MANY years ago, my nieces (who are now *gulp* 22 and 21) were part of our county's Head Start program. They held their annual county-wide Christmas party at the local armory, which was filled wall-to-wall with screaming, excited children that day. They were thrilled and beyond themselves: Santa was coming and he was bringing gifts for each good little boy and good little girl (many of the families who are eligible for the Head Start program are low-income, so this program provided a few nice gifts for each child)!!!
Well, Santa showed up drunk. Yep. Only in our county!
The extremely formidable woman in charge (a woman I wouldn't choose to tangle with), grabbed the oldest gentleman she could find and said, "YOU! Come with me! You're putting on the Santa suit!"
That gentleman happened to be my father. I can still picture him pointing to himself, laughing in his unsure-way and debating whether or not to try to argue with this woman. Needless to say, he decided against trying to decline her offer that was more like an order given by the general, and followed her.
Now, you have to understand--to put this in perspective--my dad is more introverted than I am (if that's possible....). He is socially awkward and emotionally distant. Unless he has a few drinks in him himself, he is usually rather reserved. He was USMC for nearly 20 years and had no idea how to raise children, much less how to act around them. Being Santa would truly be a mettle-testing task!
Somehow, Dad managed to pull it off, coming out of the back room with a jolly "HO HO HO!" to greet the children. He managed to endure every crying, exhausted, over-excited, snot-filled child sitting on his lap while taking cues from the Formidable Woman and other teachers, handing out gifts and spreading Christmas cheer. I'm not sure if my nieces or nephew (who was much younger) ever realized Santa was actually Grampy, but I don't think it matters now. I will not be the one to spoil the memory for them!
And that's how my dad saved the Head Start Christmas party.
In the spirit of the season, Merry Christmas to all! May this be a time of great blessings, miracles, love, hope and peace. Merry Christmas and God bless!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys have had a Merry Christmas! Mom also told me you recently had a birthday. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! I am sad to read you don't have any fond memories of your dad and I am sad to read that you feel like you don't have any family. You have more family than you think. :) I know I do not know the entire story but I also hate the fact that you don't talk to your dad. I am even more sad that the boys don't have a relationship with him. Every child should have a grandfather. :( Right now we are down in central Florida at my in-laws house and tomorrow we are headed to visit Grampy. I know he misses you. We will also be seeing your dad. He went there for Christmas. I hope all is well with you and your family.
I love you,
Alicia
Alicia, I would invite you to call or email me.
ReplyDeleteMy family is very dysfunctional and no, you do not know all the details. It is my father's choice to not be in my life and to have limited to no contact with my sister and her family. It always has been his choice; when I tried to contact him once, his wife had me served with "cease and desist" papers. Of course, I'm sure she happily misconstrued that story when she told it, as she has done with everything else. This is better, and healthier, for myself and my children. While I agree that boys need grandfathers, I will say that when the grandfather and his wife are as emotionally unstable and unhealthy Dad and his wife are, the children are better off without. He has no place in my life and that was his decision. Even if I wanted to contact him, I have been legally told I cannot. I also do not know how to contact him; my contact information however, has not changed over the past several years. I would like to call Grampy and Dot, but it is very uncomfortable for me while my father is there.
I do hope all is well with you and your boys as well. The Christmas card was adorable. They are two handsome little guys! Love to you as well.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I have your email. I totally agree with you about your dad, especially after attempting to spend a couple hours with him. His wife is a total lunatic (I have another word in mind, but I didn't want to spell it out)! My mom prays that one day he will see her as she really is. I've never really known your dad to be the outgoing type, but I think he is worse since being with that crazy lady. I am here to tell you that she treats the dog better than she treats your dad. Anyways, I just feel bad that we've never really had a relationship. After all, we are family right? :) Praying for you and your family in the new year! :) If you don't mind, please email me so that I can be sure I have your email. I want to ask you a few questions about the aspergers and how you knew that is what it was. I think my nephew on Keith's side is showing some symptoms.
Thanks!
Love,
Alicia