Christmas…One Simple Wish
Christmas, I still wonder what makes it so magical…
Perhaps because of Santa Claus, how we grew up and believed about him.
Maybe because of the cold wind and snow flakes.
Could be because of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, the jingle bells or jingle bell rock, or maybe because of Frosty the snowman.
Perhaps it’s about the special and yummy food in every table on Christmas Eve.
Maybe because of the Christmas tree or the mistletoe…
It could be about the gift giving…how we remember the special people in our lives. How we remember the baby in the manger…
Perhaps it’s about the starry night…the wishes…the smiles…
Christmas, is indeed one of the joyous times in a year.
But for Mario, it’s the loneliest.
I’ve met him in the city. He sells sampaguita garlands outside the cathedral. He looks about 8, dark skinned, big eyes, messy hair…to be specific, he wears that street children’s look. Yet there was something bout him that twisted my heart.
“Flowers for you, pretty lady...another more for Mama Mary.” He offered as he reached me.
“Been inside already.” Told him.
“I’ll give you these for only 10, half the real price.” He begged.
Looking at his brown eyes, I saw sadness and misfortune. Seeing his little greasy hands, I swallowed hard and felt compassion beats again in my heart.
“Look, I don’t want these. I want all of these.” I told him while holding the other flowers.
He smiled and looked around him, almost couldn’t believe.
“But I’ll take them only if you take this half to Mama Mary after you pray.” I suggested.
“OK, thank you Miss!” He exclaimed smiling.
I watched him prayed there…he glanced at me twice. He even prayed to every saint he saw. He was smiling at me while approaching. I saw some wary eyes looking at us. The little boy lead me through the gate.
“What’s your name kiddo?”
“Mario, Miss.”
“Listen Mario, I’m starving and I have no smaller bills. What can you say if I’ll just pay you after we eat?”
“That’s really too much kindness, Miss.”
“It’s nothing. So come on!” I told him sounding excited.
Brought him to the nearest fast food chain. He was so ashamed to enter but I smiled and he followed me through. He sat in front of me, still having that uncomfortable look. I saw some unfriendly gazes again. I don’t care about such attitude and judgment. But I was worried bout what that little boy might feel.
“Hey, every kid in Mc Donald's deserves a smile.” I cheerfully said.
There was no shame in his eyes then. His face was shining like those other kids having happy meals.
“What are you doing for Christmas?” I asked
“There is no Christmas for me. I mean, a real Christmas…Christmas has always been the saddest…I could see some kids anywhere around, with new toys, new clothes, new shoes, all fancy things…and they’re with their complete family. They all look so happy. They go wherever they want, buy whatever, and eat every food they like. I always see such moments every Christmas, and such moments never happened to me.” He replied.
“What do you wish for Christmas?”
“Wish that my mom would stop crying…that my dad would remember us. I wish my brothers and sisters, my mom, and I will share a delicious meal this Christmas. And that I could have lots of money to buy everything.” He said almost teary eyed.
“Money can’t buy everything, kiddo.”
“Can you name some money can’t buy?” He asked.
“Uhmm, the air we breathe, the sun, the moon, the stars…love…and lots more. If money can buy everything, there wont be people in the church today, kiddo.” I replied
He just smiled at me. Dunno if my response made him happy somehow. I left him there granting one of his wishes…a chance for his family to have a graceful meal this Christmas…
***20122009
Few days to go before Christmas
This Christmas...
Instead of thinking what's hot in fashion, why not think about those who badly need clothing...
Instead of deciding what foods to prepare or where restaurant you'll dine, why not think about those who are hungry...
Instead of finding a great place to travel, why not think about those who are lost...
Instead of having a great Christmas party, why not think of throwing one for the poor...
Instead of wishing all to yourself, why not wish for others, too...
Merry Christmas to all!!!
