stay. With the love and support of my family, I have since gone back to school and started over, and I’m moving forward and starting a new chapter of life. Over the last few months, I have been trying to get my security deposit returned to me from my crazy roommate. I had hoped by now that things would be sorted out and that I could use the money to fly home and see my family – But, that hasn’t worked out yet and requires legal action, so unfortunately I’m stuck in L.A. This would be my first Christmas without my family outside the New York area, and it would really be amazing to see everyone – Especially given how supportive they have been over this past year. They are my everything, and as a single female living for the past year in a completely new place that I kind of moved to on a whim because I was in shock – It would be really great to reconnect with the people who have loved and supported me from a distance all year while I got my life together.
This is a true story: Last December, my roommate who I had known for 2 years, assaulted me, tried to kill my dog, and then ran around our kitchen with a butcher knife while she threatened to kill herself. I was forced to call 911, and subsequently she was arrested and the court issued an order of protection to keep her away from me. I suffered from PTSD following this event, and in January I moved to Los Angeles to put space between myself and the memory of the incident. At the time I didn’t really have a plan, I just knew that I needed time to recover from the trauma – So I packed up 2 suitcases and the dog, and left my hometown of New York without any idea how long I would stay. With the love and support of my family, I have since gone back to school and started over, and I’m moving forward and starting a new chapter of life. Over the last few months, I have been trying to get my security deposit returned to me from my crazy roommate. I had hoped by now that things would be sorted out and that I could use the money to fly home and see my family – But, that hasn’t worked out yet and requires legal action, so unfortunately I’m stuck in L.A. This would be my first Christmas without my family outside the New York area, and it would really be amazing to see everyone – Especially given how supportive they have been over this past year. They are my everything, and as a single female living for the past year in a completely new place that I kind of moved to on a whim because I was in shock – It would be really great to reconnect with the people who have loved and supported me from a distance all year while I got my life together.
My husband is in the us marine corps stationed in 29 palms California. My 8 month old daughter and I are living in southern Indiana. Cody was supposed to end his service in September but had to have surgery due to an injury from his last deployment. His surgery was in oct and he is scheduled to have his cast removed as well as a pin in his wrist in San Diego ca on dec 20… 5 days before our baby girls first Christmas :/ (aside from last year when she was in my belly and her daddy was in Afghanistan). He has been approved for leave from the 20 after his dr appt to jan 3 when he will have to be in Phoenix az. We have yet to make travel arrangements and would love to have him home. Whoever you choose this is an amazing gesture from someone who obviously understands the meaning of the holiday season. Thank you!
My husband is in the us marine corps stationed in 29 palms California. My 8 month old daughter and I are living in southern Indiana. Cody was supposed to end his service in September but had to have surgery due to an injury from his last deployment. His surgery was in oct and he is scheduled to have his cast removed as well as a pin in his wrist in San Diego ca on dec 20… 5 days before our baby girls first Christmas :/ (aside from last year when she was in my belly and her daddy was in Afghanistan). He has been approved for leave from the 20 after his dr appt to jan 3 when he will have to be in Phoenix az. We have yet to make travel arrangements and would love to have him home. Whoever you choose this is an amazing gesture from someone who obviously understands the meaning of the holiday season. Thank you!
