Tis the Season to be Grateful

Greetings!

As we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season, may I offer a bit of joy with this 2nd issue of my newsletter.

And, you’ll forgive me if I repeat my thanks and delight to have you here!

Let me begin by sharing a beautiful quote, I stumbled upon this week that speaks to our essence as parents and human beings..

“You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at her parents every time around — and why her parents will always wave back." ~William D. Tammeus, in Kansas City Star, 1978

What this means, to me, is that, to a child on a merry-go-round, the simple act of waving to her parent(s) and having them wave back, reflects the comfort of knowing they will be there, the next time around. And, so it is, in life. We all need someone to be there for us and wave back.

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was in 5th grade at St. Michael’s School, located a few blocks from downtown San Antonio.

When the 3 o’clock bell rang, I would gather my books, leave the building and head to town on foot.

I’d walk from store to store, window-wishing, before dropping my nickel in the Nolan Street bus and head for home.

It was on one of those school day afternoons, in late October, that I saw it for the first time.

The department store at the corner of Alamo and Commerce Streets in Alamo Plaza had put up its Christmas displays.

As I passed by, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

There, in the main window, was the most beautiful bicycle I’d ever seen.

I will never forget, standing in awe, admiring every detail of this bright and shiny ride.

The body and fenders were jet black, against the rich red leather-like seat and matching rubber handle grips with plastic streamers, finished off with a bright white headlight.

Painted across the chain guard were the words, Custom Deluxe.

It was stunning!

Price tag: $24.95 - a lot of money back then.

All I could do was dream.

I visualized riding through the neighborhood as people on the sidewalk shouted out compliments when I proudly cruised by.

I could feel my little brother, Ricky, on the rear passenger seat, holding on tight with his little arms wrapped around my waist.

When I got home that day, I told my mom all about it.

She listened and smiled.

She knew exactly what I was about to ask and told me that it was something we just couldn’t afford right now. It was true.

As she would always offer a bit of hope, no matter the situation, she said, “One day, son. One day.”

Week after week, I’d stop and gaze into the store window.

Then, on Christmas morning, there it was! I can still see it parked in front the refrigerator in our tiny kitchen.

I stood speechless, my mouth wide open. Was this a dream? Would I really ride this new chariot through the neighborhood, hearing all the compliments I’d imagined?

After hugging mom and dad and saying “Thank you!” over and over, I turned to Ricky and showed him where he could ride along. He shook his head from side to side.

I later found out that the day after I had excitedly described the bike to my mother, she went downtown and placed it on layaway with a dollar.

My dream was her dream.

When you’re 10 years old, having a new bicycle is like the thrill of your first car.

It’s something you never forget.

And, for parents who sacrificed to make it possible, that memory is priceless.

A final thought.

We’ve all been through a lot these past 3 years and as we continue to take one day at a time, my wish for you is that this season finds you filled with gratitude for the gift of life itself and may the coming year be filled with all the abundance you so richly deserve.

Christmas blessings!

~Sonny.

Sonny Melendrez?is an award-winning motivational speaker, Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author, based in San Antonio. For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit?www.SonnyMelendrez.com?and you can listen to his podcast, The Sonny Melendrez Show wherever you access your podcasts. Watch his TEDx Talk: Intentional Enthusiasm - How to accelerate personal greatness here.