Daily Archives: 12/01/2015
Pickens police plan community meeting
PICKENS — Residents, business owners and anyone interested in the Pickens community are invited to attend and socialize with each other and Pickens Police Chief Travis Riggs on Dec. 8.
The event will start at 9 a.m. and be held at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 309 S. Lewis St.
The purpose is to have the community come together and discuss improving relations, community safety and its overall well-being.
There will be an open forum to discuss any needs and what types of classes the community would like the Pickens Police Department to provide. There will be light refreshments including coffee, drinks and pastries.
McKenzie honored
Courtesy Photo
Officer Jennifer McKenzie was recognized on Nov. 16 at the Pickens County Municipal Association Banquet as the Easley Police Officer of the Year. McKenzie is pictured with Captain Rashad Murray and Chief Tim Tollison.
Annual Festival of Trees lights World of Energy
By Stephanie Jadrnicek
Courtesy The Journal
stephanie@upstatetoday.com
SENECA — The World of Energy will be all aglow from now through Dec. 31 with its third annual Festival of Trees.
A tree-lighting ceremony is planned for 5 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 3, with music provided by Zion Quartet.
Decorated by local businesses and organizations, nearly two dozen trees will be on display for visitors to not only view, but also to vote for their favorite. The winning tree will receive a $1,000 grant from Duke Energy to donate to the winning organization’s registered charity of choice.
“We want our guests to be able to experience an enjoyable holiday event during their visit to the World of Energy,” Duke Energy communications consultant Mikayla Kreuzberger said. “This event is an interactive way for Duke Energy to give back to the community.”
Over the years, the Festival of Trees has drawn a variety of organizations from Oconee and Pickens Counties. The World of Energy has provided more than 20 trees each year.
“This has been a successful event, not because of the number of trees, but because of the different organizations we partner with in our local communities,” she said.
Kreuzberger encourages folks to visit the Festival of Trees display as a part of their overall experience at the World of Energy. While there, visitors can venture through the self-guided Story of Energy tour, which recently received several new exhibits. The World of Energy also features a 3-D map, historical exhibits, a butterfly garden and a nature trail.
As part of the holiday festivities, Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit the World of Energy on Dec. 12 from 1-3 p.m. All holiday activities are free and open to the public. The center is also an official Toys for Tots drop-off location, so visitors are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the drop box.
“Duke Energy and Oconee Nuclear Station have been a part of this community for more than 40 years,” Kreuzberger said. “We provide educational, fun, family-friendly activities year-round for all ages. The Festival of Trees is just one way we get to work with our community partners.”
For more information, call (864) 873-4600.
‘American Dream’ organization gets $8K grant from All In Foundation
Grant to support after-school reading initiatives
SUNSET — The Inspiring the American Dream Foundation announced this week that it has been awarded an $8,000 grant from Dabo’s All In Team Foundation.
The grant will help Inspiring the American Dream Foundation to maintain momentum for its American Dream Reading Camps, while at the same time, fuel expansion for its literacy, character development and career awareness programs throughout Upstate South Carolina.
Made possible through a grant provided by Dabo’s All In Team Foundation in 2014, Inspiring the American Dream Foundation’s Opportunity to Succeed Program was piloted as an After-School Reading Camp for a group of third-grade students at A.R. Lewis Elementary School in Pickens. Launched in February, the A.R. Lewis Reading Camp focused on improving third-grade reading proficiency, while instilling in students important character traits necessary to achieve the American Dream.
Inspiring the American Dream Foundation’s Opportunity to Succeed Program has been developed around three guiding principles — teach, share and empower:
• Teach students about the American Dream, while making the learning experience fun and interesting
• Share with students the necessary skills and character traits to achieve their American Dreams
• Empower students by helping them to visualize their personal American Dream journeys
Due to the results of the A.R. Lewis pilot, the School District of Pickens County subsequently incorporated components of Inspiring the American Dream Foundation’s Reading Camp curriculum into its state-mandated Read to Succeed Summer Reading Camps.