I am writing on behalf of Melody, Lyric and Music. They are three rescue dogs, originally from Miami, that need to travel to from NYC to Miami. You can even go to their going away party! Melody, Lyric and Music have two daddies. One is a former nurse and in school (read: starving medical student) in Texas. That’s Jennings. The other, a music teacher, actor and singer (read: starving artist), is here in NYC. That’s Adriel. Jennings and Adriel will be together again in May in NYC with their canine kids, but for now, the three dogs need to live in Miami for a bit in the care of a very good friend. So why, the air fare? Adriel is going to rent a car to drive to Miami with Melody, Lyric and Music. Jennings needs to fly to NYC from Corpus Christi, TX to drive down with Adriel. Jennings then needs to fly back to TX from Miami and Adriel to fly back to NYC from Miami (he will drive back if he needs to). This all needs to happen by Dec. 30. In addition, Adriel would be able to visit with his very ill grandmother one final time during the holidays. Melody, Lyric and Music will be back in NYC with their dads in a few months (and there may even be a wedding in their future) but for now, they need your help staying safe and in a loving home with family. Thank you for your consideration. Much love, Lourdes @Sistermary
I am writing on behalf of Melody, Lyric and Music. They are three rescue dogs, originally from Miami, that need to travel to from NYC to Miami. You can even go to their going away party! Melody, Lyric and Music have two daddies. One is a former nurse and in school (read: starving medical student) in Texas. That’s Jennings. The other, a music teacher, actor and singer (read: starving artist), is here in NYC. That’s Adriel. Jennings and Adriel will be together again in May in NYC with their canine kids, but for now, the three dogs need to live in Miami for a bit in the care of a very good friend. So why, the air fare? Adriel is going to rent a car to drive to Miami with Melody, Lyric and Music. Jennings needs to fly to NYC from Corpus Christi, TX to drive down with Adriel. Jennings then needs to fly back to TX from Miami and Adriel to fly back to NYC from Miami (he will drive back if he needs to). This all needs to happen by Dec. 30. In addition, Adriel would be able to visit with his very ill grandmother one final time during the holidays. Melody, Lyric and Music will be back in NYC with their dads in a few months (and there may even be a wedding in their future) but for now, they need your help staying safe and in a loving home with family. Thank you for your consideration. Much love, Lourdes @Sistermary
Dear Peter and Meagan,
My close friend Eddie lives in Maine is going through a difficult divorce and custody battle. His heart breaks every time he has to leave his children, and though he is unhappy living in Maine, he will never leave as long as it is where his children are.
He could really use a trip home to Florida to see his family. He is extremely close with his parents, sister, brother-in-law and four nephews but is unable to afford a trip home to see them for the holidays. A trip home now would really help bolster his spirits and ease the pain of not being with his own three children.
Eddie is the type of person who would bend over backwards to help you during a hard time. He works crazy hours, and during dangerous conditions, hauling gas in the harsh Maine weather. He works whenever possible to provide for his three kids, while he barely makes ends meet living in a studio apartment, eating Ramen and sleeping on a futon.
He is one of the most generous, hard working, determined and dedicated people I know. He would never ask for a handout or charity, but he could really use a holiday miracle this year. For over 20 years I have been lucky enough to call Eddie one of my closest friends and it would mean the world to me (and I know it would mean so much to him too!) if you were able to brighten his holiday season. He would only need one airline ticket.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! Your generosity and ability to pay-it-forward are remarkable. May you and your families have a splendid holiday season full of joy and laughter.
-Heidi Matheny, @relayforlifesa
Dear Peter and Meagan,
My close friend Eddie lives in Maine is going through a difficult divorce and custody battle. His heart breaks every time he has to leave his children, and though he is unhappy living in Maine, he will never leave as long as it is where his children are.
He could really use a trip home to Florida to see his family. He is extremely close with his parents, sister, brother-in-law and four nephews but is unable to afford a trip home to see them for the holidays. A trip home now would really help bolster his spirits and ease the pain of not being with his own three children.
Eddie is the type of person who would bend over backwards to help you during a hard time. He works crazy hours, and during dangerous conditions, hauling gas in the harsh Maine weather. He works whenever possible to provide for his three kids, while he barely makes ends meet living in a studio apartment, eating Ramen and sleeping on a futon.
He is one of the most generous, hard working, determined and dedicated people I know. He would never ask for a handout or charity, but he could really use a holiday miracle this year. For over 20 years I have been lucky enough to call Eddie one of my closest friends and it would mean the world to me (and I know it would mean so much to him too!) if you were able to brighten his holiday season. He would only need one airline ticket.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! Your generosity and ability to pay-it-forward are remarkable. May you and your families have a splendid holiday season full of joy and laughter.
