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A Special Gift

         One year Christmas was very tight for me. I showed up at my family home, the location where I grew up, with all my gifts unwrapped in a laundry basket. I handed them out to everyone. I was very ashamed and embarrassed, but had little money for gifts, and no time for wrapping. I didn't really want to be there with all my generous family, but knew my parents would be stressed with a no show. I lived about 70 miles away, but showed up Christmas morning.

         The following year and almost every year after that until just before he died, my younger brother gave me a Thanksgiving gift each year. He'd wrap up about $200 or roll it up or put it in an envelope, never the same way twice, and would give it to me to go Christmas shopping. And he was always very generous with everyone at Christmas, even people he didn't like so much. He was "Mr. Christmas" to us.

         This brother was rough and tough on the outside. But he was tender-hearted and kind. He taught my whole family what generosity is. He gave us a love for Christmas giving. It will never be quite the same without him. But he's always with us in spirit. We give to others, following his example.