I often have heard that Santa has many helpers. This one is the real McCoy. When I look at these cards I reflect back to my own childhood. There were many Santas that had a place in my history, but none greater than my own grandfather. He was a volunteer at the firebarn during his retirement ... (he always called it a firebarn as he was a farmer by trade)
Going there and meeting all the
guys, and being able to climb in the trucks was like going to heaven as a young boy. I was always so proud of grampa, and he was a terrific role model. Never once did I see him raise his voice, and he showed me what giving and selflessness REALLY mean.Each year, there was a pre-Christmas party at the firebarn. Kids running everywhere, enough food for an army, and Santa and Mrs. Clause were there too. MY grandparents were the the Real McCoy as well. I remember "Santa" asking me what I wanted under the tree, and as I rattled off 20 things, he listened intently, and smiled with a twinkle in his eye. The twinkle was there because he was proud of me, and loved me. I could feel that, and still can at this very moment. People are always looking for the meaning of life, and why we are here. I could take just my Christmas memories alone, and leave this world happy.
Many years have passed since the days at the firebarn, and I find myself in the Grampa chair now myself. Every day I carry with me the lessons I have learned from the great people in my past.
I have often heard that my own granddaughter talks of me when I'm not there. The following video grabbed my heart, and made my day. To make some sense of this ... she calls me "Paddy". Grampa Paddy I am
