Values

Two days before Xmas my neighbor, Jim, lost his very expensive chimney decorations. No doubt it was last night’s storm winds that destroyed his Santa Clause, Reindeers and assorted gift boxes.

I was across the street, walking our dogs, when Jim began cursing the fates that had crushed his electrified Santa. His anger seemed to overwhelm his sorrow as he crushed the pathetic remnants to dust.

 Alex, our one-armed street recycler, was on his regular empty bottle run and witnessed both the grief and the rage that enveloped Jim.  Alex continued his regular garbage can route which carried him up to the despondent Jim’s sidewalk. After checking Jim’s trash and finding nothing of value, he offered Jim condolences for the broken Santa and continued his morning route.

Jim smiled after the retreating figure for a few seconds, shook his head and returned to his house.