The Gift
Years ago, while living in Mobile, I was asked to fill in for Jim Busby, the president of QMS, who traditionally dressed up as Santa Claus for company gatherings and community visits. Since I had a Santa costume and looked the part, I readily agreed.
Following an appearance at the company, though, his administrative assistant asked me to go to a group home on Dauphin Parkway to visit the mentally-retarded residents. The idea was to stop by for a few minutes, pass out candy canes and be on my way.
Once arriving there, though, it was evident how much the residents enjoyed having a visit from Santa Claus. They were all big children at heart and mentally, even though their chronological years ranged from late teens to about 90. Soon, one of the staff members said how wonderful it would be to have someone help them pass out gifts on Christmas morning.
Looking at my wife Kathie, who had accompanied me as my roadie, I knew I had to return the following day.
Come Christmas morning, our family drove together to the home on Dauphin Parkway. Our son Ben, who was about six at the time, wore a red and white Santa cap, and was appointed as my elf helper. Kathie's mother Evelyn, who was visiting us at the time from Bowling Green, OH, was also an elf.
Arriving at the home, we found the residents as eager and giggly as any group of children on Christmas morning. In turn, each one visited with Santa to get their presents. Most of them received essentials, such as personal items and clothing, although I remember one young man being excited to receive the latest Nirvana CD.
Never have I experienced such gratitude from people receiving presents on Christmas. The visit was one of profound impact on me, especially in terms of feeling one man could make a small difference in the lives of others. More importantly, though, it was a wonderful experience for my family, bringing us all closer together and making us more appreciative of the things we have in our lives, especially those things like good health and mental faculties we take for granted.
That morning, I received a wonderful gift from our creator. It far outweighed my time or anything I could have ever given those residents myself. In my nearly 50 Chrismas mornings, that one at the group home on Dauphin Parkway is the most memorable.
Following an appearance at the company, though, his administrative assistant asked me to go to a group home on Dauphin Parkway to visit the mentally-retarded residents. The idea was to stop by for a few minutes, pass out candy canes and be on my way.
Once arriving there, though, it was evident how much the residents enjoyed having a visit from Santa Claus. They were all big children at heart and mentally, even though their chronological years ranged from late teens to about 90. Soon, one of the staff members said how wonderful it would be to have someone help them pass out gifts on Christmas morning.
Looking at my wife Kathie, who had accompanied me as my roadie, I knew I had to return the following day.
Come Christmas morning, our family drove together to the home on Dauphin Parkway. Our son Ben, who was about six at the time, wore a red and white Santa cap, and was appointed as my elf helper. Kathie's mother Evelyn, who was visiting us at the time from Bowling Green, OH, was also an elf.
Arriving at the home, we found the residents as eager and giggly as any group of children on Christmas morning. In turn, each one visited with Santa to get their presents. Most of them received essentials, such as personal items and clothing, although I remember one young man being excited to receive the latest Nirvana CD.
Never have I experienced such gratitude from people receiving presents on Christmas. The visit was one of profound impact on me, especially in terms of feeling one man could make a small difference in the lives of others. More importantly, though, it was a wonderful experience for my family, bringing us all closer together and making us more appreciative of the things we have in our lives, especially those things like good health and mental faculties we take for granted.
That morning, I received a wonderful gift from our creator. It far outweighed my time or anything I could have ever given those residents myself. In my nearly 50 Chrismas mornings, that one at the group home on Dauphin Parkway is the most memorable.
posted by Joe Wollet at 8:05 AM
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