MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS

Last week Carol, Emily and I went to see Madeline's Christmas, performed by the Roanoke Children's Theater. While we always enjoy performances by young people, this one starred one of our favorite little girls.

I met Chloe when she was about 2. I was introduced to her Mom in our church fellowship hall after Sunday morning Mass. After saying, "Hello" to Mary I dropped down on my knees and said, "Who is that hiding behind your leg?"

Mary said, "That's Chloe. But she's really shy so don't take it personally when......." before she could finish 
her sentence, Chloe had climbed into my lap and put her arms around my neck.  Mary's eyes were the size of saucers. The mutual friend who had introduced us said, "Oh Mary, that's what happens when little kids meet Tom. I don't know what they see in him but it's pretty universal."

I stood up with Chloe still Koala-ing me. Mary said, "That's amazing."

 I said, "Yes, I am really Blessed. Little kids love me. Fortunately, I love them too. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to get rich from it."

Mary reached out and patted Chloe on the head and said, "Look me in the eye and tell me you're not rich."

I said, "I've been saying that for years and you're the first person to call me on it. OK, 'Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to make any money from it.' Is that better?"

She replied, "That's better. Because I could see from the look on your face that you are Blessed with riches."

Nine years later and I still am amazed at how God has Blessed me with the love of little ones.

Chloe is now a wonderfully talented Thespian.

 God is good. Every Day.

Thanksgiving Day - now and in the past.

We had a wonderful, quiet Thanksgiving yesterday. Carol's sister and brother-in-law will come here on Friday so our "Thanksgiving Dinner" will be on Sunday.

After morning Mass, we decorated the tree. Then I fixed Emily's current favorite meal, or maybe second favorite after Pad Thai.  Scalloped potatoes and ham with lots of leftovers for when Bobbie and Bill arrive.

Later in the day, Carol and Andrew made lots of cookies.


We have so much to be thankful for this year. Material things as well as heartfelt and spiritual ones.

But the main reason for this post is to answer questions about a Facebook posting I made yesterday.

"Saw a little bit of Macy's Parade while eating breakfast after Mass.

What MEMORIES of being there many years ago with John and Gwen VanderLinde and their children, Robbie and Cindy VanderLinde Gidley.
Do you guys remember the special attention that "Special Cindy" received from all the clowns in the parade?"

Many years ago John and Gwen VanderLinde and their two kids, Robbie and Cindy, friends from our earliest Salem days met us in NYC for the Macy's Day Parade. Our day started cold and drizzling a winter mix. We left our hotel around 7am to get a good spot. Right in the middle of our pre-chosen block was a big theater marquee. HOORAY - we can set up our chairs here right up against the barriers and stay dry! Cookies and thermos of hot chocolate. This was going to be a good day in spite of the weather.

As the hours passed, we laughed about the police officers also standing under the marquee drinking coffee and eating donuts.  Half an hour before the parade the streets were 8 people deep all along the route. That was when one of New York's Finest told us we would have to move. This particular theater always reserved their sidewalk for residents of a group home from Westchester County. I became VERY upset. "WHY didn't you tell us an hour or two ago when there was front row space available on either side of the marquee? Do you see the very small children we have? Will you please ask the people who have been standing in the rain for an hour to move back so we can get front rows seats like we have now? We will STAY HERE until those special guests arrive. Maybe there will be room for us behind them."

It got colder. So cold that for the first time ever theater management opened their second story offices to their guests so they could see the parade from indoors. So we were able to stay dry and cold. Very cold. But very cold and dry is a lot better than very cold and wet ! God is good.

But wait, it gets better.

Cindy, John and Gwen's daughter was three or four. She had forgotten her mittens and her little fingers were freezing. Fortunately she had a hand me down coat that was too big so she could pull her hands up into her sleeves to stay warm. Of course she was in the very front, waving her at all the balloons and characters. we noticed that all the elves and clowns seemed to be paying really special attention to Cindy. They would come from the other side of the street to give her candy and little toys. Finally it dawned on us that they had been told about this "special location" under the marquee. And, just as they had been told, there was an adorable little girl with no hands right where they had been told to look !

As Mary Ann used to say, "There IS a God. And she has a sense of humor."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !