I just returned from a holiday dinner with my mother at her assisted
living community. Santa visited our table, one of his last. You know
he had to be dying wearing that suit in such a crowded and hot room --
complete with burning fireplace! As I watched him greet the sometimes
hard-of-hearing, grumpy, figedty, and oh, yes, clueless, elderly
residents, he never lost his "cool", his charm, or the quiet voice in
which he spoke. When he got to the dear little ninety year old man
seated next to my mom, he leaned over and said softly, "I've heard that
you have been good man, Walter." His tenderness and Walter's little
chuckle brought tears to my eyes, for Walter had earlier delivered, in
quite a booming voice, the most beautiful thanksgiving before our meal.
It's my hope that I can remain cool and calm during the next few crazy
hectic days of this season and it is my wish for you to be able to do
the same. I have had the privilege of being the recipient of all of
your goodness throughout this year and I can attest to your kindness and
generosity. Your talent, ideas, experiences, insight, suggestions, and
criticisms have provided me with many smiles this year.
And, as did Walter, I ask that God bless you and all of your families,
bring you peace and prosperity, keep you safe, and, may God Bless
America!
