Yes, December is the month of Christmas when so many people start thinking about what they hope to get as a present. When I was six years old my father left my disabled mother, because he didn't want to be burdened. They were hard times, and back then there was no food stamps or cash assistance. We were allowed to go once a month to the Army Surplus Center and walk around with a little red wagon and the soldiers would toss a big bag of rolled oats into the wagon. A block of cheese went in, bags of flour and sugar, nothing exciting, just food.
I look back on those days and the incredible strength and persistence that my mother had. She was so determined that my Brother and I would grow up educated. She walked us every Saturday down to the local Library or the Museum to learn new things.
Christmas is the thing I remember most. She always said, "Do not to dwell on what you will get, but what you can give."
Every Christmas she made arrangements with the Saint Josephs Orphanage and we brought home either a young girl or boy to be a part of our dinner. We always found a way to have one very nice gift for that child.
I have wondered from time to time if that memory is one that has stayed with those young people. I wish now that I had developed a pen pal type of relationship with them. Saint Joseph's closed it's doors many years ago,
but I still think on Christmas about what I can give.
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