Propelled by these recent successes, Inspiring the American Dream Foundation is now in the process of fortifying the organization and its programs to fuel an aggressive growth strategy throughout the Upstate. Central to this effort is the development of an Educator Tool Kit. The tool kit will include a copyrighted curriculum, select mentor texts, a series of training videos and ongoing training support.
“We are truly grateful for the generous donation made by Dabo’s All In Team Foundation,” Inspiring the American Dream Foundation chairman Robert Basmadjian said. “Inspiring the American Dream Foundation is committed to expanding our literacy, character development and career awareness programs for students all throughout South Carolina’s Upstate. Through the continued support of Dabo’s All In Team Foundation, we will be able to maintain momentum for our reading and literacy initiatives and help scale our program for optimum impact.”
DAR members mark treaty anniversary
Courtesy Photo
The Andrew Pickens Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently hosted a commemoration of the 230th anniversary of the Hopewell Treaty between the United States of America and the Cherokee on the grounds of General Andrew 
Pickens’ Hopewell, part of Clemson University. The ceremony opened with a flag procession by the Clemson University Army ROTC and the D. W. Daniel High School AFJROTC presenting the colors. Will Hiott, director of historic properties, gave the welcome, and Chief Gene Norris of the PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina gave the Cherokee response. Dr. Dave LaVere spoke as a French fur trader who had lived with the Cherokee in the 1780s, and Dr. Jerry Reel gave a program on “Mr. Pickens.” Senator Thomas Alexander was a special guest. Pictured, from left, are SCDAR state corresponding secretary Harriet Nash, NSDAR vice president general Dot Lind, SCDAR state regent Dianne Culbertson, Chief Gene Norris, NSDAR chaplain general Ann Crider, Lucy Willis, SCDAR state recording secretary Mari Noorai and Skyagunsta Society CAR president Anna Haskins.
WWE Hall of Famer to appear at Pickens benefit on Saturday
PICKENS — For the second year in a row, a WWE Hall of Famer will be on hand to help children in need this Christmas as 3Count Pro Wrestling hosts its annual Country Santa Clash this Saturday.
The event, the third to benefit Country Santa in as many years for the promotion, is planned at Pickens Middle School and will feature a special appearance by WWE Hall of Famer Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.
One of Steamboat’s greatest rivals, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, appeared at last year’s event.
Tickets for the event are available for as little as $4 with the donation of an unopened toy for Country Santa.
A limited number of exclusive VIP tickets, which include VIP seating, parking, an autograph and photo, are available. To reserve a VIP package, call (864) 346-3908.
The event will feature an action-packed lineup, with former TNA star Gunner set to take on Ring of Honor star Cedric Alexander, “Loaded Gunz” Ken Magnum battling former WCW performer Lodi for the 3County Heavyweight Championship, Ace Armstrong taking on “The Scottish Prince” Joshua O’Glesby, backed by The Highland Embassy, in a ladder match and much more.
Donations of unopened toys will be collected to benefit Country Santa, and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Bell time is set for 7:30 p.m., and the card is subject to change.
Cannon Auxiliary plans events
PICKENS — The Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites local residents to enjoy holiday events.
The Festival of Wreaths Silent Auction will run from Dec. 1-14. The action ends at 1 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Cannon front lobby.
The Festival of Wreaths open house is planned for this Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m. in the Cannon front lobby.
The Winterfest Christmas Craft Sale will be held on Dec. 10-11 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m
Courier Obituaries 12-2-15
BENJI REYNOLDS
EASLEY — Wade Benjamin “Benji” Reynolds, 49, of 302 Ross Ave., died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, following injuries sustained in an accident.
Born in Greenville, he was a son of Brady Benjamin Presley and Martha Evett Reynolds.