-Heidi Matheny, @relayforlifesa
Dear Peter,
I’m not in the military and none of my relatives have recently passed (well, kinda) and as a matter of fact, I’m technically back in the place I called home for many years and have plans to celebrate Christmas eve with my mother, sister, aunts, cousins, and second cousins. They are all coming to my house since I recently moved back to Texas after having spent the last 10 years in New York. So you see, I’m probably not going to compare to the other responders here, but what I didn’t mention is that the only person not here for the celebration is my partner of 7 years who is currently living in New York to finish grad school while I live in Texas to spend time with my family.
Being a self-funded full time graduate student she is already 60K in debt, jobless, and can’t afford to fly down from New York. Normally I would cover for her, but with my recent cross country move coupled with a property I inherited in August which hit me with monthly mortgage notes and major repair bills I wasn’t planning on or expecting, I am so strapped I barely sleep at night. She even looked into her airline miles and is a mere 3000 miles short of being able to buy a one way ticket, much less a round trip one. On top of that, we started dating when I was a self-funded college student and she was a poor recent undergrad so in the 7 years we’ve been together we’ve only managed to get down to Texas one time to spend the holidays as a family.
The worst part about it is that we’re having to spend this year living close to 2000 miles apart, which is really hard, and are now faced with not being able to see each other when she actually has time off school. We know this commitment we’re both making is for our future, but it’s really hard and if we did see each other for Christmas, it would only be the fourth time since June 1st that we did…. So, thank you for considering us.
Dear Peter,
I’m not in the military and none of my relatives have recently passed (well, kinda) and as a matter of fact, I’m technically back in the place I called home for many years and have plans to celebrate Christmas eve with my mother, sister, aunts, cousins, and second cousins. They are all coming to my house since I recently moved back to Texas after having spent the last 10 years in New York. So you see, I’m probably not going to compare to the other responders here, but what I didn’t mention is that the only person not here for the celebration is my partner of 7 years who is currently living in New York to finish grad school while I live in Texas to spend time with my family.
Being a self-funded full time graduate student she is already 60K in debt, jobless, and can’t afford to fly down from New York. Normally I would cover for her, but with my recent cross country move coupled with a property I inherited in August which hit me with monthly mortgage notes and major repair bills I wasn’t planning on or expecting, I am so strapped I barely sleep at night. She even looked into her airline miles and is a mere 3000 miles short of being able to buy a one way ticket, much less a round trip one. On top of that, we started dating when I was a self-funded college student and she was a poor recent undergrad so in the 7 years we’ve been together we’ve only managed to get down to Texas one time to spend the holidays as a family.
The worst part about it is that we’re having to spend this year living close to 2000 miles apart, which is really hard, and are now faced with not being able to see each other when she actually has time off school. We know this commitment we’re both making is for our future, but it’s really hard and if we did see each other for Christmas, it would only be the fourth time since June 1st that we did…. So, thank you for considering us.
Hello Peter,
I think this is so kind and generous of you to think of other during the Holiday Season. I read
the comments below and I feel that others are more deserving that I am, but it is worth a shot. I realize that we all have our ups and downs and need to continue to put one foot in front of the
other to move forward. I am that person who will put a smile on my face and pretend everything is okay. I lend a hand, a hug, a shoulder to cry, to help those around me have a brighter day. I am getting tired of pretending that everything is okay. The past 6 months have been rough for me personally. I have gone through a breakup, lost a good friend, have to soon say goodbye to favorite four legged companion, and now not being able to be around my family for the holidays. Like so many other people I have searched to go home, but airfare is too expensive. I
currently live in Utah, but my entire family will be together in Minnesota. Someone told me that Christmas is just another day, but to me it is more than just another day. It is a day filled with joy, family, traditions, and simple comforts you are so use to growing up. I know that life will go on and I will do my best to make the most out of this Christmas, but there truly is no place like
home for the holidays. Again, I will not be heartbroken by any means if someone else is chosen. You are so wonderful to be giving this gift. I am sure whomever wins will be forever grateful.
