Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

■■ v ' s % .&*, p • - -’T'. $ -<■■ & " - t -- i?- SECTION C—PAGE TWO THE NEWBERRY SUN THURSDAY, DECEMER 22, 1966 Inspired by the thoughts of pleasant associations during the past we are only too glad to send you a little Christmas senti ment that carries with it genuine thankfulness, for all the blessings that have come our way. ( ay we include our friendly wishes t • with the. many others you have received for a. This is the time of year when our thoughts turn with warmth and gratitude to you, our many loyal friends and customers. To every one we wish a MERRY, MERRY, CHRISTMASI ♦ » ♦ « By Shirley Sargent W HEN I was a boy Christmas couldn't come soon or often enough. The longed-for day was more exciting than my birthday. Fourth of July and the last day of school all put together. It. was magic. Sheer, unadulterated magic compounded of hoarded pennies, the scent of pine needles, locked closets, mysterious winks, expec tation and the Unusually peaceful 'household. This last because my brothers and I were doing our \ darndest to be good, as if to make up in one month for all the sins of the past year. Later, Christnaas lost its mean ing to me, now a roving bachelor. In fact the great day came too quickly, too often, and I would work late to escape the carolers and sleep even later so my empty apartment wouldn't reproach me. But now I have discovered the magic of Christmas again. A little boy gave it back to me along with a grubby kiss and a hug. It Svj mm Be looked at me sadly. “Don’t yon know we Jive In an apart ment?** bo asked. is Christmas Eve and I have been home from Korea for two weeks getting acquainted with Carol, the wife I married five mouths before I went overseas, and a rowdy two- and-a-half-year-old named Butch. He is my son, the child I had never seen, and he is the boy that gave Christmas back to me. Carol and I had planned eagerly on just what Butch should receive. Butch had a long list of toys that changed from day to day,, but when I had asked him what he wanted most of all, he had just looked at me sadly. “Don’t you know we live in a apartment?’’ he had asked. So I told Carol, “I think Butch is worried that there isn’t a fire place for Santa to come down. Say, do you think he’s too young for a football? Just a small one, of course.’’ Preparations That’s how it went—peacefully, traditionally—from the purchase of the tree, to the opening of Christmas cards and the hiding of presents from Butch. Until nova. Christmas Eve. I ran quickly to Butch when I heard him sobbing. His brown hair tousled, his baby- plump cheeks stained, red with emotion, Butch was another boy from the one I had put to bed. “What’s wrong, dear? Tell Daddy?’’ “I wanta dog more’n anything an’ I can’t have it.’’ “Can’t have it,’* I repeated stupidly, holding his warm, sob- wracked body in my arms. “Why not?” Carol’s hands were on my shoulders, “Because we live in an apartment.” Butch choked, “That mean old man won’t let me. He is too mean, mommy.” Carol said, “He means Mr. Allen, the owner. No dogs allowed.” “If I talked to him?” I appealed to Carol, “If I explained . . .” “No,” Carol’s face twisted, “ho made an exception to allow Butch here.” Anger Strikes To allow Butch. For an instant anger blazed through me, then I remembered, with an effort, that Mr. Allen wasn’t the enemy. “Butch when we move I promise you may have a dog,” I explained carefully. “When are we gonna move?” Children needed a time. He would be three in May. “Before your birthday,” I promised, “now go to sleep, son.” In the living room, I said, “I could buy turtles and fish.” “It wouldn’t be the same,” Carol said, “when you were little, don’t you remember . . .” “Yes,** for I did. I remembered the disappointments that weren’t swallowed up by other presents but only by time and the gift of love. My son has given me more than I could give him no matter where we lived. He has given me not only the happiness but the heartbreak of Christmas. I took Carol’s hand and drew her into the magic of love that surrounded us. MI-LADY BEAUTY SALON 1519 Martin Street Newberry, S. C. Our entire staff wishes you all the blessings of this holy season and joy and happiness in the years to come • • • THE NOVELTY SHOP Next to the Ritz Theater m&m- At ♦hlft season we extend to all our friends and customers the warmest greetings of the Christmas Season . Shealy-Long Tractor and Implement Co. PHONE 1424-J Route 1 Newberry, S. C. o May the Star of Bethlehem shine on you during this holy season and bring you peace ond happiness ... • SPOTTS & COMPANY £1