Judie Fox

Updated: December 19, 2006 - 9:42 AM

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Because her family was so poor, my mother said she was lucky if she got even an orange for Christmas. Because an orange was such a rare treat, Mom was thrilled if she got one. She told us how good the orange tasted and can still describe, at age 87, every juicy, heavenly bite.

While Mom was growing up, her mother did sewing for rich ladies. One day a fat, rich lady came to the house and couldnt bend over to get her boots off. She asked my mother to help her, promising to bring Mom an orange the next time she came to the house. Of course, Mom was eager to help.

Sadly, the promised orange never appeared. Mom said she waited almost a year for that orange before she gave up hope.

As a result, we children always got an orange in the toe of our stocking for Christmas, along with a retelling of the story. Now each of our children gets an orange in his or her stocking -- and we tell the story of Grandma and the orange.

Every Christmas I wonder, will our childrens children get oranges in their stockings? Will they hear the story? Will they understand the poverty and the disappointment and hurt? Will they vow never to be so cruel and thoughtless as the fat lady? Will they remember their ancestors?

Judie Fox