My best present probably wasn't the most expensive one or the most valuable one I ever received. But it was a present that blew away all the kids in the neighborhood and made them the most jealous. I was probably around 10 years old or so, and at the time, a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I was even a proud card-carrying member of the Eddie Shack fan club. Well, when the Sears Christmas catalogue came to our mailbox in September, I was practically salivating over the white "away" Maple Leaf jersey that was for sale. Up until that time, only blue "home" jerseys were up for sale. The other big thing about Christmas was waiting for the big box of gifts that came from my beloved Oma and Opa in Holland. We got neat candies and Dutch games that were lots of fun. I even got a chocolate record, that you would play once and then eat. The one I got was of an organ grinder playing some kind of waltz or polka. Anyhow, the big day arrived and I got the sweater. I was so happy. The next day Carl Shepler and his brothers Billy, Darby and Terry and Gary Snyder and I went through a field to our little skating pond. I tried to get out to that pond a few years ago but it was impossible with all the brush that has now grown in. When I took my coat off no one could believe it when they saw my new Leaf sweater. However, my joy was short-lived when Owen Held came by, took off his coat and he was sporting a white Montreal Canadiens jersey. He then proceeded to punch the living crap out of me. It wasn't good, I kid you not. I wonder if Owen remembers that. He is now a plumber/preacher. I guess I have to forgive him. Merry Christmas, everyone.
