A Special Gift for Santa

By Clay Howard

A Special Gift for Santa tells the classic Christmas tale. Further, it takes the reader into a wonderful new world of Christmas magic that rings so true it renews the Christmas spirit in us all. It is a grand tale that is sure to bring a smile, a tear, and a new feeling of hope and inspiration. "It [Christmas magic] is as real as anything in this room. All you have to do is count the smiles, Mickey. Count the smiles."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098028589

Book preview

Two Johns and a Jim

John McIntyre just moved to Wyandotte, Michigan, in the simmer of 1966. Wyandotte is a small, quiet suburban town, located about ten miles southeast of Detroit.

John had been brought up solely by his dad, John Sr., since he was about eight years old. John Sr. was a little too strict and a little too protective, but he loved his son. Ever since his beloved wife, Helen, passed away, John was all he had left. He always thanked God John had grown up to be well-mannered and nice, just as Helen would have wanted.

Even though most of the kids in his last school would tease John for being overweight, every last one of them liked him. John never seemed to take offense, but hoped things would be better at his new school. He was always a good student, but that wasn’t something other kids looked up to. If he could just find something else he was good at…

Jim Burns became acquainted with John shortly after John and his father moved to Wyandotte. That was the summer before their sophomore year. Being new to the neighborhood, John would walk up to the park and try to get to know the other kids. One day, while John was watching some of the guys play football, he noticed one of the guys left. In the back of his mind, he was hoping somebody would ask him to play. Then, Jim called out to John, Would you like play with us? Otherwise, we’ll be short a man and won’t be able to finish the game. By the way, I’m Jim Burns, and I live right down the street from you. Come on, you can be my guard. You look like you’re big enough.

Well, John smiled and told Jim he’d never played football before. But Jim didn’t mind and told him all he had to do was to protect his quarterback, which was Jim. So John joined them, and to his surprise, he caught on to the game right away. Their team ended up winning easily. Jim told John he was such a natural as a guard that he should be playing for their high school team.

John and Jim started walking back toward home, going over the highlights of their victory. John was glad he had found a new friend, and Jim was glad he found John. Jim couldn’t believe someone who never played before could be that good and kept telling him he had to try out for the team, last year we had a good team, however, I was sacked twelve times. With you up front blocking for me, we’ll probably be able to win the championship!

They turned the comer and came up to Jim’s house, by far the biggest house on the block. John was impressed. You live here? This is a mansion!

Without putting on any heirs, Jim asked John in for a soda pop. He liked what he knew of John and wanted to talk him into joining the team. But John seemed hesitant and didn’t go into too much detail about his situation at home only to tell Jim his Dad wasn’t able to do much around the house, so he had to take care of most of the chores. Jim’s man came in then and asked if John would like to join them for dinner. No thanks, he explained. I better get on home and fix sane dinner for me and my dad.

Think about joining the team, okay? Jim wasn’t going to give up.

Okay, okay, I’ll think about it. John really did like the idea of joining the team and thought about it all the way home. It would be a great way to meet people, and it seemed like it was something he could be good at.

The next two weeks went by, and John would go to the park every day to join in all the football games. Jim was always the captain, and he always chose John with his first pick. They became good friends in those two weeks. Jim never did give up asking John to join the football team at school. And for his part, John didn’t want to disappoint his new friend. So when football practice began, John joined in without ever really committing to join the team.

The first day of school came. John didn’t see much of Jim until fourth hour, when they had the same gym class. Jim vested no time in checking out the football roster that was just posted. He wasn’t surprised to see John listed as the starting guard for the varsity team. Jim called John over to see the roster. Congratulations, buddy. You made the starting squad.

Well, John turned white as a ghost because he didn’t realize he was actually trying out for the team. Now he was cornered. He had to turn down the coach in front of his best friend something he wanted to avoid. I’m sorry, coach, but I have to turn you down. I’ve got too much responsibility at home. You see, my dad’s sick, and I have to take care of him. With me going to school and playing football, there wouldn’t be anyone to take care of him. Thank you anyway, coach.

