T'was a few days before "Fishmas"
And there in my shop
I had repaired 20 reels
And was ready to stop.
What's that I hear?
The sound of a big Van?
What's it doing here?
A knock on my shop door?
It opened wide,
A deliveryman came inside.
"A box for me"?
"Yes Sir, Just sign here"
I did and he left.
But I had placed no orders,
So what could it be?
I carried the box to my work table,
Carefully cut it open,
And read the Instruction label.
In this box is 13 reels,
12 Please will you fix
Put new line on each reel,
Place on a good rod,
And check the last reel too,
It will have something for you!
I looked at the clock,
And my Stomach growled,
"I need a good meal" I thought,
"And a drink and snack too"
Then come back and fix these
reels as instructed to do"
I ate at the local Cafe,
Ordered Iced tea and Pie
to go, by the way.
I returned to my shop
Went in, and locked the door,
Turned on some lights,
I knew I'd be there,
Most of the night.
I pulled out a reel,
It carried a note!
"See me last" Well I'll be,
This reel contains something for me!
I fixed reels for 2 hours,
Then took a pit stop,
Had a drink of Iced Tea,
And a bite of my Pie,
Then it was back to work for me.
Three hours later,
The 12 reels were fixed,
I had more Iced Tea,
Finished my pie,
What the last reel contained,
I would finally see.
I opened the front Cover,
A plastic bag with a note?
I wondered what someone had wrote?
The note did say,
"Dear Sir"
Thanks for a job well done,
I've watched you for years,
You have a gifted talent,
Your thoroughness, Skill, and Quality care,
Is beyond anyone I can Compare!
Inside the back of this reel,
Is something to sweeten the deal!
I opened the back cover,
And in a bag was stashed,
Another note?.. and $80.00 CASH!!
I thought "Enough for tonight"
"I need some sleep,
I'll come back later,
I have a deal to keep"
I returned a few hours later,
Read the last note,
Put line on each reel,
Placed on good rods,
Now to Deliver them
to the address listed in the last note,
To complete this deal.
The Address I knew by Heart,
For here "Fishmas" got a Start..
For the location too, I was no Stranger..
25th and Manger..!!
A home for Disadvantaged Children,
I had donated to before,
And now I'd been asked,
To Help even More.
I pulled up to the front Door,
And went to Management inside,
I explained I had a Delivery,
For 12 Special Children,
That would make them smile wide.
"We've been hoping to see you"
As someone named "Fishmas"
Sent a note about this delivery too."
"We have the 12 Children here now,
And if you bring these combos in,
We can let them see,
What one of their presents will be."
I brought in the combos,
And gave one to all,
The smile on their faces,
Made me feel 10 feet tall.!!
These 12 Children's smile so bright,
May not match those in a Town of Bethlehem
On a long ago Historical Night,
But maybe their HAPPINESS..Just might..!!
As Brothers and Sisters,
Who all love to Fish,
For Fun, Food, and even Repair too,!!
From this experience
I know I can trust..
The The Spirit of Fishmas,
Will be watching over Us..!!
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