It wasn't easy, being a man at twelve years, but fate had left him no choice. Abandoned by his parents as a baby, Tony was raised by his Grandparents, 'Mama' and 'Papa'. They were the only parents he knew, and he never lacked for love.

Papa had taught him many things; in fact, everything he knew about living and survival, and much more. Four years ago, the week before Christmas, Papa passed away, and things had never been the same since.

Tony remembered all the things Papa had taught him; especially something he told just before he died. "Son, always give unselfishly, and never lose your faith in GOD. Do these things and you will have learned well." Here he was, four years later,and Papa's words were facing him in real life.

Papa had planned to give Mama a rocking chair that Christmas, but his death came before he could. Mama had greived so much, it had affected her health, and Tony had to assume the role as man of the house, doing all the things Papa used to do.

Oh, they'd always had plenty to eat, and everything one needs to survive, but none of the things of youth that a boy desires. For instance, the bright green bicycle that he always stopped to look at through the window of the local hardware in town. It seemed to magnetize him as he passed everyday to and from school. He had dreams of riding this beauty so many times, as though his name was written on it. He could run errands for Mama, and do everything so much faster, not having to walk. Tony had even figured up the total cost to buy it, and it came to $74.95, including tax and he had the money.

He had been saving every penny and dime he could earn, doing odd jobs for neighbors, and finally, he had enough saved to buy the bicycle for Christmas. He kept the money in an old cigar box Papa had given him. Papa always enjoyed a cigar after the evening meal.

Nobody knew of his savings, as he kept it hidden behind the firewood box in the barn. He knew it would be safe there, and besides, he checked on it every day as he brought in wood for the fireplace.

But---, the bicycle would have to wait until another time. In the same hardware store was a rocking chair, just like the one Papa had planned to give Mama for Christmas. Tony could picture Mama rocking in the chair, in front of the fire, reading her Bible,and enjoying the comfort of memories.

Why had the thoughts of the rocking chair haunted him so strongly? Maybe it was the words Papa had taught him, "give unselfishly". Besides, his faith in someday having the bicycle hadn't dwindled; he knew he'd eventually get it.

Strange, but the rocking chair cost the very same as the green bicycle, $74.95, every penny of his savings. Remembering Papa's words, Tony's decision came easy; he would buy the rocking chair for Mama. Besides, he was strong, and he could walk anywhere he needed to go. Boy, won't Mama be surprised and happy.

It was two days before Christmas and he was out of school for the holidays.He had already figured out how he could buy the rocking chair on Christmas Eve and hide it in the barn. During the night, he would bring it in the house so Mama would find it on Christmas day. Since he was always up first to build a fire, the living room would be warm when she discovered it.

It was a cold night, and Tony and Mama were both surprised when someone knocked on the front door. Tony ran to answer it, to find an old man, nearly frozen from the cold,wearing clothes not capable of keeping him warm,and no hat or coat. His old shoes were ragged and lined with paper.

Mama welcomed him inside to warm by the fire, and went to the kitchen to fix him something to eat. As he ate the hot food, Mama went to Papa's closet, undisturbed since his death, and got the old man a heavy coat, a hat, and a pair of warm boots for him to wear. Strange, but they all fit perfectly as if they were made for him.

Tony got some blankets and made a bed for the stranger in the barn for him to rest. It was warm there,and he would be comfortable on the hay. It would probably be the best nights rest he'd had in a long time, and he seemed very grateful for the hospitality. Tony and mama thought nothing of giving the stranger food and rest: Papa would have done the same thing.

Next morning, Christmas Eve, Tony got up early as usual and went to wake the old man and bring in some firewood as Mama would fix him some breakfast, when the cook stove was hot. But---,the barn was empty. The blankets were neatly folded, on the hay, and Tony thought why he hadn't waited for breakfast. Oh well, he and Mama had been good to him and gave unselfishly as Papa had said to do.

Before gathering the firewood, Tony checked on his savings behind the wood box as he had done every day. The cigar box was gone!! Almost in panic, he looked everywhere he could think of for the box, but still ---no money!!Tears welled in Tony's eyes and his heart was shattered. The old man had taken his money.

Why?, after he and Mama had been so good to him, had he taken the money for Mama's rocking chair? It wasn't so much that the money was gone, he knew the stranger needed it; but now the rocking chair would have to wait. But, one thing for sure, Mama would someday get that rocking chair.

That night,as Tony said his prayers, he included these words. "Lord, please take care of the old man, and let him use the money wisely, and Lord, thank you for showing me a better use for it." Man that he was, Tony cried himself to sleep.

It was already daylight, Tony jumped out of bed, not believing he'd over slept. He'd never done this before, but regardless if it's Christmas Day, a man's chores had to be done. His room was still dark, as the sun hadn't come up; but it was light enough to see the biggest surprise he could ever imagine.

At the foot of his bed, the answer to all his youthful desires...the bright green bicycle. On the fenders were letters forming one word,"TONY". Stunned, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Hurriedly, he dressed to go wake up Mama. He couldn't wait to build a fire, the excitement was too much!! He rushed into the living room calling her name, then stopped cold in complete bewilderment. There was Mama sitting in the rocking chair, reading her bible in front of the warm fire in the fireplace, smiling.

How can this be, it has to be a miracle. Mama wasn't strong enough to pick up the firewood to build a fire, so a miracle was the only explanation.

After all the laughter, tears, and excitement had died down, Tony went to the barn to get more wood for the fire. This was the best Christmas he would ever know, even tho' he was still confused how it all came about.

After bringing in the firewood, he returned to the barn to get the blankets he'd forgotten the day before. He wondered as he gathered them up, where the old man may be today. Tony's eyes widened as he picked up the last blanket, for under it was his cigar box. The old man must have used it as a pillow. This must be the day for surprises. As Tony picked up the box, its weight indicated it wasn't empty. Could it be??? Anxiously, he opened the lid to discover his savings all intact.

"Wait a minute, this is more money than I had saved for Mama's chair". He couldn't believe his eyes as he counted out in coins and dollar bills, the sum of $149.90;exactly twice the amount he had saved.

"How can this be, first the bicycle, then the rocking chair, and now the money. There has to be an explanation."

There was!!! Under the money at the bottom of the box was a neatly folded scrap of paper. As Tony unfolded the note, these familiar words stood out in stark reality ----

"Because You Learned So Well"

© Bob McGee (Bob414n71@aol.com)

 

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