Merry Christmas,
Krista
Hello Peter,
I think this is so kind and generous of you to think of other during the Holiday Season. I read
the comments below and I feel that others are more deserving that I am, but it is worth a shot. I realize that we all have our ups and downs and need to continue to put one foot in front of the
other to move forward. I am that person who will put a smile on my face and pretend everything is okay. I lend a hand, a hug, a shoulder to cry, to help those around me have a brighter day. I am getting tired of pretending that everything is okay. The past 6 months have been rough for me personally. I have gone through a breakup, lost a good friend, have to soon say goodbye to favorite four legged companion, and now not being able to be around my family for the holidays. Like so many other people I have searched to go home, but airfare is too expensive. I
currently live in Utah, but my entire family will be together in Minnesota. Someone told me that Christmas is just another day, but to me it is more than just another day. It is a day filled with joy, family, traditions, and simple comforts you are so use to growing up. I know that life will go on and I will do my best to make the most out of this Christmas, but there truly is no place like
home for the holidays. Again, I will not be heartbroken by any means if someone else is chosen. You are so wonderful to be giving this gift. I am sure whomever wins will be forever grateful.
Merry Christmas,
Krista
Dear Peter,
First off this is a wonderful gift to whomever the winners my be, it’s the true spirit of the season. My friend Heidi has already written a post on my behalf because I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get to a computer in time. I currently live in the state of Maine and Im unfortuantly going through a nasty divorce . My mom, dad, sister and nephews all live in Florida and I would love to get to see them for the holidays. We are very close and its been almost two years since I’ve seen most of them. I dont have any family in Maine with the exception of my ex wife and children. We were suppose to move back to Florida but about two months prior to the move is when the divorce came about. It’s hard to be up here in the dreary northeast and not have any idea when youre going to see you immediate family again. I work as much as possible to be able to give my kids the life they deserve and have and still always put everyone elses needs ahead of my own. I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I just feel that as a man and a parent thats how you live your life. I’m definatly feeling burnt out lately in going through this miserable process and would love to be able to call my family and tell them Id be able to see them soon! Best of luck to everyone that enters and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Thank you
Eddie @EdRock16
Dear Peter,
First off this is a wonderful gift to whomever the winners my be, it’s the true spirit of the season. My friend Heidi has already written a post on my behalf because I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get to a computer in time. I currently live in the state of Maine and Im unfortuantly going through a nasty divorce . My mom, dad, sister and nephews all live in Florida and I would love to get to see them for the holidays. We are very close and its been almost two years since I’ve seen most of them. I dont have any family in Maine with the exception of my ex wife and children. We were suppose to move back to Florida but about two months prior to the move is when the divorce came about. It’s hard to be up here in the dreary northeast and not have any idea when youre going to see you immediate family again. I work as much as possible to be able to give my kids the life they deserve and have and still always put everyone elses needs ahead of my own. I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I just feel that as a man and a parent thats how you live your life. I’m definatly feeling burnt out lately in going through this miserable process and would love to be able to call my family and tell them Id be able to see them soon! Best of luck to everyone that enters and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Thank you
Eddie @EdRock16
My mom is having open heart surgery on December 20 and I would like to be with her.
My mom is having open heart surgery on December 20 and I would like to be with her.
Hi Peter. I’m applying on behalf of myself and my oldest son. My brother, wife, and 5 year old niece and nephew live in San Francisco and we have always been extremely close. It’s heart breaking being so far away now. Over the last year and a half I’ve gone through intense treatments for breast cancer, including a prolonged hospitalization with complications earlier this year that we weren’t sure I’d make it through. I would love to visit my brother (he pampers me like a mom would a young child), but costs of cancer treatment combined with less ability to work (I’m a single mom of 4) this last year have made it impossible. Bless you for doing this, and blessings to the winners.