Jim didn’t know what to say, so he just shrugged his shoulders and went on with his day. It’s just not fair, and it’s not right, Jim kept thinking to himself. So when he finally got home, he talked to his parents about John’s situation. I just don’t think it’s fair that John has to give up being on the team. I’d like to help, but I don’t know what to do. Besides, I don’t even know John’s father, and I wouldn’t want him to take it the wrong way.

The thing to do is to offer your help, Jim’s mother said. And don’t worry about how he takes it. Most people just look the other way when they have a chance to help out. I don’t think it would cause any problems.

Jim and his father both agreed, so they all went to visit John and his dad. When they got to John’s house, they saw him helping his dad out of a taxi. Hi, John, Jim yelled out as he went over to offer a hand. Hi, Mr. McIntyre. I’m Jim John’s friend. I brought my parents over to meet you. Would it be all right if we went inside for a visit?

Sure, of course, it would be all right. John’s Father sounded weak as John helped him to the front door. John talks a lot about you. You’re more than welcome to come in.

Jim and his parents followed John and his dad into their house. John was a little embarrassed because the house was small and seemed so crowded with everyone. After exchanging introductions, and sitting down in the living room, Jim’s Father pulled out his wallet. We completely forgot our manners, Jim. Could you and John run down to the store and pick up some soda pop?

Of course Jim knew his parents were trying to get a chance to talk with John Sr. alone. You bet, we’d be glad to, Jim replied as he motioned for John to go to the store with him. John sensed something was up, but he didn’t want to appear rude and went along.

When the boys went out the door, John Sr. started in. You know, we do have soda pops in the fridge. Then, he smiled and said, But I’ll bet soda pop isn’t the real reason behind you sending the boys to the store. You two seem friendly enough, so why don’t you just tell me what’s on your mind?

It’s about John. Ever since Jim first met John, all he seems to talk about is how great John is at playing guard. Has John mentioned anything to you about making the varsity team? Jim’s father asked. Well, Jim overheard John turn down the starting position today. John’s worried that if he plays football, there won’t be anyone home to take care of you.

Sometimes that boy is too nice for his own good. Ever since I got sick and retired, he’s taken on so much responsibility. Thinking it over, John’s been growing up too fast ever since his mother passed away. I guess I’ve always been so proud of him, that I never considered that he might be missing out on some things. I don’t want him to miss out on anything else. If John wants to play football, then he’s going to play football. That’s all there is to it, John Sr. replied.

Well, I think I know where John gets it from, Jim’s mother began. Now I hope you don’t try to be too nice for your own good. If you would let us, we could take you to the doctor, help out with dinner, and do the little things that could let John go to practice and to the games.

What do you say? Jim’s father asked. Look, we wouldn’t just be doing this for you and John. We’d be doing it for our family, too. Jim’s never had a friend as nice as John, and we think he’s a better person for it.

John Sr. didn’t vent to be a burden on anyone. He offered to pay them for their help, but the Burns refused any money. Then a smile came over his face, and he said, Thank you. Thank you for helping me realize how much my son needs a release from his responsibilities. And thank you for giving me a way to make this happen for him.

Right about then, John and Jim came back with the soda pops. Thank you, John Sr.’s voice seemed to be much stronger now. Jim, John, come on in and sit down. We have a little talking to do. Jim, I understand you were upset earlier when John turned down the football coach’s offer to be starting guard for the varsity team.

Jim replied, Well, yes. It just doesn’t seem fair that John has to turn down playing football. He’ really good. He deserves a chance to play. I mean, I think it’s really great for him to want to take care of you—

And you, John, John Sr. interrupted, do you want to play on the football team?

John looked as if he granted to hide. It would be okay, I guess.

John? his father asked again.

Okay, yes. I would like to play football, but I can’t. I want to take care of you. You don’t have anyone else.

Oh, John. John Sr. suddenly had tears forming in his eyes. I’m sorry, son. For so very long now, I’ve let you take on more than a boy your age should. He reached out for his son, and the two hugged each other. Things are going to change. I don’t want to be a burden on you anymore.