Surviving in addition to his parents of the home are two sisters, Kim Reece and Shana Owens, both of Easley; two brothers, Tim Reynolds and Brady F. Presley, both of Easley; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services to honor Benji’s life were held Nov. 28 at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements
JACK W. “FROSTY” BLALOCK
EASLEY — Mr. Jack Wallace “Frosty” Blalock, 84, husband of Vivian Holder Blalock, passed away Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late William Robert and Eva Alexander Blalock, Mr. Blalock retired from Alice Manufacturing with 56 years of service and was a member of Enon Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean War.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 61 years, are a son, Roger A. Blalock (Sharon) of Easley; a daughter, Sharon Rutz (Don) of Easley; a sister, Carolyn McAlister of Easley; and seven grandchildren, Heather Green (Jamie), Michael Blalock (Jennifer), Candice Owens, Jessica Brissey, Sierra West, Amber Ramey and Trinity Smith. In addition to his parents, Mr. Blalock was predeceased by a brother, James Blalock, and two sisters, Helen Simpson and Bea Cartee.
Funeral services were held Nov. 27 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made to Enon Baptist Church, 871 Enon Church Road, Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
RICHARD MCCAUL
CENTRAL — Richard Lee McCaul, 75, of 100 Abbie Lane, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2015, at the Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.
Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he was a son of the late Homer and Mittie Bostick McCaul. He retired from the School District of Pickens County, where he worked as a custodian at Liberty Elementary School, and was a member of Golden Creek Baptist Church. He loved motorcycles and camping.
Surviving are his wife, Rosemary Adkins McCaul of the home; a daughter, Wanda Ann McCaul Blair of White Springs, Fla.; a sister, Jewell Dantzler of Jacksonville, Fla.; three sisters in law, Betty McCaul of Bradenton, Fla., Mae McCaul of Bend, Ore., and Laura West of Cairo, Ga.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Richard McCaul, Jr.
Memorial services to honor Richard’s life were held Nov. 30 at Golden Creek Baptist Church. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Golden Creek Baptist Church, Family Life Center-Building Fund 477 Golden Creek Road, Liberty SC, 29657.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
EDWARD L. DILLARD
SIX MILE — Edward Luther Dillard, 85, died from an extended illness Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015.
Mr. Dillard was born in Six Mile on June 5, 1930, to Alfred Luther and Louella Bell Dillard. He was the grandson of James Thomas Dillard, who purchased the 88 acres on both sides of the Pickens/Easley road now known as Hillcrest Memorial Park on Nov. 23, 1906. The two-story house still stands adjacent to Hillcrest cemetery, the homeplace of James T. Dillard and grandson Edward L. Dillard.
He was a 1947 graduate of Six Mile High School. Edward completed his education at Clemson University in agricultural science. He was district claims manager for National Grange Insurance Company and then became the branch manager for Siebels Bruce Insurance Company in Greenville. Later, he opened his own claims business, Diversified Insurance Adjusters Inc. in Greenville. He held various offices over the years in both the South Carolina Association and the South Carolina Claims Association. He was the only claims man appointed to the original Board of Governors of the South Carolina Reinsurance Facility. He served in this position for six years. He also served on the South Carolina Joint Underwriters Association for Medical Malpractice Insurance, the South Carolina Reinsurance Facility Claims Committee, as chairman of the Greenville/Spartanburg Arbitration Committee and on the Greenville Technical College Technical Board.
In addition to his civilian life, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force, a First Sergeant with the 169th Fighter Wing (SCANG) at McEntire Air National Guard Base. He was also a veteran of the Korean War, with a tour of duty in Europe.
He was married to Edna Cantrell Dillard for 60 years and was a member of Six Mile Baptist Church in Six Mile. Also surviving are two daughters and one son-in-law, Teresa Dillard Lesley (Lonnie — deceased) of Easley, and Denise Dillard Youngblood (John) of Greenville; six grandchildren, Scott (Bethany and great-grandson Landon) Boothe of Easley, Jeremiah (Lindsey) Boothe of Six Mile, Adam Boothe of Easley, Ashley Youngblood (Gary) Rhoden of Duncan, Stephanie Youngblood of Columbia, and Sara Youngblood of Greenville.
Edward was predeceased by four sisters and three brothers.
