Dear Santa,

I know it has been far too many years since you received a letter from me and I should apologize for that, but I assumed you had plenty to keep you busy with the kids and all. And honestly, I haven’t really wanted for anything of significance for far too long and didn’t want to waste your time. But I do have a few things I would like to ask you for this year, and yes I know, I still haven’t paid for that crystal whatever it was I broke in that store that time, but I’m hopeful you might find some way to overlook that.

Oh, and all the trouble I gave my Momma growing up — well, and all the trouble now, let’s be honest.

Maybe the fact I won’t truly be asking for anything for myself, at least nothing material, will help you find it in your heart to get past all of my past transgressions. I know, it’s going to take a lot to make that happen, but you can’t blame me for hoping, I assume.

I would like to ask you for world peace but I’m sure someone has beaten me to that one and frankly, I don’t know that I would want to wish something as insurmountable on you. It would be easy to try and lay this one on you even though it’s the rest of the world that has made it such a screwed up place.

We should probably fix this one since we created it, but if you do have an extra moment or two, and I know there’s slim hope of that, could you at least take a look and try to give everyone just a smidgen of compassion and empathy? I know it won’t solve the problem but it could make it more possible for the rest of us to see the world through the eyes of others and maybe, just maybe, we will all think before we speak or act.

As you well know, I have two sons, Nathan and Andrew, and although they do struggle behaving, I love them so and would like to ask for a gift for them. No toys or electronics, just a little hope. Hope that they will have an opportunity to grow to a ripe old age, will know what true love is, the love of their own children one day — not now though, I’m in no way ready to be a grandparent — and a chance to shine for who they are. I would like to see them live in a world where they are allowed to chase their dreams, and if they work smart enough and hard enough, to prosper in some small way from their passions. Give them the eyes to see possibilities where no one else sees them and the courage to take a chance with their one shot at walking through life.

I also have three sisters and I would like to think of them for a moment. They have health issues and frankly have had a rough go of it during their lives. If you have a little something extra in that sleigh Christmas Eve, do you think I could get you to drop something with them? Nothing big and it doesn’t cost a dime, I know there are far too many asking for those high ticket items, but this is just a simple gift really. Could you see that over the next year each gets a single day with no worries and no pain? I can’t think of anything else that would mean so much to them.

For those I work with, well, I know it might be unusual, but I would like to ask for a little something for them. They are good people, supportive and encouraging, and above all dedicated to what they do. How about a little security to alleviate their worries, just for awhile, even if it’s just until the New Year. I think they could all use a stress free day or two, I know they deserve it.

Julie, I could never forget her, well, because she is unforgettable. Without coming off as greedy, I would ask for two gifts for her, both of which I think she needs and again, doesn’t cost a dime, but if you would check your list I think you will find she is more than worthy. If she found two tiny boxes under her tree, one containing the truth of her value and who she is as a person and the other an idea of what a wonderful mother she is, I think you would find another elf who would gladly go above and beyond for you.

And Santa, I know I said I wasn’t going to ask for anything for myself, and I guess that is still true but I will be honest this next request is out of greed — just not for money or possessions. As you know, my mother may be the best friend I have ever had and my father is ill. I love them both dearly, which I’m sure you know, and although this would be as much for me, please don’t consider that when I ask for this gift, understand and realize, this is the best and greatest gift they could ever receive, and if you have it in you, could you give them just one more year together? For me as well? I’m not ready to be without either of them and I have seen how much they truly love one another unconditionally. The world is a better place with them in it.

Thank you for everything, and I do hate to be that guy you never hear from and when you do it’s because he wants something, but here I am, hat in hand. I truly don’t need a thing but the smiles of others who have found peace, love, and happiness, for they are truly priceless.

Merry Christmas,

DC

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Moody Swings

D. C. Moody

D. C. Moody is a staff writer for The Easley Progress, The Pickens Sentinel and Powdersville Post and can be reached at dmoody@civitasmedia.com. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.