Feel good day

This mornings adventure was a trip to the Villarreal Elementary School with a large group of 4 Seasons residents for a visit with Santa and the presentation of Christmas gifts to our 'Angels'. Each year many of the residents of 4 Seasons select an 'Angel' from a list of neediest children in the school and we buy Christmas for them. It's an opportunity to provide a Christmas for some kids who might not otherwise have one.  A day well spent and seeing the smiles, a day to feel good.

We began with a welcome by the Principal and an introduction of her staff that were directly involved in the project.

The group listens to the Principal, who is at the extreme right, speak about her kids and the challenge of dealing with kids of which 90% are below the poverty level and 70% who start school lacking English proficiency. She also pointed out that her school and staff had been recognized by The Texas Education Association for their efforts.

Then the kid were brought in and seated on the floor and the Middle School music appreciation class entertained us with a few Christmas songs.

Then, with great gusto, the kids were charged with calling up Santa Clause. It took three tries, as the anticipation rose, but he finally the jolly fat man made his appearance.

Then the children were called up one by one, starting with the youngest, to meet Santa and their sponsor and they were given their gifts. The kids also presented their sponsor with a picture of themselves as a remembrance of the day.

This is my Angel. His name is Jesus, he's a fifth grader and he has two sisters which he explained to me was "not so good". Jesus told me he is a runner and he was real excited about the new tennis shoes that will help him be even faster. The word awesome was summoned from his vocabulary several times as each present was opened. Each of the kids was also given a bag of candy from Santa and Jesus would not except no for an answer when he insisted on sharing his candy with me. No amount of refusal would be accepted. I finally excepted a small Snickers bar and he was happy that he had given a gift back to me.

After the kids had returned to class the school staff treated us to various foods and pastries and it seemed from my vantage point that it was well received.

A quick word to the school. I must compliment the teachers and staff. Normally in schools I've been in before where you a dealing with a group of kids from kindergarten to the 5th grade chaos reigns supreme. This was not the case at Villarreal Elementary School. This was the best behaved group of students I have ever been around. Also, speaking for us at 4 Season, thank you for the opportunity we were given today and be assured the love and joy flowed both ways. You made our day.

The rest of the day will be spent reflecting on the morning and how much we enjoy the good life.