Services were held Nov. 29 at Hillcrest Mausoleum Chapel, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
He was very much loved by all of his family. He loved to farm on his land, and this tradition will carry on through each generation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Six Mile Baptist Church, 149 N. Main St., Six Mile SC 29682 or Hospice of South Carolina 900 E. Main St., Easley SC 29640. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Dillard Family.
KATIE EVANS DUNCAN
EASLEY — Mrs. Katie Evans Duncan, 82, wife of the late Kenneth Wayne Duncan Sr., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at her home.
Born in Saluda, a daughter of the late Earl and Rosa Lee Rowe Evans, Mrs. Duncan was the co-founder of Palmetto Exterminating and a member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Kenneth Duncan Jr. (Darlene), and Keith Duncan (Linda), all of Easley; a brother, John Evans of Saluda; a sister, Rachel Lindler of Leesville; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Duncan was predeceased by a son, Kirby Duncan; three brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held Nov. 28 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum of Robinson Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1625, Easley, SC 29641.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family
ALBERT “PETE” LESLEY
PICKENS — Albert “Pete” Lesley, 62, of Pickens, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Pete was born in Pickens County on Aug. 24, 1953, to Butler and Margaret Lesley.
Pete is survived by his wife, Sandra Lesley; daughter, Dana (Mitchell) Bowie; three grandchildren, Drake, Skye and Allisa; mother, Margaret Lesley; sister, Sharon (Danny) Shackelford; and two brothers, John Lesley and Mitch (Marie) Lesley.
A graveside service was held Dec. 1 at the Blue Ridge View Baptist Church cemetery in Pickens.
Condolences may be express at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.
NANCY ROSS WALSH
EASLEY — Nancy Margaret Ross Walsh, 75, of 400 Bella Vista Drive, Easley, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, at The Haven at Chanticleer.
Mrs. Walsh was born in Greenville on Aug. 29, 1940, to the late Clyde Milton and Christine Garrett Ross. She graduated from Greenville High School in 1958, from Anderson College in 1960 and from Mercer University in 1962. She was formerly employed as a patient representative at Greenville General Hospital. Mrs. Walsh was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church, where she was a founder of the EPC Kindergarten, a member of the Women of the Church, and was a Stephen Minister. She was also a member of the Pickens County Medical Auxiliary. Mrs. Walsh loved her family, church, and traveling.
Surviving are her husband, Dr. W. Carl Walsh of the home; two daughters, Tracy Lyn Walsh and Lauri Walsh Moore (Martin), all of Columbia; a brother, Clyde Milton “Mickey” Ross Jr. (Rita), of Greenville; a brother-in-law, S. Gray Walsh (Dee), of Greenville; and three grandchildren, Ross Martin Moore, John Bailey Moore and Lyndsay Meredith Moore.
Memorial services were held Nov. 29 at the Easley Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Christie Sweeny Gravely and the Rev. Dr. Bill Seel officiating.
The family requests no flowers. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family desires donations be made to either the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART) Fund of the Rotary Club; P.O. Box 1916, Sumter, SC 29151; or to the W. Carl Walsh Scholarship at Wofford College; 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home Downtown, which is assisting the family.
KITTY O. MCALISTER
EASLEY — Kitty Oates McAlister, 77, of Smith Grove Road, passed away Monday Nov. 30, 2015, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Easley on April 5, 1938, she was the daughter of the late William R. and Lily Southerland Oates.
Surviving are her children, Bruce McAlister of Greenville, Mitch McAlister of Easley, Cheryl Pryor of Belton, and Allen McAlister of Easley; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Patsy Soubeyroux of Charleston and Barbara Smith (Johnny) of Liberty; a brother, Edward Oates of Troutman, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, James Oates.
The family would like to express their gratitude for her niece, Julie Smith, who was always there for her Aunt Kitty.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, at 2 p.m. in Smith Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
DOROTHY G. WARD
EASLEY — Dorothy Golightly Ward, 92, of Easley, widow of Arial Estes Ward, passed from this life on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015.
Mrs. Ward was born in Pickens County, daughter of the late Charlie V. and Edith Sentell Golightly. She was retired from the Glenwood Plant of Mayfair Mills and was a member of Glenwood Wesleyan Church. Mrs. Ward loved her family very much.
