The True Christmas Spirit

I could hear the refuse collection truck coming down the street as I got those last few winks of sleep the morning after Christmas. Could I get out there in time to place Mom's bin on the sidewalk? With all the gift exchange excitement, we'd forgotten to put it out the night before. Out I dashed in my PJ's and sock slippers into the crisp central Texas morning, quickly rolling the bin across the grass to the street as the truck came down the other side. Suddenly the truck stopped and the driver appeared, stepping down from his truck. "I already passed on that side, sir!", he said. And before I knew it, he crossed the street, grabbed the bin and rolled it to the other side of the street. After positioning it, he climbed back into his truck and deftly dumped the bin into his truck with the mechanical arms. I was so taken back with his kindness that all I could think to say was, "Well, I'll bring it back, and I sure do appreciate your help!" as he drove away. By then my feet were quite wet from the dew but I had a smile on my face. I didn't even mind a couple of neighbors staring at me in my PJ's from their cars as they left for work. I had just witnessed one of the most impressive evidences of the true Christmas spirit of my entire life! So, my driver friend, whoever you may be, thanks so much for adding to my Christmas joy by your simple act of kindness right here in Temple, Texas on Antelope Trail!