Andrew's Gift

I met a young fellow a few days ago who brought back to me what Christmas is supposed to be all about.

How many of us, I wonder, stray from the mark about the true meaning of this season.

Not seventh grader Andrew Van Donselaar; he had it right on point.

I asked him what he was shopping for and he told me he wanted some warm up pants for basketball practice and a pair of house slippers for his Mom.

Now here is someone who was given a magic opportunity to make his wishes come true, to be his very own Santa, if you will.

That opportunity, that gift, at this great time of gift giving, was given to him through the generosity and compassion of the officers of the Flowery Branch Police Department, supported by that city's good hearted and also compassionate merchants, civic groups and individuals, many of whom heard about what "Flowery Branch's Finest" was doing and just decided to chip in.

Andrew was one of the children chosen by the officers and the teachers and staff at Flowery Branch Elementary School because it was very likely they would not experience the blessed gift of Christmas presents without some help.

With that help, this happy little bunch and their equally happy blue uniformed escorts showed up and were welcomed at the Oakwood Wal-Mart last Saturday morning. It was the first time "Shop With a Cop" was held by the Flowery Branch Police, who wanted to show everyone that officers of the law, just like most of us, have a tender spot in their hearts for kids.

So young Andrew, who could pick out what he wanted for himself, also wanted a pair of house slippers for his Mom.

I believe that was his gift to all of us, a gift in the form of an innocent, sweet reminder that giving is much more profound and wonderful than receiving at Christmas time, or any other time.

I always liked what the Wizard of Oz told the Tin Man when he received his heart.

"Remember my friend," the Wizard said, "that it is not how much you love, but also, how much you are loved by others."

I'll bet Andrew's Mom is going to love her new house slippers.

(Jerry Gunn is a reporter for WDUN NEWS TALK 550, SPORTS RADIO 1240 THE TICKET, MAJIC 1029, and AccessNorthGa.com).