Survivors include her son Tom Ward (Becky) of Easley, and her grandson Cameron Ward of Easley. She is also survived by a sister Mary Ethel Foster of Loganville, Ga.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please refer to dillardfunerals.com for future details.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Glenwood Wesleyan Church, 401 Hagood St., Easley, SC 29640.
ELEANOR HAWKINS
CLEMSON — Eleanor Hawkins, previously of 605 E. Main St., Union, passed away peacefully at Clemson Downs on Nov. 21, 2015.
She was born July 19, 1916, as Eleanor Merkel Schnepfe, the first born and last surviving of four daughters of Elsa Christine and Norman John Schnepfe of Edgewood, Md. She met her future husband, Randolph Hawkins, in Baltimore, where she was teaching and he was attending dental school. She became one of the multitudes of war brides married in the summer of 1942. She spent her war years as a Navy bride in Charleston and later Beaufort, with in-between years as a working “Rosie” at Edgewood Arsenal while her husband was serving in Panama.
After the war, she and Randolph returned to his family home in Union, where she became an active contributing member of the community and Grace United Methodist Church for the next 64 years. She re-established her teaching career and later, due to her love of books and reading, she transitioned to school librarian at Foster Park Elementary School where she remained until retirement in 1985. She believed one’s duty was to do for others. She lived this belief and was never idle. She cooked, sewed, knitted, smocked, painted, and needle-pointed for herself, her children, grand-children and finally for total strangers by knitting for the Merchant Marines, volunteering at Wallace Thompson Hospital and delivering Meals on Wheels well into her 80s.
Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Deborah Teeple, Christine Ehlies, and Mary Cecil Parker; and five grandchildren, William Paul Parker, Sarah Teeple Stone, Dylan Hall Parker, William Harry Ehlies and Timothy Randolph Ehlies. She was well loved and will be sorely missed.
Memorial services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., with interment after the service. The family will receive visitors in the church parlor from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Holcombe Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org) supporting the families of wounded veterans at P.O. Box 97229, Washington, DC, 20077, or donate to the Virgil Randolph Hawkins Scholarship Fund, PO Drawer 729, Union SC. 29379. Include with donation: in memory of Eleanor S. Hawkins, with acknowledgements sent to Debbie Teeple 255 N. Catherine St., Pickens SC 29671
JOE A. CHAPMAN
SUNSET — Joe Alton Chapman, 75, of 704 Mt. Bethel Road, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at his home.
Born in Sunset, he was a son of the late Johnson and Cleo Rogers Chapman.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and loved to talk on his CB, but most of all he loved his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Surviving are his wife, Geraldine Duncan Chapman of the home; a daughter, Vicky Farmer (Ronald) of Pickens; a sister, Johnnie Ann Chapman of Sunset; two grandchildren, Keri Jo Brock and her fiancé, Timothy Berry Chapman, and J.J. Brock (Tracey); and a great-granddaughter, Brysie Jo Brock.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Chapman.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Chapman were held Nov. 27 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
How does one break elephant addiction?
There are some things I don’t need to see when we go shopping. I know my weaknesses, so I need to stay away from shoes, lamps, chairs and handcrafted objects.
Ever since I was a tiny girl, I’ve been fascinated by elephants, and if I see a hand-carved elephant or a nice elephant sculpture I’m drawn to 
it like a moth to a flame. It can’t be just any elephant. The elephant has to look happy, with trunk and head raised.
As a 5-year-old girl, I asked Santa Claus for a baby elephant and hoped I’d get one for Christmas. But alas, it never happened. Mama explained that elephants had to live in certain places, and you couldn’t keep them in your bedroom. I still hoped.
I couldn’t read “Dumbo” and never saw the movie, because I can’t handle stories about animals that are hurt, lost or separated from their mothers.
Grandmama had to set “Black Beauty” aside and read something else to us, as I’d cry when Black Beauty was thin and hitched to a wagon. Even though I accepted that I’d probably never get an elephant for Christmas, I enjoyed reading about them.
