Thursday, December 12, 2013

Dear Saint Nick

Dear Saint Nicholas,

I was thinking of what to write - perhaps a grown-up's Christmas list like in the song and go for things like world peace and such... or get really personal and ask for more than I'm comfortable doing in front of the whole world, especially whomever is checking this out from Russia... or... or...


It's been a long time since I've actually thought about what I would want as a gift. In fact, this is usually the time of year I am working as much as possible and preparing for a quiet, somewhat lonely two days off in the city wondering what other "orphans" will be in town, far away from their families too. Doesn't leave much opportunity for gift giving and receiving. So, long story short, I'm sorry I haven't written in a long time, but I've tried to shoot for the "nice" category, and I hope records will reflect that.

After lengthy consultation with my agent, we have decided to petition you, not as the guy with the reindeer from the North Pole, but as the Patron Saint of voyagers, travelers, marriageable maidens, children, captives, scholars, laborers, and mariners. To truly do justice to your legacy, we should honor your dedication to selfless giving and protection of those in need. Therefore, I'm not going to ask you for much of anything! In fact, I'd like to thank you. You, in turn, can pass on my thanks to anyone above your pay grade. Deal?



Thank you for my safe passages to London, Athens, Port-Au-Prince, Beijing, Tokyo, Bogota, and so many others. My travels by rail, sea, plane, motorcycle, and automobile have been successful and generally unscathed excursions. Thank you for finding so many quality marital matches for the good people in my life. What a blessing it has been to have been witness to so many good people choosing to vow their lives to each other in the formation of family and the promise of forever. Thank you for looking out for four wonderful nieces of mine over the years. They all are fortunate to exhibit each a spirit
unique, yet common, in brightening the lives of their fathers and uncles. Thank you for showing me that labor can not only be a work of art, but a profound duty. Many do not appreciate how working in the service of others is necessary for the soul. Thank you for guiding all of us, who have been found captive in some manner, the way out. Hope, direction, and inspiration are what help us thrive in the darkness. Finally, thank you for bringing me back to California for Christmas. While I may not have a stocking or a
tree, I will be thankful for the gift of family and home at long last. And please, my only request will be that I might have the peace of mind of not yearning for what is not here, but instead take calm satisfaction from all of the gifts we already have come to enjoy as magnificent blessings.

Merry Christmas.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you Santa for bringing Mark Porter in my life. A friendship that will last a lifetime because a brother is someone you find for your forever.

Maerry Christmas Mark
Miss you bro,
-Rich