I know that you'll be busy getting those sugar plums ready to dance in the heads of your Children and grandchildren. I know I am! but I have time for a short christmas story.

I was 11 and a big fifth grader -- the oldest child of poor single parent trying to eke out a living in the island. Like so many, I didn't really think Of our family as poor, even though we really were.We had plenty to eat some kids did not.

My mother had emigrated to the states looking for a better life for us. And left us with our grand mother to care for us until she gather enough money to send for us, I think that was the hardest thing she ever had to do. On that Christmas ( our first with out her) as she promises us, she send us a packege with all our christmas gifts, but since a thierd world mediocrity not always work out on our favor, our gifts were help up in customs, impossible to get them out before Christmas. With no gift for chirstma my grand mother got hold Of ten dollars and divide then into us five. She put two dollars inside my shoes that night. Wow! That Christmas morning I was so happy, two hold dollars, to buy what ever I want. I have a very Mery Christmas.

Eventually the packages arrived and we were rich.


Katia