THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, December 25, 1995 TAG: 9512230063
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: HOLIDAY ESSAY CONTEST
LENGTH: Long : 166 lines
THE MORNING sunlight through my window has turned my grandfather's homemade ornament into a sparkling mixture of greens and reds. When my children were younger, they used to ask me why the small wooden tree decorated with bits of glass was always carefully placed on my bedroom window at Christmas. Amid all the expensive neighborhood decorations and the upscale holiday homes tours, it seemed oddly out of place. Now they reach for it, too. They know that my grandfather's tree is the essence of Christmas.
My grandfather's birthday was on Christmas Eve. He married my grandmother on his birthday, and so we celebrated his life and their marriage every year at this special season. He lived until he was almost 104, enjoying my grandmother's company for 65 years.
I scarcely know what he did for a living. Strangely, his profession has never seemed important to me. Yet how he lived his life, and what he stood for has been his legacy to me. He was a peacemaker who made universal truths seem simple to understand with his softspoken words of wisdom and humor, magically entwined.
A man with snow-white hair, he cared little for fame or money or the trappings of power, but cared deeply for his family and living a good, honorable life. It is strange that a man who sought to control no one, influenced so many.
In my work as a counselor, I often think how wonderful it would be if all children had a role model like my grandfather to teach them his lessons of peace. And then, sometimes, I'll smile, hearing my grandfather's words coming from me.
Honorable mention - Suzanne Radermacher
My Christmas hero is my son, David Scott Trent. He was born on Dec. 24, 1980. He has always been a joy. On Christmas, two years ago, he made me see what Christmas is all about.
On the way back from the store, we saw the man, known as ``the Great Bridge bum.'' David said that no one should have to spend Christmas that way. He suggested that we come home, fix him Christmas dinner and hot coffee.
We took the food to him and the look on the man's face made me realize that Christmas is about giving of ourselves. We sat with him on the street while he ate, and we all said a prayer together.
David still wonders each Christmas where the man went. My child showed me the real meaning of Christmas that year.
Honorable mention - Sue Trent, Chesapeake
Many Christmases ago when our daughters, Cory and Crissy, were around ages 8 and 12, the family was financially strapped. There was food on the table, the house was warm and there was even a few presents; however, there was to be no tree. The treeless Christmas . . . well, we'd just make the best of it.
On Christmas Eve, our good friends Bob and Joan Schumm came for a visit. We read traditionally from Luke about the Savior's birth. My husband, Phil, read ``The Night Before Christmas,'' and then we settled down in front of a warm fire. It had been an exhausting holiday, and Phil and I were lulled into an inviting sleep, he on one couch, I on the other. Bob, Joan, Cory and Crissy were left to entertain themselves.
Well, Joan decided that the girls should have a tree, so off to the woods they went. Bob and Crissy went in one direction and Joan and Cory in the other. They laughed, stumbled in the dark, called to one another, sang carols little bent, needles missing, nevertheless, this was the one - a Charlie Brown kind of tree.
Bob cut down the tree, dragged it through the woods to the house, and the four of them decorated their precious find with homemade construction paper rings. Of all the Christmases since, the girls still recall the spirit of love and laughter in that simple Christmas years ago. Thanks, Joan and Bob, for creating such a pure, sweet remembrance in the hearts of two little girls.
Honorable mention - Diane H. Mullen, Chesapeake
Her name is Cathy Gillott and she's the director of the Women's program called Youth Challenge. This program is a Christian Rehab for people with life-controlling problems. Most of us are recovering drug addicts and sexual abuse and/or rape survivors. I must add at times we are a rebellious bunch.
The love and care this women shows for us is nothing like I've ever experienced. She's stayed late, hugged me, forgiven me, wiped many tears, even cried a few with me. She cares enough to let us know when we're wrong gently but firmly. You can see love on her face, in her smile, by the tone of her voice, but most of all by the unwavering dedication to the changing of lives.