Hi Peter. I’m applying on behalf of myself and my oldest son. My brother, wife, and 5 year old niece and nephew live in San Francisco and we have always been extremely close. It’s heart breaking being so far away now. Over the last year and a half I’ve gone through intense treatments for breast cancer, including a prolonged hospitalization with complications earlier this year that we weren’t sure I’d make it through. I would love to visit my brother (he pampers me like a mom would a young child), but costs of cancer treatment combined with less ability to work (I’m a single mom of 4) this last year have made it impossible. Bless you for doing this, and blessings to the winners.
Hi Peter and Meagan,
Thank you for offering this amazing opportunity to connect families during the holidays. And thank you to all your great followers who are chipping in to help cover additional expenses that come with traveling.
I would love to be able to go back to Iowa to see family and friends for Christmas and bring my younger sister, Kate, with me. Iowa is my ‘mother land’ however I live in Oregon and my sister lives in California.
Our older brother, Eric, lives in Iowa along with his wife and three kids ages 9-12 (Laura, Jenna and Brian). Each year they are inching closer and closer to when it is no longer cool to show excitement of having family visit. They are literally growing like weeds; I’m positive the next time I see them at least Brian will be taller than me.
The last time my sister was able to have Christmas with the Iowa family was four years ago when they came to Oregon; her last white Christmas was in the late 1990’s! It has been three years since I have had Christmas with the Iowa family.
Kate is a school teacher who gives so much to her low income students. She prefers to work in low income schools…the schools that many don’t want to work. She is often the first person to tell her students about college and that it is a possibility for them. She arrives to work early and stays late so students can come in for a warm, dry and quiet place to do homework or to just be around someone who believes in them. She gives her heart, money and then some to helping kids believe in themselves.
Kate does this because that is how we were raised. We grew up in rural Iowa and didn’t know we were considered low income; everyone around us was the same…struggling farming families. One thing that set our family apart from many of our friends was it was a given we were going to college; there was just no doubt about it. My sister attended Head Start for pre-school; she really could be a poster child for the program; many of her students attended Head Start as well. Not only did she graduate from high school but she went on to get a bachelor degree as well as a masters degree!
Because Kate chooses to work at low income schools she doesn’t get paid much; plus she has to pay for classroom supplies including paper and pencils for her students without being reimbursed. Her ‘extra’ money goes right back into providing a high quality education for her students, hence, she doesn’t have the funds to travel to Iowa to have a story book Christmas with her nieces and nephew.
I would LOVE to be able to give my sister (and nieces and nephew) a story book Christmas.
Meagan, good luck on this challenging task ahead of you.
Hi Peter and Meagan,
Thank you for offering this amazing opportunity to connect families during the holidays. And thank you to all your great followers who are chipping in to help cover additional expenses that come with traveling.
I would love to be able to go back to Iowa to see family and friends for Christmas and bring my younger sister, Kate, with me. Iowa is my ‘mother land’ however I live in Oregon and my sister lives in California.
Our older brother, Eric, lives in Iowa along with his wife and three kids ages 9-12 (Laura, Jenna and Brian). Each year they are inching closer and closer to when it is no longer cool to show excitement of having family visit. They are literally growing like weeds; I’m positive the next time I see them at least Brian will be taller than me.
The last time my sister was able to have Christmas with the Iowa family was four years ago when they came to Oregon; her last white Christmas was in the late 1990’s! It has been three years since I have had Christmas with the Iowa family.
Kate is a school teacher who gives so much to her low income students. She prefers to work in low income schools…the schools that many don’t want to work. She is often the first person to tell her students about college and that it is a possibility for them. She arrives to work early and stays late so students can come in for a warm, dry and quiet place to do homework or to just be around someone who believes in them. She gives her heart, money and then some to helping kids believe in themselves.
Kate does this because that is how we were raised. We grew up in rural Iowa and didn’t know we were considered low income; everyone around us was the same…struggling farming families. One thing that set our family apart from many of our friends was it was a given we were going to college; there was just no doubt about it. My sister attended Head Start for pre-school; she really could be a poster child for the program; many of her students attended Head Start as well. Not only did she graduate from high school but she went on to get a bachelor degree as well as a masters degree!