John said, You were never a burden. I love you.

I want you to go tell the football coach that you changed your mind and that you’ll play for the team. And you don’t have to worry about me. The Burns will take me to the doctor and fix my dinner. All that I want you to do is to start enjoying your life. It won’t be much longer before you’ll have to make it on your own.

It was a good day. John knew he’d found a true friend in Jim. And John Sr. was able to allow his son to start enjoying life. Well, John did get the starting guard position on the varsity team. He and Jim started doing just about everything together. And Jim’s parents became good friends with John Sr.

For the next three years, John and Jim played football together. They were about to graduate from high school. John maintained a straight A average and was named valedictorian. Because of his grades, he was offered a scholarship. Jim won a football scholarship to Eastern Michigan University. John was still rather shy, which was one of the main reasons why Jim was a great friend for John to have. Jim would always get John try out new things. For instance, he set him up with a blind date for the senior prom. On the other hand, John brought Jim a sense of stability, and probably, was the only reason he ever studied and was able to graduate.

The boys were excited when graduation came. John was nervous about giving a speech in front of the class, but he kept it short and did just fine. For graduation, Jim’s parents took Jim, John, and John Sr. out to dinner. They gave Jim keys to a brand-new, dark blue 1969 Mustang. Then, they gave John the keys to Jim’s old Mustang. John Sr. gave both John and Jim a card with money in it. They both knew it was probably more than he could afford, so they appreciated it very much.

With high school behind them and college just ahead, John and Jim planned on getting a job at one of the big 3 auto companies to help with expenses. As it turned out, none of the big 3 were hiring. In fact, they probably wouldn’t be hiring for a few months an obstacle they hadn’t counted on growing up in the Motor City. They didn’t let it discourage them, though. Instead, they decided to apply at every small factory in town until they found one that would give them their first jobs and let them attend college in the fall. And one good quality both the boys shared was they never gave up on something they started out to do.

It wasn’t long before their efforts paid off. After a week of driving around town and looking for work during the day, and playing football to keep them from worrying at night, Jim got a call on a Friday morning for an interview on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Jim was so excited, he ran down the street without even stepping into his Mustang. He pounded on John’s door. John, get down here, he yelled. I have an interview. Would you hurry up and open this dam door!

Calm down, you’ll wake my dad. John grinned as he opened the door. Don’t act so surprised. I have an interview, too, for tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.

When they found out they were both called to the same factory for a job interview, they thought it was just luck or a coincidence. They hoped they would both be hired. They had a restless night worrying about what questions would be asked, what clothes to wear, if they should get a haircut, and how to do well on their interview. Finally, the next morning arrived, and they drove to the factory. John went in for his interview, while Jim waited impatiently in the waiting room for his turn. After almost a half an hour, John came out with a smile on his face. He told Jim not to worry because he felt that he had done really well and that Jim was a better talker than him. As expected, Jim went inside and did great on his interview. When Jim returned, the interviewer followed him to the waiting room. Then he told them to report to the medical department at 7:00 a.m. on Monday.

John and Jim were as happy, as if they’d just won a million dollars as they drove home, honking their horn and telling everyone who would listen about their good fortune. They even put a smile on old man Heidleburgh’s face, and never having seen that before, they were afraid his face might crack in two.

To celebrate that evening, Jim’s Father bought them some beer then told the boys they could have a couple of other guys over for a poker game. Jim couldn’t stop talking about the dorm they would be going into. They wouldn’t start out in the same room, but after three months, they would be allowed to switch rooms so they could stay together. Then he noticed John wasn’t too excited anymore and looked a little depressed. Would you look at that guy, Jim started off. He gets a new job and is headed to college but acts as cool as a cucumber. You’d think he just flunked the twelfth grade as quiet as he’s being.

Jim thought John was just being his normal quiet self. He always took it upon himself to cheer John up and was now trying to do just that. John appreciated it and faked a little smile. He washed he could be happy tonight during this celebration with their friends, but all he kept thinking about was his dad. Even though he knew it was time to move on with his life, John felt bad that he’d be leaving his dad all alone.

