Christmas season sparks fond, and somber, memories from the past

Here we are on the crest of another Christmas.

Everybody remembers a particular Christmas. I remember one Air Force Christmas that I spent in the little town MacKay, Australia, during World War II. After spending months in the jungles of New Guinea, we had been flown to MacKay for a few days of R&R.

On Christmas Eve, the townspeople turned out, and under the star-studded sky, we all sang Christmas carols.

While singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” I couldn’t stop the trickle of tears sliding down my cheeks as I thought of home and family observing that special eve under those same stars, yet so far, far away.

Church memory

To me, one of the highlights of church is the children’s sermon during which the children go down front to form a mini-congregation with a teacher, who is generally good at communicating with young people.

I am immediately reminded of an incident involving two small children.

“Now tell me children, “ the teacher asked, “Who is with you all the time, knows everything you do, hears everything you say, knows everything you’re thinking about and follows you wherever you go?”

“I know! I know!” said our little friend, waving her arms in the air. “It’s my little sister. I’ve been telling Mama we need separate rooms!”

College shopping

My grandson, like many high school students, has been shopping around for colleges.

A year or so ago, Wade’s mother and I accompanied him to UNC-Chapel Hill, where both of us had graduated from.

As we were leaving, Wade said confidently, “Yes, I think I’ll come to school here.”

“I dearly hope so,” I thought to myself.

I remembered a news item stating that 29,500 high schoolers had applied for admission that year, and only 7,600 were accepted for the upcoming autumn.

Of those being admitted, 85 percent ranked among the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. Such statistics at any number of colleges and universities should — and probably — spur many high schoolers to work harder than they might otherwise.

Epitome of trust

I keep telling her that she should run for public office. We need politicians with her kind of proof of honesty.

I’m referring to Teresa, the professional housekeeper who visits us from time to time.

One day she dangled a key ring with 29 keys attached in front of my eyes. She proudly explained that they are keys to the Raleigh area homes at which she works. I was, to say the least, greatly impressed.

Most of us, at one time or another, have solicited glowing letters of recommendation or oral endorsements of character, but few among us can provide a more impressive one than Teresa’s ring of keys to other people’s doors.

Food for thought

Driving through our neighborhood, I came upon a couple of crows blocking my path. They did not move as I approached within a few feet.

Then I saw why. The crows were busy pecking away at the remains of a squirrel that had been run over by a car.

As I moved even closer, the crows flew away together, one on either side, over the treetops with enough food for at least a day or two.

The little wildlife drama reminded me of the daily life-and-death violence that is a part of every form of life.

May the upcoming Christmas be one you will happily remember. And may you find no quid pro quo in your stocking on Christmas morn.