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Bulletbox's Christmas Story #7734193
12/04/22 07:52 AM
12/04/22 07:52 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,951
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Paul Dobbins Offline OP
"Trapperman custodian"
Paul Dobbins  Offline OP
"Trapperman custodian"

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,951
Goldsboro, North Carolina
It's been a tradition that Bulletbox started years ago to tell this story every Christmas. I sure miss ole' Bulletbox.

[Linked Image]






This is what Christmas is all about...

Better bundle up - the goose bumps will freeze you!! I think I need to read this every year at Christmas.

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what..

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?

Yeah," I said, "Why?"

"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his r ight shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say
something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as mu ch as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.

Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."
Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that,but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, to you and yours...



Last edited by bulletbox; 17/12/18 09:11 AM.


John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

[Linked Image]
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7734502
12/04/22 02:48 PM
12/04/22 02:48 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,657
Three Lakes,WI 73
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corky Offline
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Three Lakes,WI 73
A classic. Bulletbox was good people.


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This place is getting more like Facebook every day.

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7734632
12/04/22 05:55 PM
12/04/22 05:55 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,221
Oakland, MS
Drifter Offline
trapper
Drifter  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,221
Oakland, MS
One that for sure needs to be read each year to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.


Some individuals use statistics as a drunk man uses lamp-posts — for support rather than for illumination.

Andrew Lang (1844-1912) Scottish poet, novelist and literary critic









Life member NTA , and GA Trappers assoc .
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7734662
12/04/22 06:23 PM
12/04/22 06:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 31
Missouri
T
Terry Howard Offline
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Terry Howard  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 31
Missouri
It would do well for everyone to read that story .

Thank you for posting

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7734677
12/04/22 06:44 PM
12/04/22 06:44 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,990
Central Texas
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Chancey Offline
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Chancey  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2014
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Central Texas
Thank you Sir. Always loved his Christmas post; I've read it to my daughter every year.


Resident Conspiracy Theorist
Accused Moron, Nazi, Low IQ, and Putin Fan Boy
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7734696
12/04/22 07:07 PM
12/04/22 07:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,526
Piney va. soon be 19
cotton Offline
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cotton  Offline
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Posts: 8,526
Piney va. soon be 19
Thanks pappy


John 3/16

ifin your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough
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Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7734902
12/04/22 10:22 PM
12/04/22 10:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5,536
South Carolina
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Tom cat Offline
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Posts: 5,536
South Carolina
Thank you posting this Mr Paul.. it's a Christmas classic.


Sugarcreektrapping@gmail.com
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7735552
12/05/22 07:36 PM
12/05/22 07:36 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 300
Lima, Ohio / 61 yrs.
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Minktrapper1962 Offline
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Lima, Ohio / 61 yrs.
I love reading this story every Christmas. Thanks for posting it again.


People who live in a country that allows them to keep and bear arms are citizens. People who live in a country that doesn't, are subjects.
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7735617
12/05/22 09:10 PM
12/05/22 09:10 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,117
Ames, IA
MikeTraps2 Offline
trapper
MikeTraps2  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,117
Ames, IA
Thanks Paul

I sure miss that mustachioed Texan


Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure

Theodore Roosevelt
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7735820
12/06/22 06:56 AM
12/06/22 06:56 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,199
new york
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mike mason Offline
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Posts: 3,199
new york
Thanks Paul, if that does not bring a tear to your eye nothing will. Merry Christmas!

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7736050
12/06/22 12:02 PM
12/06/22 12:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 30,370
Eastern Shore of Maryland
HobbieTrapper Offline
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 30,370
Eastern Shore of Maryland
I can’t help but see the depth of humanity in this story. It connects so many more dots than the current “go fund me.”

I agree Mike.


-Goofy
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7736495
12/06/22 09:16 PM
12/06/22 09:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,591
western mn
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bucksnbears Offline
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western mn
Teared up again now.same as everyyear I read that.
That story never gets old.
Thanks Paul (and BulletBox)


swampgas chili and schmidt beer makes for a deadly combo

You have to remember that 1 out of 3 Democratic Voters is just as dumb as the other two.
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7736538
12/06/22 09:47 PM
12/06/22 09:47 PM
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 17,455
Iowa
~ADC~ Offline
The Count
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Posts: 17,455
Iowa
Thanks for carrying on the tradition Paul.

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7736729
12/07/22 06:48 AM
12/07/22 06:48 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,471
Northern Illinois
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MChewk Online content
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,471
Northern Illinois
It got me again...tears flowing. Great Christmas/holiday read. Thanks Paul and Bulletbox.

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7737350
12/07/22 09:10 PM
12/07/22 09:10 PM
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 30
Kentucky
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Andrew r Offline
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Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 30
Kentucky
Thank you for posting this.I've never seen it before (havent a member all that long ) and tonight of all nights I really needed it.

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7738197
12/08/22 04:53 PM
12/08/22 04:53 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,187
NC
Buzzard Offline
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Buzzard  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2009
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NC
He was a good friend

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7738515
12/08/22 09:19 PM
12/08/22 09:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 349
Iowa
M
Mitch L Offline
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Posts: 349
Iowa
Its too early for this.... but I enjoyed just as much as in years past...:-)

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7738678
12/09/22 04:30 AM
12/09/22 04:30 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,089
Central Texas - Erath- Real Co...
Ol' Smoke Offline
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Ol' Smoke  Offline
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Central Texas - Erath- Real Co...
R.I.P. Blake. You are missed bud.


---- CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE----Bye, Bye Miss American Pie----
Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7739402
12/09/22 08:08 PM
12/09/22 08:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11,262
Marion Kansas
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Yes sir Offline
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Marion Kansas
Thanks for posting. Second reading for. What a powerful message. I'm glad he took the time to write that story.

Re: Bulletbox's Christmas Story [Re: Paul Dobbins] #7739834
12/10/22 09:42 AM
12/10/22 09:42 AM

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J Staton
Unregistered
J Staton
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A Christmas tradition. Thanks for carrying on BB's blessing.

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