John Sr. had been getting worse since January. The winter had been especially cold and had seemed to wear him down as much as the salt had worn down the interstate. He was extremely proud of John for graduating, being named valedictorian, entering into college, and getting a job. Later on that night, he talked aloud to his departed wife, telling her how proud he was of their son and how much he wished she could be there to share in his happiness. He also told her about his failing health and how happy he was it wouldn’t be much longer until he joined her. That night, he made a decision he would carry out the next day to put their house up for sale and to look for a nice retirement home for him, so John would have no choice but to move on with his life.

The next day seemed to pass in a daze for John. He tried to stop his dad from putting the house up for sale. Then tried to convince him college could wait. He tried but he never had a chance to succeed. The more John tried to convince John Sr., the more adamant he became in his convictions. It was a long, hard day for both of them going to the real estate office and choosing a retirement home. It was a sad day, but at some point, both realized how lucky they were. John Sr. knew he had raised a good son and was happy to be able to do something to help him move on. John knew he was loved, and he eventually realized he must accept the gift his dad was giving him. Finally, he resigned himself to the inevitable. He decided to find his dad the best retirement home in the world. And once John starts something, he keeps at it until it’s done.

It didn’t take but a month to find a retirement home and to find a buyer for their house. John and Jim Sr. moved into the nursing home, and he seemed to like it just fine. John could not help how pretty one of the nurses was but was too shy to say so to anybody.

Amy and Diane

John and Jim were doing well in college and were able to continue with their jobs part time. Every weekend, they would spend a few hours with John Sr., and he always looked forward to their visits. The first semester was nearing an end, and the two boys would be spending winter break with Jim’s parents.

Michigan winters are usually quite long and snow-filled, but always cold, very cold. To some, it is a season to be hated. When they watched the new snow fall, they saw only memories of cars sliding out of control or not starting at all, sidewalks needing shoveling, frost-bitten toes keeping them awake at night, nights lasting longer than days, and utility bills going through the roof. To all these people, snow does not glisten or shine brightly as each completely unique snowflake floats down to the ground. Rather, it turns black from car exhaust and lingers as a frozen symbol of all they despise. It all depends on how you look at things, or perhaps, on how things look at you. Things have been looking pretty good for Jim. College was going fine, and his job at the factory was secure. In fact, he and John could work as many hours as they wanted. They were finally able to move into the same suite at the dorm this year. It was one of the better suites in the dorm. Since their expenses were minimal, they were both able to put money into savings for the past two years.

Christmas was just around the corner, and life seemed to be as good as it gets. So Jim decided to drive to the neighborhood shopping center to look for Christmas gifts. As he was shopping, he noticed a girl he used to tease in school. He bumped into her when he entered the checkout lane.

Jim couldn’t help but speak out. Amy Liddle? he asked.

Yes, Jim, it’s Amy, she said.

Amy and Jim were raised in the same neighborhood. When they were kids, Jim used to pick on Amy all the time. It got Amy so angry when Jim would tease her about her red hair. Jim wasn’t about to tease her today though. He asked her, What are you doing here?

Amy looked at him and said, Christmas shopping, what do you think?

Jim smiled and asked Amy if she’d like to stop for a cup of coffee and talk over old times. She was delighted to join him for some coffee because she had been secretly in love with him for as long as she could remember. The two had not seen each other for over five years. Amy’s family moved to Chicago right after their first year in high school. Even though he never told her, Jim used to daydream of Amy, picturing the two about them as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Jim and Amy stopped at the local diner, sat down in a booth, and ordered coffee. Amy gave Jim a big hug and said, I was hoping it wouldn’t be long until I ran into you. I moved back from Illinois three months ago and moved in with my best friend from Chicago, Diane. We both work in a nursing home in Belleville.

Jim said, My best friend’s father lives there, and we go there every weekend. I’m surprised that I haven’t run into you there.