Because Kate chooses to work at low income schools she doesn’t get paid much; plus she has to pay for classroom supplies including paper and pencils for her students without being reimbursed. Her ‘extra’ money goes right back into providing a high quality education for her students, hence, she doesn’t have the funds to travel to Iowa to have a story book Christmas with her nieces and nephew.
I would LOVE to be able to give my sister (and nieces and nephew) a story book Christmas.
Meagan, good luck on this challenging task ahead of you.
What a wonderful thing you’re doing! Although there seem to be so many, I figure it can’t hurt to put my hat in the ring too. I moved to the Seattle area last year and things have been rough. Because despite our very best efforts — and multiple interviews — neither my husband nor myself have been able to secure regular employment yet and things are very, very tight, to the point of, well, very bad. I am terribly homesick for my family and friends in L.A. and have actually become depressed that i won’t be able to be with my Mom and family for the holidays, plus other life circumstances. Anyway, that’s my sad story. Thanks for offering a bit of hope for so many who are struggling with hopelessness!
What a wonderful thing you’re doing! Although there seem to be so many, I figure it can’t hurt to put my hat in the ring too. I moved to the Seattle area last year and things have been rough. Because despite our very best efforts — and multiple interviews — neither my husband nor myself have been able to secure regular employment yet and things are very, very tight, to the point of, well, very bad. I am terribly homesick for my family and friends in L.A. and have actually become depressed that i won’t be able to be with my Mom and family for the holidays, plus other life circumstances. Anyway, that’s my sad story. Thanks for offering a bit of hope for so many who are struggling with hopelessness!
Peter my name is Juan Morales and I am a father of 2 little girls that had been taken away from me by there mother from Tucson to Albany,NY back in agust. Well she did this because after 9 years of marraige and doing okay financially I recently lost my Job at an advertising agency because of our economy. Our life became so difficult to the point where we had to choose milk over gas for the car. She just could not handle having to go through hard times and I don’t blame her. I am still collecting unemployment which us not enough to even pay my electric bill. I walk every where in Tucson looking for work. I will wash cars, clean houses anything that will bring extra money to send to new york for my daughters and wife. The reson I write you is that my daughters want to come home for the holidays and so does my wife because we have never been away from one another but because of this economy I can’t find a job to make enough money to even buy them gifts for the Christmas
Peter my name is Juan Morales and I am a father of 2 little girls that had been taken away from me by there mother from Tucson to Albany,NY back in agust. Well she did this because after 9 years of marraige and doing okay financially I recently lost my Job at an advertising agency because of our economy. Our life became so difficult to the point where we had to choose milk over gas for the car. She just could not handle having to go through hard times and I don’t blame her. I am still collecting unemployment which us not enough to even pay my electric bill. I walk every where in Tucson looking for work. I will wash cars, clean houses anything that will bring extra money to send to new york for my daughters and wife. The reson I write you is that my daughters want to come home for the holidays and so does my wife because we have never been away from one another but because of this economy I can’t find a job to make enough money to even buy them gifts for the Christmas
This is unreal, I love this idea Peter, good for you man. This is why I read your blog and follow you on Twitter. Kudos my man.
Cheers,
This is unreal, I love this idea Peter, good for you man. This is why I read your blog and follow you on Twitter. Kudos my man.
Cheers,
Please help me out my fiance is in the army me and our son trying to get to Richmond Virginia cause 2 people in his family just died. I will be so grateful if u could send us home cause when you lose a love one it hurt we haven’t seen each other a long time please make our wish come to we want to leave on January 1 God please u
Please help me out my fiance is in the army me and our son trying to get to Richmond Virginia cause 2 people in his family just died. I will be so grateful if u could send us home cause when you lose a love one it hurt we haven’t seen each other a long time please make our wish come to we want to leave on January 1 God please u
Hi
I would love to see my family in Walden new york….its all about family being together.its not about presents. Its enjoying each other…..its been along time. …since I have seen them.. .I’m going threw a hard time after a abusive marriage.and now losing my house.I live in Seattle.and I cannot afford it.but being with your family is the most important. And joyous thing you could have…just being together.