Show ge EIRE I 1 X X X personal christmas oll t present 1 elen waterman RS GREENE sighed as she M MRS rummaged through the old trunk for the christmas decorations sighed and felt ashamed for why should she be lonely with two fine grown sons successful enough to satisfy any mother but mrs greene missed her tousled headed lads and as she fingered the battered drum the outgrown mittens the books and souvenirs she felt a deep pang that no one needed her any longer she found the decorations and bustled down mary the housekeeper the boys provided had finished there was really nothing left to be done she thought of other tired christmas eves and could stand the oppression of memories no longer im going out she said and with no other explanation set out into the night it was crisp and starlit and she walked tar far the light and warmth of a cafe attracted her and she stopped tor for tea over the rim of her teacup her eyes met those of a small boy just outside the window he drew back shyly leaving a moist spot where his nose had touched the pane he looked very hungry not just the healthy hunger which her sons had brought home from school but as though he were really in need mrs greene smiled and beckoned corn come c in she invited the boy shook his head started to go but the temptation of warmth and food was too much better mrs greene approved when he was seated op opposite po her with a great bowl of so soup tip 1 I just needed someone to talk to and before long she had heard the boys whole story having no folks he lived with an uncle but he wanted to get out on his own there were so many little ones and after all he really belong hed get by he knew where he could get a paper route right now it if he only had a bicycle 1 I know where theres a bicycle bleyhl standing useless in an attic corner said mrs greene it belonged to my sons you shall have it his shining eyes made the whole night seem brighter they left together there was more than the bicycle it seemed a shame mrs greene I 1 AS ay 7 Z d sill i how u al rl and before long she heard the boys whole story said tor for mittens not to be used and these books now and wen well why not mary would be scandalized and her sons might not understand but there was their room never opened now listen lad she said 1 I ive ve been aching my heart out tor for a son and you need a home we give ourselves to each other tor for a christmas present wont you be my son gee cried the boy voicing a wonder of love and gratitude you can sure have me and merry Christ masl mast merry merry christmas mother D western newspaper union |