A Young Girl's Christmas Surprise...

I was in the fifth grade in Mr. Wheeler's class. It was the last week of school before Christmas vacation, and I was ill. So ill, in fact, that I was unable to attend school that week. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed. I could envision my class making Christmas ornaments, singing carols and getting ready for our class Christmas party the last day of school before Christmas. My mother had taken my present up to the school so that the student whose name I had drawn would have a present under the tree. Late that afternoon of the party day, there was a knock on our front door. To my great surprise, Mr. Wheeler, my teacher was standing on my front porch. I think my mother was as surprised as I was, but she graciously invited him in. He said he had come by to check and see how I was feeling and to bring me my Christmas present from the student who had drawn my name. I don't remember who that student was, but they sure knew me well. My present was an American Revolution sticker book. The kind of book where you would read different stories about the American Revolution and then find the stamp in the back of the book that went with that story and then stick the picture with the appropriate story. I remember there were stories about Cornwallis surrendering to General George Washington, Betsy Ross sewing an American flag, Paul Revere and his midnight ride, Patrick Henry saying, "Give me liberty or give me death", and The Boston Tea Party. Oh, how I loved that book because I was a lover of American History. Yes, I know, not many fifth grade girls would be so excited about such a present, but it was perfect for me. An even greater present was that my teacher, Mr. Wheeler, would take the time to bring me my present and check on me. May your Christmas be full of many surprises and sweet remembrances, dear friends!! God bless each of you!!