The Rural Voice, 1999-12, Page 25I'd written — the one that each year
she supposedly took to town and
dropped off at Santa's headquarters
in the Eaton's Toy Department.
After overhearing their low talk, I
hid the letter in the straw of my
mattress. Even if there was a Santa, I
knew that it wouldn't be right askin'
him for something I didn't need. If
there was a Santa. I hoped that he
would help my parents find a way to
make it through the winter.
At school I had made mom a
beautiful seashell brooch that earned
me an "A" in art on my report card. I
had reworked an old wool sweater
into a scarf for dad and made Dinger,
who would be spending the special
day with us. a sealer of caramel
popcorn.My gifts were ready for
giV ing.
hat night on Christmas Eve, I
lay in bed reminiscing about
past seasons. It was strange for
I was certain that I had heard tinkling
of sleigh bells outside my window on
eves before Christmas. And I thought
I remembered seeing tracks in the
snow! My mouth watered as I
dreamed about peppermint sticks and
chocolate bells.
Outside it was moonlit and brittle
cold. Diamonds glistened across the
snowy fields. The star of east was
shining bright and clear, high in the
sky. I listened to the sounds of
crackling fire coming from the
kitchen. I could hear whispers and
floor boards creaking as I knelt and
said my nightly prayer.
When I awoke it was a crisp,
sparkling morning. Even before I
crawled out of bed, I was filled with
the spirit of Christmas. Listening to
the excited chatter of Dinger telling
mom and dad that the right-of-way
cheques for the proposed road would
be mailed out first thing in the new
year, I knew that my prayers had
been answered! I didn't understand
all the particulars of the new highway
project, only that my parents were
greatly relieved with Dinger's
wonderful Christmas morning news.
Then I seen it 'neath the tree. The
best gift I ever received — one that I
still treasure to this very day! A
beautiful maple jewellery box that
was handmade especially for me!
Since that Christmas, I never again
lost faith in the spirit of believing and
the power of love.0
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED AT...
THE
SHONV
CANADIAN
INTERNAT 4NAtfarm
equipment
ShOW
International Centre
Airport Road
Toronto, Ontario
www.torontofarmshow.com
See your farm equipment dealer for money -saving coupons
or call (705) 741-2536.
Have a
Merry, Merry
Christmas
Season's Greetings
front
Lillian, Ron
& Staff
SUPPLY LTD.
let a
Aft Laval Awl
Neustadt, Ont.
519-799-5366
DECEMBER 1999 21
4