©2007 Kathleene S. Baker

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives - Ecclesiastes 3:12

The man had just filled his car with gas; he was cold, wet, and ready to head for home. He opened his car door and bent down to climb inside.

"Sir, sir."

He glanced in the direction of the frail voice to find a well-dressed, elderly
lady attempting to get his attention.

He closed the car door and walked towards her. "Can I help you, ma'am?"

The older woman explained that the gas pump was not working properly, and asked
if he knew what she was doing wrong.

"These are new pumps and very touchy-even for me. I've found the easiest thing
to do is forget locking them while I fill; they keep shutting off for some
reason."

"Oh my! I can't keep pressure on that handle until my tank is full. My hands
don't have much strength in them anymore." She cast her blue eyes to the ground
in frustration.

"I'd be honored to fill your tank for you!" The man's Texas accent was gentle
and he gave her a little wink. "By the way, I love your British accent."

"Yes, a British accent in Texas. People always notice!" She smiled. "We just
came to the States a few years ago. That's my husband in the car." She paused
for a moment, "He has Alzheimer's now."

"I'm so very sorry for both of you." After a slight lull the gentleman
continued. "Why don't you get back in the car while I do this; the snow is
picking up and you're going to get wet."

She was a lovely woman with snowy-white hair; her attire was prim and proper as
one would expect from a Brit. "I'd rather visit if you don't mind. Our son is
out of town for Christmas; he's with his wife's family this year and I'm feeling
a bit blue."

A knot formed in the Texan's throat and he hoped to change the subject. "Just
what are the two of you doing out in this weather? I hope your drive home is a
short one. You know these Texas drivers aren't the best when it comes to snow
and sleet," he teased.

"We're on our way home from a Christmas party. The medical center has one each
year for the Alzheimer patients. They are rather like children's parties and
they have Santa visit. Oftentimes patients will have moments they recall things
from their past. Some sing along to Christmas carols when they haven't carried
on an actual conversation in quite a long while."

"Did anyone recognize Santa today?"

"Oh, yes, my husband recognized Santa and tried to steal his hat! He even said,
'Ho, ho, ho-Merry Christmas.' His recollection was rather brief but it was the
highlight of my day." She grinned.

The gas pump clicked off, the woman swiped her credit card to make payment, and
turned to thank the man who had been willing to help her. The two were saying
their farewells when the squeal of brakes, a thud, and breaking glass at the
intersection caught their attention.

"Oh, my!" The lady whimpered with a distressed expression. "It's getting so
slick. I've got to hurry and get home."

"Ma'am, I'd be honored to follow you in case you have problems."

She hesitated momentarily and then appeared relieved, "Oh, I'd be so grateful. I
can't thank you enough. And by the way, my name is Margaret." She reached out to
shake hands with her new friend.

"Margaret, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Ray." He patted her
hand gently before they released their grasp. "You just drive slowly; I'll be
right behind you."

When Margaret pulled into her garage Ray stopped curbside. "I just want to be
sure you get inside safely," he shouted.

Margaret waved and asked him to wait for a moment-then nodded and spoke to her
neighbor who was hanging Christmas lights. She guided John into the house, quickly
reappeared in the garage, and motioned for Ray to pull into the driveway.

She thanked Ray again and soon mentioned this being the first Christmas she and
her husband had ever spent alone. Ray, always a soft touch for older folks, was
happy to listen. She spoke fondly of traditions her family adhered to when she
was a child in England and revealed an interesting glimpse into her past plus a
taste of her cherished memories from across the pond.

"You know mistletoe is very traditional in England. My first "real" kiss was
under the mistletoe when I was a teenager. Oh, what memories I have." For a
split second, Margaret looked like a young girl again.

Several minutes passed before Margaret began to shiver and they were forced to
say farewell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas morn found Margaret peeking out her front door just as the sun crested
the horizon. She stepped outside, instantly clasped her hands like a small
child, and peered up and down the street. With not a soul in sight she began to
examine the items discovered on her porch each one dredged up memories of years
gone by in Merry Old England.

Just above her head hung an arrangement of mistletoe adorned with elegant lace;
she touched it gently. Bedecked with Victorian ornaments, a small, lighted
Christmas tree sat in the corner-beneath it was a homemade mincemeat pie wrapped
securely and tied with golden ribbon. The card attached said only, "From:
Santa." Hanging from the doorknob a brilliant red Santa Claus hat with tag, "To:
John."

Margaret called to John; he slowly made his way and stepped outside. Nothing on
the porch sparked his interest until Margaret placed the Santa hat in his hands.
After staring at it and stroking the velvety softness, he plopped it onto his
head. It sat askew but John's face beamed as his voice rang out across the
neighborhood, "Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parked several houses away, a Secret Texas Santa sniffed and wiped at a lone
tear, a happy tear. "Merry Christmas and God Bless." He smiled and turned towards
home.

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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Be a blessing; share this with your loved ones. God bless you!