You get what you put in at Advent

Published 12:00 am Monday, December 2, 2002

Now that an introduction has been made, there are several topics to discuss this first week of Advent. But first, a word or two about last week’s column: I did not mean to suggest that just because my family does not pray at regular meals when we are together does not mean that my parents and brother don’t silently give thanks. Maybe we don’t bow our heads out of respect for my heathen sensibilities. (Actually, I asked the blessing on Thursday, and they were impressed.) My parents are quite devoted to the Catholic church they attend. After our Thanksgiving, for example, they helped serve meals at a shelter while I followed the call of the sleep-inducing turkey and other culinary delights. Michael attended the Church of Football and gave thanks that the Cowboys won.

Speaking of dedicated, a fellow congregation member of my parents had died early last month and they are handling her estate. For the past year or so, dad and mom had taken Moira to the hospital at all hours, and she had been a holiday guest as well. This individual taught one of the catechism classes after church each Sunday during my high school years. Because she was sincere in her faith, that quality shone through and made the classes meaningful. Naturally, her commitment carried through to her work in the church. She will be missed this season and beyond.

Like most anything else, you get out what you put in. Christmas is certainly no exception. This year I am striving to enjoy not merely the day, but also the month. This week, for example, begins the holiday card list, some decorating, a close friend’s birthday, certainly the office party on Friday night, and for the weekend, the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society’s annual Candlelight Tour. It came to my attention last Saturday that we had not received any publicity. That began on page 1 Sunday, by the way, and should be found in the paper through the week.

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This is an ideal opportunity for you to start getting into the spirit of things; you might get a decorating idea or two as you case the joints in the Riverview section. The Seaboard Train Station and Riddick’s Folly will also offer programs. I hope to see you then one day or the next

Undoubtedly, a lot of work is involved in finding homes, cleaning, decorating, and coordinating security, people, schedules, and activities. Please show your appreciation by attending. The money collected goes toward local restoration projects.

When it comes to similar juggling acts, the people involved in the Toys for Tots program especially deserve recognition. The personal rewards are spiritual and emotional, not physical, and they aren’t looking for a quick buck, just a job well done. Nor do such persons seek praise, only publicity that will yield the most gain for their target audience: Suffolk’s less fortunate children. But for Toys and the Cheer Fund, Dec. 25 might otherwise be a disappointing date on the calendar for them.

For its part, the Suffolk News-Herald collects money that pays for new toys. We don’t get anything if the goal is met or not. In fact, the failure or success is a direct reflection of the city’s residents, so make your mirror shine bright this year.

Stephen H. Cowles is the managing editor of the News-Herald.