| OCR Text |
Show Foul Lines - i By TOM HARALDSEN t Clipper Sports Editor A friend's example is among the best of '80's memories - Elsewhere in this sports section, you'll be reading about the local successes of the 1980's, and the predictions for the 1990's. In fact, this entire issue of the Clipper is more or less along that theme. But this writer cannot leave 1989 without relating a story that has a special place in my memories of this decade. And it's a story that's still unfolding. As of this writing, while we work hard to wrap up the paper on Friday afternoon so that we can enjoy our holidays (which is why our early sports deadline doesn't include results from Friday, December j 22, games), Christmas is yet ahead of us. When a very special young woman opens her presents this Monday morning, she'll be the ( beneficiary of the generosity of another very special young woman, j There liyes. ih this city of Bountiful, a woman who has never lost perspective of the things that are most important, in spite of cir- cumstances in her own life that would cause many others to lose f perspective. Though I won't use her name in this column, she knows who she is, a? do the many others who've benefitted from her generosity in the past. I consider her a true friend, and I consider myself my-self lucky to have that friendship. This year, amidst the turmoil and upheaval of her own life, as she works two jobs to support herself and her three children, she called me one day to ask if I'd like to help her pick out a warm winter coat for a child for Christmas. I was happy to go. It wasn't until later that I realized that this beautiful coat wasn't for one of her own children, but for a homeless child living in a shelter in Ogden. You see, this young woman finds joy in giving to others, no matter how hard it might be for her. She came to Utah from another region in the country, an area where there's a natural friendliness and concern con-cern for other human beings. She brought that sentiment with her, and this latest effort on her part is just a sample of how she lives her life for others. v Whether it be birthday cakes she bakes for friends and co-workers, or her Sub-for-Santa type activities, or just her demeanor, she puts others ahead of herself. The gifts she gives are those of love and understanding, compassion and caring. The benefactors are all of us who've come in contact with her. Certainly this story is one that can be told by many people this time of year. Christmastime, and New Years, is when we reflect on these kinds of efforts. One of my finest memories of the 1980's is found in knowing this special young woman, who probably doesn't realize how far-reaching her influence has been. This column is generally reserved for topics in sports. Today, I've chosen a different course. For all of you who, like my frie;id, find more joy in giving than receiving, more pleasure in seeking the positive than complaining or dwelling on the negative, it's a salute to you. And as she reads these lines this coming week, I know I speak for many who've come within her reach when I say thanks, and God bless you. You know who you are, and, perhaps, that's the greatest blessing of all. And you've set a standard to which all of us can aspire." - |