I was a drug addict for 18 years, I've been clear for three. (I've been at Youth Challenge 11 months). But getting clean wasn't the best thing that has happened to me. I finally met a friend who I can look up to, trust and who will give me a hug without asking anything in return. Jesus gave me a new life, but Cathy's showed me how to live.
Honorable Mention - Barbara Carr, Newport News
About the same time every year, with angel dandruff falls and ears are tickled with carols, children of all ages begin to get giddy. The time has come when they have to hug their young, annoying brother to impress the beloved Santa.
Mr. Apple, the old, benevolent man that lives in the neighborhood, is back once again for the holidays. Cars cover the block so they can wait in line to meet Santa. It is a heartwarming sight to watch Mr. Apple reach into his red sack to pull out a treat while he inquires how good the children have been. The happiness overwhelms them as they devour the sweets they received, but they do not realize that they also get a smidgen of love from Mr. Apple with every lick of that candy.
Any man can give a red and white curved stick, but only an extraordinary man can give his heart and soul with it. Even through all the chaos, Mr. Apple finds the true spirit of Christmas and shares with everyone who approaches him.
Honorable Mention - Lena Kruth, Virginia Beach, 15
My holiday hero is the most spirited person during the holidays. Her name is Ms. Vigg. Every time around Christmas. Ms. Vigg goes out of her way to buy presents and food for people who are not as fortunate around the holidays. She makes everyone have a Christmas of thanks and joy. She has a group that donates $5 or more to a family they don't even know! Even Ms. Vigg doesn't know them! She still buys food and clothing and presents for families who would usually not have a Christmas to remember. Everyone who is around her during the holidays can probably tell she has the Christmas spirit. Ms. Vigg is loving and kind and always happy to help needy families. She always makes sure that everyone has a happy and joyful Christmas.
Honorable Mention - Brenda Midgette, Virginia Beach, 12
My holiday hero is my father, a very strict person, but a person I will love forever.
My dad had a life filled with love, but not with money. He is like a white rose in a patch of red roses because he has raised my sister and me on his own for many years.
Every Christmas I wait for my dad to give me a warm, happy smile. Christmas morning is a grateful morning. My father has always given me a home with love and care.
He has gone to classroom and birthday parties and has also gone out of his way for special awards I have earned in the past years.
My father is a loving man because he didn't give me up when my parents separated. He has loved me and my sister through the good times and the bad.
If there was an award for Father of the Year, he would earn it.
Honorable Mention, Rachel Morgan, 10
My grandfather, Col. Bennett Alford, is my holiday hero because he practices Christmas all through the year.
Because he was the youngest of eight kids and grew up in the Depression, he never got anything for Christmas. Also, his dad died when he was 3 years old.
Today, he helps serve food to the homeless, visits people in hospitals and nursing homes, drives a blind minister to preach at country churches, drives friends to doctors and on errands, donates blood, buys tombstones for poor families, supports his church, always helps women and children, bought wedding bands for a poor, newly married couple and even visits the families of men from his platoon that died 50 years ago on Iwo Jima - just to let them know that somebody still remembers them.
As a 75-year-old former marine, he has seen a lot. I hope to someday be just like him.
Honorable Mention, Michael Champagne, Chesapeake, 14
My hero is my mother. I take a look at her and realize she's given me something special, love.
There have been many difficult times throughout her life, but she's kept a smile on her face for her children. My parents got divorced, and I knew this was hard for her because she wanted us to be a family. She tried to act brave, but I knew she was dying inside. She taught me not to be afraid of my emotions.
She has given me tangible gifts, but none has compared with the gifts from the heart. She is always there for me. When I'm depressed, she gives me comfort. When I'm happy, she gives me a smile. If my feelings have been hurt, she stands by me. If I need her, she comes without question.
Even though she gives me all this, I think the greatest gift she's given me is being my mother.
Honorable Mention, Sarah Wemers, 13
KEYWORDS: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES by CNB