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Show Thursday, December 20, 1979 Lehi Free Press Page 3 'Christmas Greens' And Program At BYU Museum Holly, By Tom i.. ulis The boy stood in front of his school teacher. He proffered his hand to him. "It's goodbye I am saying, Mr. Phillips. I am past 12 now and must go to work at the colliery to help support my Mam and my sisters." "Aye, I know Bachen, but it's a pity. You have been a good student and should continue with your education. I wish you well." So the boy left that little in Wales and school climbed the hill to his home. His schooling was over but his experiences were about to begin. Like most of the boys in the village he was to go to work to help support the rest of his family. The future was dismal with daily work in there would be a payday and lie would be able to buy Mam a Christmas present. It was four days before Christmas when they felt the earth tremble and heard the sound of falling rocks and dirt. "It's a roof fall, Sion Bachen," cried Gwylym. "Let 's go see w hat it is." They walked down the tunnel aways until they came to the fall. Rocks and slate filled the tunnel to the roof. "I am afraid it's a bad one," Gwylym said quietly. "All we can do is wait until they dig us out." They didn't realize the fall extended back almost a hundred feet. They returned to their work place and Gwylym made a seat for them out of lumps of coal. They ate the food from their tommy boxes, and drank the tea from their tea cans. Sion liked the tea. Mam made it not too strong and flavored it with thick, condensed milk and a bit of sugar. The day passed and night came and they slept a restless sleep. When morning came their lamps burned out and they were in total darkness. Darkness that was so intense that it was like a shroud around them. the blackness of the pits. There was death too. In the cemetery on the hill were there many gravestones that told of the tragic death of men and boys who had been killed at the colliery. One of the newer graves contained the body of Scrummy Chislet who was crushed by a roof fall. No one seemed to know how he came to be called Scrummy, unless it was his appearance. His hair stood out like the quills of a hedgehog and his nose was always running. But he was a friend and no one could ask for more. The boy's name was Sion, which is John in English. Toward the end of December he would be 12 and ready to go to work. He had already gone to the office at the colliery and applied for employment. The interviewer felt his biceps and asked. "What have you done to think you are ready for work?" The boy answered : T.' honestly. and night came. voice was Gwylym's tired and weak now. "Sion, it's Christmas Eve, and it's a poor one indeed. There will be no suet pudding or carol singing, only sadness in our homes." Just then there was a faint sound from the roof fall. They both heard it and ran to where the tunnel was blocked. It was the sound of men digging. It was early Christmas morning when the diggers broke through and they were rescued. The trip up in the cage was like a journey to heaven. Gray dawn at first, then bright sun shine. , There, was Mam wailing with her knitted shawl about her head and shoulders. He ran to the comfort of her arms. "Oh Mam," he cried. "1 wanted a pay day so bad so I could buy you a Christmas, present." "Quiet my Sion. It's a have. Could present there be a greater Christmas present than to have you back sale and well?" . Together they walked up the hill to their cot 1 tage. Down in the valley church bells were ringing and in the heart of a boy was the true Christmas spirit. A humble prayer answered and a love from his Mam that made him forget the darkness of past days. Note: Bachen is Welsh for bov. Two things you can do that are really worthwhile; when you meet a person, speak kindly and smile. lJe calculate most 4rZ3r you'll VtR have your gforfou94 Christmas ever. Add'O our sincere thanks for yourtz W loyal confidence. E-- Z " Keep Systems Accounting, Income Tax Service 69 East Main American Fork 756-656- 9 , , Y Another day passed and night came and still there ' have chopped quite "a bit of wood for my Mam, and delivered meat for Woods the Butcher on Saturdays." A little over a week before Christmas he went to work at the colliery. He was to be a butty to a man named pangs of hunger became stronger. Gwylym sensed it and spoke to the boy. "Chew on a bit of leather Bachen, it will help the hunger." The boy removed his belt and chewed on it. The taste was nasty but it helped to appease the hunger. Another day passed mistletoe, poinsettia, pine and fir -all the living decorations of Christmas - are on display at BYU's Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum in a special exhibit called "Christmas Greens." The display brings visitors the sights and smells of Christmas via small decorated trees, live plants and fragrant framed boughs or sprigs. The museum is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. other weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. There is no admission charge. Gwylym Williams. He was an experienced coal miner. The work was hard, especially with the little lamp that was attached to his cap. But he didn't mind loading the coal and muck into trams for soon was silence. Gwylym spoke quietly to the boy. "Sion, my Bachen, it is a bit of praying you can do?" "Aye, Gwylym, my Mam taught me how to pray." "Then pray, Sion, I feel the need of help." The boy hesitated for a as if few moments of to what say. thinking Then in a voice that was quiet , and peaceful the words, came. "Gentle Jesus, we come to thee from the darkness of this pit. We are alone and afraid. We need thy help. We would like once again to climb the hill to our homes and see those we love. We would like to see the sun rise of Rhysog Mountain and hear the skylark over Glanshon. Please take us out of this darkness into the light." He felt Gwylym's arm around his shoulder. "Thanks Sion, it's better I feel now." Time passed and the filled be hearts ay your with the peace and joy of that holy night, so long ago.... on Christmas day when once, for a shining hour heaven touched Garth and hope was born anew! all bells on earth will ring sounding a message of love and joy to people everywhere. May tlis blessings surround you now and always. Our sincere gratitude. J zr P0BTER5 24 West Main 768-908- 7 PUCE Lehi The Mayor, The Council and All The Employees ol Lehi City |