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THE CHRISTMAS TISSUE Just before Christmas in 1982, my wife, Margaret, and I heard about a family in a nearby town that was experiencing trouble. In fact, their kitchen cupboards were bare. We headed for the grocery store and filled our cart with food for the family. White Christmases are unusual in Oklahoma, but that night there was a heavy snow covering the ground as we unloaded the groceries. As we chatted with the parents, the four young children were busy inspecting the sacks and putting cereal boxes and fruit away. Suddenly little ten-year-old Charlie bounded from the kitchen with a four-pack of toilet tissue held high in his left hand. "Look mom, toilet paper!" The mother and father shot a glance at us, with a rather sheepish look on their faces, as Charlie skipped to the bathroom to put away the tissue. That was a memorable Christmas. I can't remember what gifts we exchanged among the family. Today, years later I have no idea whether I received a tie, new slacks, or what. Nor can I recall what special Christmas musical services we attended. But I'll always remember that scene of Charlie skipping through the house with a pack of toilet tissue held high! --Dee Stribling |