Oh Deliverance, you have done it again. I love it, Love It, LOVE IT!!! It dosen't look like they are the same boy, but who cares, they both have the same wonderful, happy Christmas look on thier faces. That little sweetheart on the left reminds me so much of my first YF, "L" when he was that age (probably around ten years old or so...) that it's scarry. He had the very same kind of smile, with a slightly crooked tooth...oh I LOVED him when he smiled like that. Well, I loved him no matter what, but his smile always got me.

If I could hug that boy I would! Thank you for some of the best Christmas memories...Hey I should write one while I'm at it...

One year "L"'s mom couldn't afford to buy him much of anything for Christmas. It was all she could do to just keep the power and gas on at the house she was renting. In fact, I had to take him for a few weeks while the gas was turned off so he would have a warm place to live until she could get it turned back on. With below zero temperatures and snow coming down daily, I was not about to say no. I asked her to stay at my place, but she already had other arangements with a friend...anyway, that isn't the story...

Well, I was working for a toy wholesaler at the time, so a week before Christmas I asked his mom to bring him to where I worked. When she did, I told him that we were going to play a little game. It's called, "What would I like to have for Christmas if I could have anything I want." Then I took him into the showroom (which doubled as a toy store durring Christmas time) and we walked up and down every isle. Man did he go to town pointing out stuff. I just walked along with him and made a mental note of everything he showed me. I think he suspected that I might get him a few things he showed me, but I doubt he ever dreamed I would do what I did.

I couldn't help myself...I just couldn't, man. I got him everything he showed me, PLUS a few things I thought he might like besides. I just wrote it all up on a slip and had to spend quite a few paydays paying it all off. But I didn't care. It was worth it to see him smile like the boy on the left in your pic. And oh man, did he ever! That Christmas he just kept opening up gift after gift after gift. His smile stared big and just kept getting bigger and bigger. But when I hauled out the deluxe hockey game he wanted...that was all she wrote, man. He flew into my arms and smothered me with hugs and even a few kisses too. What a Christmas that was...the Christmas I absolutely spoiled my beloved YF completely rotten! It's one I will never forget till the day I die.

THAT is the memory you have given me today my dear friend! Thank you so much a have a wonderful Christmas.

"Merry Christmas" with Love,
Chris