"Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Clause.  He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists and you know that they abound and give to your life it’s heartfelt beauty and joy..........."

 

"No Santa Claus?  Thank God he lives. And he lives forever.  A thousand years from now he will continue to make glow the heart of childhood."

 

These are exerts from the famous letter written by Virginia Douglas to the New York Sun newspaper and the reply from an employee there. As sure as that letter was written many years ago it still has the same meaning in 2019.

 

"Bah Humbug" is certainly an adjective you would apply to a person who does not believe.  To believe restores our childlike feelings for a world full of hard feelings.  Get in the spirit, let those childhood memories be reborn and share them with others.  You can help make this a warm love felt Christmas.

 

On Friday night, the Hallmark Channel showed a Christmas movie that starred Ashley Newbrough.  She is the granddaughter of Rich and the late Patty Sprout Newbrough.  Both Patty and Rich are local natives but relocated to Canada where they have lived their adult lives.  This gives us a local claim to Ashley.  She is certainly a beautiful girl and very talented actress. Richard and Becky Sprout of Clarksburg are her aunt and uncle.  I am sure the movies will show again and I hope you will take the opportunity to see it. 

 

Congratulations to Cheryl Fain Mahaulic who retired this past week from the City of Bridgeport.  Cheryl epitomizes that individual who through hard work and dedication can achieve their goals.  May she enjoy a well deserved retirement with her husband, John, and her daughter and grandsons.  Cheryl believed she could and she did.

 

Now is the time of year to get into the spirit and enjoy the season.  I attended the PWA Christmas party last Saturday, the Sons of Italy party on Sunday.  I loved the movie "Seven Fishes" that I say with my son at the Tygart Cinema in Fairmont.  On Monday, I attended the cancer survivors party.

 

And this coming Sunday I can't wait to attend the second annual "Cousin's Party" - a Christmas reunion that my children have for their cousins on both sides of the family.  I understand that there could be as many as 100 to attend  with "cousins" coming in from as far away as Texas.

 

In the meantime, I will continue to have Christmas time lunches with several of my friends.  I have my little apartment decorated, my shopping done and my pita baking done.  And yes I have not forgotten the reason for the season.  My advent wreath burns every day as a reminder to me. I have so much to be thankful for.

 

YES, READERS, there is a Santa Clause.  Embrace him and share him with everyone you come in contact with.

 

Merry Christmas to you and your families and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”