Do you remember the innocence of youth? I mean your youth? Remember when the world was fresh and new and every discovery was a miracle like a flower opening before you.? Growing up was fun and each day taught us something new. I think I was probably in the third or Fourth grade when I discovered there was a world outside of Nickerson, Kansas. Back then life was dirt roads, playing in the creek and waiting for Momma to get home and feed us. There was no television to watch at our house. The radio was for listening to the stock market report so dad would know how much the wheat would bring. At some point in time I recall the President of the United States talking to us in what was known as "a fireside chat." That was fun and we always set around the pot bellied stove and listened. Made it seem like we were right there with him. And we always slept better after he reassured us that the nation was in good shape and better days were coming. Seems he promised us a chicken in every pot, or something like that.
It seems in my mind that I can remember Roosevelt talking. I also clearly remember hearing the words "The war is over!" I can clearly see us setting around the radio in the last home we owned in Nickerson. I know looking back, that this is not the case. Roosevelt gave his last fireside chat in 1944. I would have been 3 years old. World War II ended in 1945 when I would have been 4 years old. We did not leave the Ailmore place until I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. So I think we no doubt listened to Roosevelt while on the Ailmore place and I transferred that in my little brain to the house we owned. When I heard the war ended we had to be the same place. The memories are there, just not quite like they really happened. Or maybe I heard a re-enactment and took it as a memory.
And what does all this have to do with Santa Claus, you may ask! Well, I have a little friend and her name is Madison. We call her Madi. She is 9 years old and she is beautiful. Remember the Breck girl? Madi has huge blue eyes, a Madonna face and a smile that is like a glimpse into heaven. The best part of it is she has a pure innocence that almost brings me to tears. She always hugs me and asks how I am. Just an honest to goodness little angel that cares about all the people in her world. And today she explained to me about Santa Claus. Did you know he lives at the North Pole? He spends all year making toys. The conversation was two sided.
"Well, yeah Madi, but there is a recession going on so things aren't looking so good for you this year. How is he going to get toys?"
"Well, he will make them."
"Well, he can't make them if he does not have money for the raw materials!"
"Well, he has money! He has more money than anyone in the world."
"Ok, but he is old and fat, so how can he make toys for everyone in the whole world?"
"Well, Lou, he has helpers. Do you know he can hear everything you are saying and he probably will not give you any toys. Nothing! Because he knows everything! And he sees everything!"
Well, when I found out that he could hear and see everything, I acquiesced and recanted so I could get back on the good side of Santa Clause. This made Madi happy and she thinks I may get something this year. I sure hope she is right. And I do so hope she maintains her beliefs as long as possible because all too soon she will be walking across the stage to get her diploma and heading out to take her place in the world. A world that will no doubt get bigger every day for her.
It seems in my mind that I can remember Roosevelt talking. I also clearly remember hearing the words "The war is over!" I can clearly see us setting around the radio in the last home we owned in Nickerson. I know looking back, that this is not the case. Roosevelt gave his last fireside chat in 1944. I would have been 3 years old. World War II ended in 1945 when I would have been 4 years old. We did not leave the Ailmore place until I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. So I think we no doubt listened to Roosevelt while on the Ailmore place and I transferred that in my little brain to the house we owned. When I heard the war ended we had to be the same place. The memories are there, just not quite like they really happened. Or maybe I heard a re-enactment and took it as a memory.
And what does all this have to do with Santa Claus, you may ask! Well, I have a little friend and her name is Madison. We call her Madi. She is 9 years old and she is beautiful. Remember the Breck girl? Madi has huge blue eyes, a Madonna face and a smile that is like a glimpse into heaven. The best part of it is she has a pure innocence that almost brings me to tears. She always hugs me and asks how I am. Just an honest to goodness little angel that cares about all the people in her world. And today she explained to me about Santa Claus. Did you know he lives at the North Pole? He spends all year making toys. The conversation was two sided.
"Well, yeah Madi, but there is a recession going on so things aren't looking so good for you this year. How is he going to get toys?"
"Well, he will make them."
"Well, he can't make them if he does not have money for the raw materials!"
"Well, he has money! He has more money than anyone in the world."
"Ok, but he is old and fat, so how can he make toys for everyone in the whole world?"
"Well, Lou, he has helpers. Do you know he can hear everything you are saying and he probably will not give you any toys. Nothing! Because he knows everything! And he sees everything!"
Well, when I found out that he could hear and see everything, I acquiesced and recanted so I could get back on the good side of Santa Clause. This made Madi happy and she thinks I may get something this year. I sure hope she is right. And I do so hope she maintains her beliefs as long as possible because all too soon she will be walking across the stage to get her diploma and heading out to take her place in the world. A world that will no doubt get bigger every day for her.
Love you, Madi!
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