The Best Present That I Ever Received

Vern, a pal, once posed a question on his blog which I thought poignant: what is the best Christmas present you ever received?  In thinking about my answer, it reminded me of my father, who though long gone, still has a big influence over me.

In 1972, I was eight years old and very acquisitive.  My father was rapidly becoming affluent and presents which had been unthinkable and out of reach, were now possible.  There were many toys that I wanted and I apparently composed endless lists and obsessed about what I might be getting during that Christmas season.  On Christmas Eve my father took me with him on a last minute shopping expedition.  I was excited.  Might we be getting me some good toys?

Instead he took me into New York City to a homeless shelter in the neighborhood where he grew up.  He had apparently been going there every year bringing food and helping to serve dinner on Christmas Eve.  Everyone knew him there.  He had gifts for the staff and food and money for the people in the shelter.  I had no idea what was going on, but I knew that this was not what I had in mind.

I was assigned to help wash dishes.  We stayed for a few hours but those hours have stayed with me simmering in my subconscious.  I was shocked to see children my age who had nothing, most of them not even functioning parents.  Many of the people there were mentally ill and made no sense to me.  I remember wanting desperately to leave.  Each time I went to complain to my father he would say,

"You are right, it is awful here.  That's why they need your help."

I have no idea what toys I received for Christmas that year, but I do know that I received a great gift.  I have not always honored this gift as well as I might, but I would like to say, more than thirty years late, thanks Dad.