On the 6th Day of Christmas Past, two special stories from MHA Tour Members – Betty Bringhurst & Diane Saunders:
Question: How did Fathers deepen Christmas in these stories or in your own life?
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Dad’s Loving Example
by Betty Bringhurst, MHA Tour Member
When I was young, my family had little extra money. But my dad worked hard and we always had enough. He was a forest ranger and he had an old green Chevy pickup that he drove to work each day. Working for the Forest Service gave him access to lots of fallen trees which supplied our stove with wood and heated our house in the winter.
Every Christmas, my dad brought home and chopped what seemed like a ton of wood which he loaded into the back of the old pickup till it was overflowing. Then he went to the store and bought several bags of oranges. We spent a few hours delivering wood and oranges to many people in need. He didn’t have an assignment or a calling to do this. He just wanted to make sure that those people felt warm and loved.
My dad passed away many years ago, but every Christmas I remember his hard work and his selfless service to those in need. I try to follow his example and find someone in need that I can serve and love. I can almost see him smiling in heaven, knowing that his legacy is still blessing others.
Dad’s Story, Snowflake AZ 1935 – Santa & Montgomery Ward
This Christmas story comes from the history of Chadwick F. Avery, my father. (Submitted by: Diane Saunders, MHA Tour Member)
“The Christmas I remember best has to be the last one we spent in Snowflake, AZ back in 1935. I was eleven years old then and becoming a little more aware of things about me. As Christmas approached, Mother and Dad appeared worried, and by Christmas Eve I could tell they were upset. As the oldest child, Mother took me aside and asked what I would do if Santa didn’t come. I’m afraid I didn’t give her a very positive answer.
“Christmas morning, when we went into the parlor, we soon discovered that something was wrong. Mother had made an article of clothing for each of us, but there were no other presents. Our stockings had been filled with candy and nuts though, and a note from Santa was attached to explain that somehow our gifts had been lost along the way. He was very sorry, but they would be delivered as soon as they could be found.
“We all took it pretty well, as I recall, and soon went about our usual activities. I remember being with my cousins and sharing their Christmas joy. Later in the day, however, a big box came from the Post Office, filled with toys and clothes for all of us. Mom and Dad had to tell us for whom each item was intended since Santa didn’t have a chance to put labels on them, but our parents seemed to know about everything. The way it all turned out, I think that was the best Christmas we had ever had. But there is one question I had which I have never dared ask. Why did Santa Claus have Montgomery Ward and Co. mail our gifts to us instead of bringing them himself?”
The dad in the first story took time to serve, even when he didn’t have a lot himself. I believe he saw the people as children of God, just like the Savior sees in each of us. When we look at each person as a child of God it’s hard not to feel the love He has for them and want to help and show them that love.
Because of his job, the forest ranger was able to get extra wood and give it to those in need and help them to stay warm. He wanted to spread the love that he was given. Because we are given much, we too must give.
My father, Royal, will always have a special place in my heart. He was very hard working and served others quietly, like the dad in the first story. He has been gone for many years, but will always be remembered at Christmas time, especially since his birthday is just two days prior. I am very blessed to be named after him.
The dad who delivered wood & oranges to others for Christmas did something simple but meaningful. He used the resources he had available, such as the wood from the forest, and found a way to turn it into the gift of warmth and just being remembered and thought of. What a great example!
Both Dads were loving and kind, putting others needs above their own, and teaching their children by example. My Dad was like that!
It is an amazing legacy to have a father who trains in the Saviors way and has his children help him. What a special gift he gave that Christmas and many others to his daughter. His gift also ws of sharing to those in the community and I know it was greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for sharing my father’s story. It was a lovely reminder of his Christlike service and example.
Fathers have an important role in the family, just like our Heavenly Father. These stories are great, thanks!
The importance of giving is an good lesson to learn as a child. What you give is more important than what you receive. A simple act of giving wood and oranges to those in need can leave a deep and meaningful impression on kids. It shows then what Christmas should be about.
These fathers were such good examples to their families – teaching them by example what is really important!
Growing up we were quite poor but somehow Christmas was always made special. Not because of the gifts but what we shared. Deer and elk hunting season was just a few months before and we shared the meat and the items we got from tanning the hides from the year before. The gloves were the most common gift as we could get more pairs from one hide.
The Fathers in these stories gave love and helped their families feel the love of Christmas through giving service and love, not through loads of monetary gifts. My parents were also not well to do money wise, but every year there was always something they had made for us, I remember all of these times and remember Mum and Dad staying up late sewing and Dad being in the shed painting second hand bikes and fishing rods to make them shiny and new for us.
The dads were not focused on themselves.
What wonderful examples of Christlike love both of these families exhibited! How wonderful that traditions like these are carried on by so many others who follow Christ’s example.
These fathers were both great examples of how we can show love to others by being of service.
My father was that kind of man and learned that from his father. They were both great men.
Both fathers (and mothers) showed their love for their families through service and helping those in need. The father in the first story showed the importance of giving, even when we have little to give. The father in the second story seemed to be going through a difficult time as well. He and his wife needed help, and they were not overly prideful about accepting help from the local Ward. Both families stories are helpful in appreciating the Christmas spirit.
These two stories exemplify that at Christmas time, it is better to give than to receive. We have a large English walnut tree in our back yard. For many years my husband has spent innumerable hours in the fall cracking the walnuts. Over the years, hundreds of jars filled with the cracked walnuts have been given to others during the Christmas holidays. Very few were kept for our own family.
The fathers deepened Christmas by focusing on the things that really matter in life such as relationships and helping others. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Thank you to each of you who have shared these sweet and tender stories. It seems that many of us were raised by exceptional parents, fathers in particular with these stories. I was also raised by a very hard working man who grew up in a poor family so he had very few personal possessions. He was always generous with his time and carpentry skills. He shared produce with our friends and neighbors. Hopefully we will all emulate the loving Christlike lives of our fathers
I grew up in a non religious home.. serving others was not something I was familiar with… until I was starting becoming an active … nonmember… I learned and felt the LOVE that you give and you get while choosing to serve… it changes who you are … when you serve !! Two great stories of serve =LOVE
The most powerful legacy a father can leave his family is to be a living example of loving others unconditionally and of being willing to “show up” as a servant to all.