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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thursday, December 23, 1965 SEC. C—PAGE 13 J IsOtKi* Gr 1 By Archie Boyd TP ed Andrews looked across the " lawn. Some of the other pa tients were happily stringing dec orations across the stately ever green that dominated the en trance to the hospital. It just didn’t seem like Christ mas. For one thing, there cer tainly wouldn’t be any snow this far South. But, then, it hadn’t seemed like Christmas for some years now. Tw'o Christmases in far away lands, one of them in a stinking jungle and now this, flat on his back in a hospital. “I guess those guys have some reason to be happy, at least they can walk.” He was aware, and somehow ashamed, of the tinge of sarcasm in his voice. Question Helen Connerly didn’t seem to notice. “Would you like me to wheel you around the grounds? They’re doing some decorating at the other entrances, too.” Ted took the book he had been reading and covered his eyes. “No, thanks, Nursey-dear. I think I’ll take myself a little nap. This warm Southern temperature makes a Yankee like myself some what lazy.” The woman smiled. “Okay, boss-man. I’ll be here if you need anything.” Was it sleep, or half-sleep that enveloped him? He was never sure any more. But he was back again, the whirring sound of the Helen Connerly rushed for ward, hugged each affectionately. “Ted, I want you to meet . . . “I know . . . .” “My husband. John Connerly . . .” “Your husband?” John Connerly let out a boom ing laugh. “I know you, son. And I know what you are going through. A few years ago, I lost an argument in Korea and wound up here the same as you are now. This little woman talked me back on my feet and I guess I talked myself into a life time contract. What do you think of that?” Ted smiled. “I think it’s time I met the lovely young lady with you. I’d like to wish her a Merry Christmas—and promise her a Happy New Year.” To make sure your tree adds as much as possible to the holi day spirit, be sure to select the right tree. Measure the space where you plan to put the tree before you buy it. Decide what type of tree you prefer. Doug las fir is often preferred, red cedar and Virginia pine are less expensive, and you can splurge on blue spruce, white spruce or Scotch pine. If you choose a fir. be sure it tapers nicely from a single tip. Check the needles. Brown, dried-up patches indi cate needles have dropped off. HAND PUPPET .... Herman Munster, of TV fame, has been made into a talking hand puppet that is 12 inches tall and says 11 different “Munstrous” things. OLD STUFF The versatility of the modern doll is amazing, yet dolls have been versatile for centuries.. As far back as the 18th century, dolls on exhibit at the History Museum in Neuchatel, Switzer land could write, draw and play for visitors. One doll, when wound up, would dip a pen in ink and write “Welcome to Neuchatel.” A second doll would sketch pen cil portraits of Louis XVI am’ Marie, Antoinette. The musical doll, at a miniature keyboard, played minuets and quadrilles. MAY THE SPECIAL JOYS OF CHRISTMAS BE YOURS! Shealy Tractor & Impl. Co. Route 1 Newberry, S. C. Phone 276-0336 “Would you like me to wheel you around? They’re decorating the other entrances, too.” . ‘copter blades ringing in his ears, and the staccato bursts of ground fire, sudden explosion, pain and the realization that he couldn’t move, that the world had fallen in on top of him. “He was just like you, Ted, exactly the same. He suffered. He wanted to suffer. He bottled himself up and shut out the world with a curtain of indiffer ence. I suffered, because I loved him and because I could find no way to build a bridge that would reach him.” Mary, Mary, don’t be contrary, forget me now. Sure you can, if you try. I’m not the same guy. He’s gone. They left him in a rotting, stinking jungle, ex changed for a living corpse. Go away, Mary. Go away and stay. “You have everything, Ted. It’s yours for the asking; yours for the taking. There is a wonderful girl who loves you. There is the promise that you can walk again if you try. You have to try, Ted. No one can do it for you. Try, as others have done, Ted, get up and try!” A Awakening He stured. The book had fall en to the ground and the last rays of afternoon sun greeted his opening eyes. “You have been talking to me while I slept, haven’t you?” “They can’t fire me for that, can they?” Helen Connerly laughed.) “I’ve also taken you for a ride. I want you to meet some one, near the main gate.” It was Mary, on the arm of a rugged, handsome man. He walked with a slight limp, yet straight erect and proud. So this was how it would be. She’d taken his advice, then. Good. Now a simple goodbye and she would be rid of him forever, just the way he wanted it to be. I 1 I 1 ! 1 *1 j ■ 1 i '*~T ll i.-i. ! r: Newberry County Bank NEWBERRY, S. C. JOANNA, S. C.