A Secret Santa
“Virginia,” who is in her 70s, called with a story tip. As we all try to get into the holiday spirit, the story Virginia wanted to share is a good one.
Before we get to the story, here is some information about Virginia … She gets around well for her age. She drives well. She sees well. She hears well.
Virginia talks well, too, as her voice sounds like she could be in her 50s.
Here is her story … Virginia had taken her car to her favorite auto mechanic for a routine winterized tuneup. She was a regular at a shop in Westfield, Ind.
When a shop manager came back with his initial report, he indicated it was time for her to get a new battery. The manager described why she needed a new battery. Not being an auto mechanic herself, she didn’t fully understand the reasoning, but she took his word for it because it was a place she trusted. After all, that manager could have very well feasted on some of the doughnuts she brought in for the crew that Thanksgiving-eve morning.
Virginia indicated to me she was neither destitute, nor made of a lot of money. She informed the manager now wasn’t the time for her to fork over funds for a battery. Her reasoning - she didn’t drive all that much and she knew enough people in her hometown Noblesville to pick her up if her car battery failed her to the point of her being stranded. The manager said very well and continued with the tuneup.
Virginia knitted as time passed during her wait for the car to be ready. The manager came back and informed her that her tuneup was complete - with the new battery. Stunned, she asked how. “From a Secret Santa,” the manager informed her.
Virginia was floored by the act of kindness. Drawn to tears, even. She suspected it was another customer who had overheard her previous conversation with the manager, but she wasn’t sure and the manager wouldn’t tell. It was later confirmed, however, it was indeed the other customer. He was from Westfield.
Because of this act, Virginia, decided it was time to pass on a good deed.
In the past, she had donated her fair share of food, clothing and money to charitable organizations but that had slowed down the past few years.
Not this year.
Virginia e-mailed her story to friends and family encouraging them to give this holiday season. That is what she intends to do, too. Virginia said she plans to donate to Red Cross this year, and she hopes the thoughtfulness of ‘Secret Santa’ motivates others to do the same.
So, let us all allow this holiday season be one of giving, not just receiving.