Most things are better left to chance. Sometimes people run into someone from their past, and then find that they have both changed in ways they didn’t expect or particularly like. But somehow, Jim and Amy knew that wasn’t happening with them. Jim asked Amy to join John at the nursing home. She agreed, so Jim picked up their check and they headed to the nursing home.

John was visiting his father, like he did every Saturday morning. And like every Saturday morning, John Sr. thanked John for bringing him two chocolate-covered French Cruller doughnuts. Dad, you don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you seem to like it here so much, John said.

Not as happy as I am for you, John, John Sr. began. This place is all right. And, the nurses are pretty cute, too.

If you say so, John answered.

I’m not the only one here who thinks so, judging by the way you and Diane have been looking at each other. John Sr. was giving John a look that said he knew John better than he knew himself.

Dad, I think you’re getting a little senile in your old age, John replied. But even as he said this, he knew his father was right. Even so, John never had a girlfriend, and he would always become nervous thinking about it. Not because he didn’t want to have a girlfriend. Mainly, it was because he was too shy to ever ask anyone out. John never overcame his shyness because he never put his own wants and desires first. John made himself happy by making others around him happy.

Really, John, John Sr. went on. I think she likes you, and you can’t tell me you don’t like her too. You never pay attention to what you want out of life. I’m not saying it doesn’t make me proud when I see you helping others out. If you really want to make me happy, you’re going to have to show more confidence in yourself and in your desires and in your dreams.

John was getting nervous. He wished his father didn’t always read him like a book. Someday, I’ll find the right person. You’re just going to have to be patient until that day comes.

And what’s wrong with today? Why don’t you see if Diane has any plans for today? You could ask her to go out to dinner and take her to a movie. John Sr. felt like John needed a push. Besides, if you and Jim are going to have me over for a Christmas turkey, we’re going to need to have a couple more people to help us finish eating that bird.

Christmas is only three weeks away. John saw his chance to change the subject and wasn’t about to let it go. Besides, finals are just a few weeks off, so now wouldn’t really be a good time to ask her out. But I promise you that I will when the exams are over. I can’t wait for you to come over to the Burn’s and see how we decorated the house. Especially now that we’re using our old decorations. Their place is looking like ours did at Christmastime.

Next week, we must pick out a good tree, John. And on top, put the golden star. Your mother used to love decorating the Christmas tree. And every year, the last decoration she put up was the golden star, said John Sr.

We’ll pick out the Christmas tree next week, Jim said as he walked in the room. Hi, guys! John, Mr. McIntyre, I’d like you to meet Amy, she’s a good friend I haven’t seen in several years.

Well, hello, John Sr. offered. We were just talking about the pretty nurses around here. Today must be my day.

Jim didn’t tell me we would be visiting such a handsome gentleman, Amy responded to the friendly greeting. Nice to see you again, Mr. McIntyre. Then, turning and offering a hand to John, she said, And, hello. Jim has told me a lot about you. I guess I have to thank you for keeping Jim away from all the other girls since I’ve been away.

No need to thank me. Nice to meet you, John replied somewhat coldly. He couldn’t help thinking his words could be taken literally. Jim had hardly stayed away from all the other girls.

I’m sorry I’m late. But as you can see, I have a good excuse this time, Jim smiled as he spoke because he was never very punctual. I was at the shopping center when I ran into Amy. Before I met you, buddy, Amy was the best friend I ever had.

John managed a smile but was confused whether he felt like it or not. He liked making new friends, and she seemed to be very nice. But a part of John couldn’t help but think he would have to share his best friend with someone else. He remembered Jim talking about Amy. He always wanted to be more than just her friend.

Anyhow, I convinced Amy to follow me up here to meet you two. I hope you don’t mind, John, but we have a lot of catching up to do. So I’ll meet you at the dorm tonight. Amy and I are going to spend the day together talking over old times.

Okay. Well, I guess I better head out, John spoke in a monotone voice without even realizing it. I’ll see you tomorrow, Dad. It was nice to meet you, Amy. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.

Jim knew something was wrong because John never would leave so fast when he met someone new. "Boy, he must be in a hurry today. Couldn’t even