"You're getting a new coat,"
Brad was excited for his older brother that fall. "Yes, and you're getting
mine," his older brother stated right back.
It seemed that both boys were growing so fast. Craig
was two years older than Brad and already taller than my 5'6" frame in 6th
grade. He was a constant eater and never gained a pound. Brad followed right
behind him, they were growing out of everything!
"Brad, I said, "Do you mind having Craig's coat this
winter to wear? It is in good condition, it just doesn't fit him any longer." I
felt bad, but boots were important and they needed gloves too, especially for
the snow days that would soon be upon us.
"No, Mom," Brad looked thoughtful. "I think it will
fit and feel okay this year." I was grateful for his willing attitude.
That winter was cold and the coat did a good job of
keeping Brad warm. With items needed for fall soccer and other activities, I was
glad we could get by without the expense of a new coat.
But, another year came around and our growing boys
would be needing new boots and coats again. I checked out their growth spurt. I
knew Craig wouldn't mind wearing his coat again, I'd just extend the cuffs a
bit, and Brad, well, Brad's cuffs couldn't be extended, so I made sure his
gloves were longer and replaced the bad zipper. Their coats worked for another
winter.
By the next fall both boys were in junior high and
would be needing so many things. As I worked out a budget we would use for
Christmas, just a couple months away. I compared their wants with their needs.
Craig had earned some money shoveling snow and doing some lawn work, and he had
his eyes set on a special jacket that year. We were grateful he decided to use
his money for clothing. Our daughter in high school, earned her money
baby-sitting, often buying her own things. But Brad had used his brothers coat
for two winters and he really needed a new one. I prayed especially hard because
I knew how much a good coat would cost.
I was walking through the department store looking for
some sale items for their Christmas when the rack nearby drew my attention.
There were coats and jackets for half price. Brad was getting so tall, and I
doubted his size would be among those on sale. But as I checked out the
merchandise, I saw a coat that looked larger than most, it looked great! It was
well made and felt so warm, in dark blue. It had a zipper but also snaps and so
many pockets I couldn't believe it! It might even be a bit large for Brad, but
he would be able to wear it for another winter, and it was so nice looking, he
could wear it to Church as well as school.
The kids were busy preparing for the Christmas Eve
service. Craig was a shepherd who would stand with Mary and Joseph and two other
shepherds in front of the manger located in the Church foyer, as people went
into the hall leading to the sanctuary. Brad was in the brass ensemble and
played the trombone. Their older sister would be singing in the chorus. As
everyone was getting their clothing and outfits on that evening, my husband and
I decided to call Brad into the kitchen. I didn't have the heart to make him
wait until Christmas. This was a special evening and he had his dark pants and
white shirt on, looking so nice.
"Brad," his Dad said, "We wanted to give you this
early so you could use it tonight." My husband handed him the large box.
Brad's eyes became full and happy as he pulled out the
coat.. He put it right on and came over and gave us each a big hug. "Wow, Mom
and Dad, this is great, and the hidden pockets inside are supper. Thanks!" He
looked 6 feet tall, which he almost was! It was a perfect fit!
"Brad," I said, "You were patient to wait over two
years for this, wearing the coat of your brothers. You never complained and that
meant a lot to us."
"I didn't mind Mom, it is still an okay coat, maybe
somebody else can wear it now."
The Christmas Eve service seemed so special that
night, each one doing their own parts, thankful for God's Son who came to be our
Savior. However, we also realized the special gift we got back, the appreciation
of a son who was thankful.
Years have gone by since that night, a time which Brad
still remembers. We kept all kinds of jerseys from sports to an expensive letter
jacket in high school, but that coat was a favorite, and he wore it for quite a
while, after all, it had so many pockets!
Maybe he learned more from not getting new things,
than many children who do. And it probably didn't bother him nearly as much as
it did us, those few years when we had to decide where to pinch pennies. The
coat with all the pockets shall remain in my mind for a long time. But the love
from a child who never complained about wearing hand-me-downs, is a blessing
every parent should be fortunate to have.
(c) 2001 Diane Dean White Thelamb212@aol.com
Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. She and her husband Stephen are the parents of three grown children and two grandgals. They make their home on the Carolina Coast where Diane continues her love for writing.
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