Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas Annie and all wonderful yuletide cousins here! I did two hours ringing a bell for the Salvation Army today - not too bad for someone now in assisted living, and it was actually lots of fun! I've got a funny story about that. I did it last year as well. As I clanged away, a little boy approached with his mom and dropped a dollar in the bucket. "Does this really go to Santa," he asked.
"It sure does help him," I answered.
"So you know him?"
"I've been in touch."
"Well," the little guy continued, "I asked him for a gift I really want and if you talk to him, would you let him know how much I really want it?"
"I'll do my best. What is it?"
He looked around, leaned forward, and said: "Tell Santa I never want to get married because I don't want a wife. They're girls."
Trying hard not to laugh (his surprised and stunned mom had already burst into it), I assured him: "I'll be certain to tell him." He had an expression of skepticism, so I softly added: "I once asked him for the same thing."
His eyes widened. "Did he give it to you?"
"I'm not married yet."
He smiled and nodded his head. "Good!" And then he, and his still laughing mom, continued their way out.
Gerard
