I Remember A very Depressing Holiday

By Michael Boyd

As I sit here, I think of the best Christmas I had.  But first, I have a little story about myself.  I was born here in Cleveland, the sixth child out of ten, 8 pounds 3 ounces. 

Back then a black child did not stay in the hospital no longer and on more than a day or two.  My mother for some reason sent me to live with my grandmother, so I didn’t get to know my brothers and sisters until I was about 3 or 4 years old.  Right about that time she had 2 more children.  When I turned 5 years old and it was time for me to go to school, it was time to come home.  The smallest child out of ten children.  I had hand me downs and hand me ups.     

Most holidays we had little or nothing but somehow she always made it work.  One of eight, like any kid ran down stairs, watching my brothers and sisters playing with their toys.  My mother sat me down to tell me she had very little for me this Christmas so don’t cry.  She said, “We will have something on your birthday.”  I look around to see all the smiles on my brothers and sisters faces.  They had joy in their faces and it was priceless to see, it was no greater feeling then the joy of giving.

Of course it bothered me to see everyone playing, but we shared and played together, I didn’t stay with my mother and father for the first years of my life.  I stayed with my grandmother, and I did end up with a toy or two.  I learned to want to see happiness of others.  What can you do to put a smile on your friend’s face?

So on that note; “Do what you can for your fellow man and woman” but remember everyone needs help sometimes in their life.  Have a blessed holiday and I’m praying for you all.  This holiday season; think about how you can help your fellow man.  You can give hygiene items or socks or blankets to St. Malachi or West Side Catholic center.  Be generous this season.

Copyright Street Chronicle October 2013 Cleveland Ohio.