My favorite elephant story was the Dr. Seuss book about Horton the elephant, who hatched an egg for a negligent mother bird who abandoned her nest.
He promised he’d do it, and he did.
I love this quote from Horton.
“I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful 100 percent.”
Even though I have nowhere else to put an elephant in my house, it doesn’t prevent me from wanting another one. So I have to be very careful when I go shopping and try to protect myself from temptation.
There are several stores that often have very nice elephant sculptures, and I’d avoid them if I could. But on occasion when there is a necessity I must have, like a new frying pan or set of glasses, I am forced to go inside.
I suppose it’s like any addiction. Even though I try to stay focused on the frying pan, I can feel the shelves of home décor calling to me across the store.
I tell myself, “Don’t go over there. Buy the frying pan and get out.”
And sometimes I’m able to do it. But there are other times when the little devil that sits on my shoulder whispers into my ear, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with looking. Just because you go over there to look doesn’t mean you’re going to buy anything.”
I know that’s true, but I also know that if I see something really beautiful it’s very hard to walk away. What an inner struggle is created just by walking by a shelf of inanimate objects.
It’s like an alcoholic walking into the liquor store and walking back out empty-handed. But it can be done. If I don’t listen to the shopping devil and walk straight out of the store after buying the frying pan, I’m much better off.
I’m working toward achieving a state of being where I don’t want elephants in my life. Progress has been made, as it’s been at least two years since I fell off the wagon and bought one. Christmas is approaching, and shopping will happen, giving me an opportunity to test my ability to resist the call of the wild. My struggle to avoid elephants will be ongoing.
Letters to the Editor 12-2-15
The deer rifle on Christmas
Dear Editor,
A long time ago, there lived a man and his wife who had five children — four sons and one daughter.
The oldest son asked his parents for a hunting rifle but was told that they couldn’t afford one. He was told if he would work all summer and save his money, he could buy one. That’s exactly what he did.
He took the gun out hunting when deer season came in and killed his first deer.
Any of you hunters? Remember your first gun. I do — I still have mine, and all of Bill Gates’ money isn’t enough to buy it.
Three days before Christmas, the children except the oldest son were called around for some bad news. The parents knew the oldest son would understand. There wouldn’t be any presents this Christmas. Santa Claus wouldn’t be coming.
The father had just gotten out of the hospital, where he had had an appendix operation, and lost five weeks out of work.
Not wanting the children to be totally without Christmas, they bought each one a bag of candy and bought a sack of oranges for them to share.
Christmas Eve came, and the father took the children out in the woods to cut a live tree, trying to make Christmas as happy as possible.
The tree was decorated with lights and all the trimmings.
It had to be one of the saddest Christmas Eves ever. You’re a child going to bed knowing there won’t be any presents under the tree in the morning for you.
The next morning the parents awoke to the sound of happy children’s voices. They might be up to no telling what!
Entering the living room, they saw the tree all lit up and Christmas wrap all over the floor! The children all had a toy!
The second-oldest son came running, up exclaiming, “Mama, Daddy, I got a scout knife!”
The two youngest sons had Cowboy pistols and paper caps to shoot in them. The daughter had a babydoll like little girls played with then, hugging it.
Each parent asked each the obvious questions. Did you buy the toys, and if not, who then?!
It was then they heard a voice from behind say, “Mama, Daddy, I bought them.” They turned to see their oldest son smiling.
He was asked how. Where did he get enough money?
His answer — he had heard the parents telling the children about no Christmas. How did he get money? His answer — “I sold my rifle. I didn’t want them to have no Christmas presents on Christmas.”
This young man sacrificed something precious to him to bring happiness to his siblings.
Why? A small word, yet so powerful, spelled L-O-V-E.
Christmas is when we celebrate the greatest love of all.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only beggotten son that who should belive on him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Sad we have made Christmas a commercial event.
This year, give the greatest gift of all — love. Help someone in need. Make their Christmas a happy one like the one in this story.
P.S. This was a true story.
Eddie Boggs
Westminster
