It was the giving part of the season

that was a problem for good ole Brad.

He could always find a reason

to discover the sad and the bad:

She was too ugly and loud

He was too stupid and fat

The sky had too many clouds

That kid was a spoiled little brat.

Sure he'd say a quick thanks

so you'd know he's a real nice guy

but it was a token he'd put in the bank

so future favors wouldn't run dry.

Then one day Doc told him the news

that he had only a year to live,

so he lost himself in the booze

and thought he had nothing to give.

Brad sat outside one day

when Timmy next door came by.

He tossed a red ball Brad's way

with a smile and a gleeful cry.

With reluctance he caught the ball,

taken in by the child's sheer joy.

But sadly he could not recall

the last time he'd played like a boy.

The days Timmy saw the man

outside for a moment or two

he ran with the ball in his hand

and with his whole body he threw

that round rubber gift to his friend

who was now eager for the fun

and those few moments he'd spend

til his days and his life were done.

So when Thanksgiving came round

he had his neighbors for the meal.

When all was cooked they sat down

and Timmy made his appeal.

With a glint in his eyes he said

"Mr. Brad would you please say grace?"

And with that, Brad bowed his head

with tears streaming down his face.

"God, before Timmy came with that ball

I didn't know why I was living

but now I await your last call

with a heart full of love and thanksgiving."

11/26/2003

Author's Note: I always get a tad sentimental (ok, maybe more than a tad) this time of year. So I hope you will indulge me this little morsel that I shared with my sister and brother-in-law and their son at their Thanksgiving celebration. I don't know why I am ashamed of this side of my personality. Thanks to Kate Reynolds for her encouraging comments that caused me to take this out of archives and place in my library.

Posted on 11/27/2003
Copyright © 2024 Glenn Currier