Monday, December 22, 2008

The true meaning of Christmas


One of life's pleasures is unexpected gifts. Another is the kindness of relative strangers and from those who give simple, practical, gifts that will be valued by the recipient.

Each day, when the Boss walks to walk, He spends some time talk with the men who do not have a permanent home. Often, he will cross the road simply to just say g'day. Other times he will spend 10-15 mins having a chat about what's going on in their life right now.

Sometimes these men come to my local park, Frog Hollow, where they sit in the shade of the Ash tree and chat and share stories. If I'm around and allowed out, I'll rush up to John (Scotty aka Jock), Lonnie, Bruce, Kingy and the late Pete and push my ball at them and encourage them to throw the ball and play with me.

Even though they smell a little different from other bi-peds and their coordination at times is not the best, they love the fact that I don't discriminate in my choice of ball throwers. I get lots of pats from these men. They know not to feed me as my passion in life is chasing ball - not begging for food. So they throw the ball - even though it is often covered in my saliva. That's not a problem for them.

Together with my Boss and me over the past two years, we've got to know each other and the men, us. All of us together have shared good times and hard times.

Today, when the Boss was walking to the office. Lonnie said that they have a present for us. Bruce reached into his bag full of Christmas gifts for his family and his mates - and after about five minutes of searching, Bruce pulled out a tennis ball and said. "This is for caesar from Lonnie, Scotty, Kingy and me."

The Boss was moved to tears. Such a simple humble and thoughtful gift - and thanks - for taking the time each day to get to know them and enjoy a laugh and a joke.

If only all of us could reach out to those in need and take the time to listen to each other, the world would be a much better place.

Merry Christmas from caesar and the Boss.