As I prepare to celebrate my 86th Christmas, my memories are of the things my family and friends did for me. The gifts have long gone, but the memories of their love and kindness I will treasure for the rest of my life.

As I have said before, your friends are your greatest treasure. Many of my friends have gone to be with the Lord. Luckily I have many new friends in Shepherdstown. They have helped me through many tough times. There are many great people in this town.

Twelve years ago, three days before Christmas a black dog came to my wood shop, he looked me over for a long time before entering. He was covered with cockle burrs. After cleaning him, I gave him a good meal. A few days later, I gave him the name of “Elmo.” As I look across the room, I see him resting in his recliner. He came to me at a very difficult time in my life. I started the year off with two broken ribs. My loving wife of 48 years died.

This dog I had for eight years had diabetes and had to be put down. My old truck wore out and was sold for scrap.

I kid, saying I should write a country song. I started one, a western, only did the first line, “She was only the cowboy’s daughter, but all the horsemen new her …”

Dogs have been known to lower blood pressure of patients in nursing homes. A friend told me the reason dogs make such good friends is they wag their tails, not their tongues.

Many will be without food this Christmas. Please help in anyway you can. As a child, I remember the people from our church brought a basket of food several days before Christmas. When I saw the fat hen on top of all that delecious food, I thought I’d gone to heaven. During the Depression, our meals consisted of a small potato or little bit of cabbage. Thank God for my friends and the gourmet dinners they give me now.

Let’s keep our service men and woman in our prayers. Being away from home at Christmas is very lonely. Pray for their safe return.

In closing, I wish to thank all my family and friends who helped me make it through another year. May God give you a wonderful year and a most blessed Christmas.

Your Friend,

John T. “Jack” Geary

Shepherdstown