Best Gift of 2009

Without Dad's permission, I want to share what he wrote in an email last night, to me, Gretchen and our extended Stahlman family. I've read it three times and tear up all over again every time. I love my family. And they love me. Thanks Dad.

Fifty years ago, I had a job, worked with some great guys, doing work we enjoyed and were pretty good at. Designing office systems using these new computer things. We were all young, smart (imho), driven and close knit. Plenty of opportunities to celebrate triumphs and break-throughs. Also some occasions to bemoan set-backs, managerial stupidity, stolen ideas. Fortunately, right across the street was a pub that was quite accommodating whether celebrating or bemoaning.

On Christmas Eve, we always got to leave work in early or mid-afternoon. Traditionally, it seemed like half the company stopped across the street for a glass of Christmas cheer. Or two. Maybe three.

But not me---never!!! Not once!!!

I knew I had two little girls at home, just waiting for me to pull into the driveway. Excited, babbling, laughing, giggling, wiggling, jumping, both talking at once, hugging, happy, wishful. And why not|? Santa Claus is coming tonight---this very night---to our house---503 Cooper Road.

Can you imagine introducing the smell and effect of alcohol into a circumstance, time, and place as I have described above??? Not me. Couldn't do it then, wouldn't do it now.

The little girls are all grown up now and maybe they have even calmed down a bit. No matter, I am pleased that I never had that glass of Christmas cheer on Christmas Eve.

Martha Stewart Living

PS Just for fun, check Google Images for Santa - such a selection! They run the gamut from ridiculous, sublime, naughty, lots of images with Coca Cola and some disturbing images I don't even "get".