Donnie Ray's Christmas Party

Let me introduce you to a very special man in my family. This is Donnie Ray Ball and he is Benny's uncle. He is the youngest of the Ball clan and has always been a ray of sunshine for all of us. He lived in Spur for 68 of his 70 years, but moved to Matador when the nursing home closed here. It was an extremely sad time as he bid all his friends that he had known all of his life goodbye as they left, one by one. He and Robby Hoover were the last two to leave the facility.

We just celebrated his second Christmas at Matador. It was an exciting day. When we arrived, everyone had to tell us the "Donnie" stories for the day. He had wheeled all over the facility looking for his beloved Santa. He knew what the day held in store for him. Now you have to understand something about Donnie. He is the true Christmas lover of all mankind. Santa Claus has always held a special place in his heart. Grandma and Grandpa Ball always put a Christmas tree up as early as possible for Donnie because that was his joy. And family members soon joined in by providing Santa-themed gifts for him. No matter what may come, Donnie will always be remembered for his love of Santa.

All the staff related the stories about him going all over the place, looking for Santa. By the time we got there, it was evident that he was tired. But the promise and anticipation of Santa's arrival kept him going. He had his Santa's Helper hat on. His "buddy" gave him a pair of knitted Santa slippers and they were on his feet, secure underneath his blanket. Dinner was just a waste of time. The anticipation and excitement were just too much.

Finally, the moment arrived...Santa walked through the doors and made his way right to Donnie. Donnie put out his hand for a welcome shake (as he does for all those he knows and loves). Santa had come to see him, just as he continually told Fred. Fred is one of Donnie's best friends that volunteers at the nursing home. He kept telling Donnie that Santa was coming to see him (Fred), but Donnie would let him know immediately that Santa was coming to see him (Donnie). There was no misunderstanding Donnie's communicating through his pointing at his own chest. Santa was definitely coming to see him. Santa presented Donnie a special gift. Oh, the gift was a beautiful treasure and Donnie held it tightly. He constantly protected it from Benny's outreached hands. Benny loves to tease Donnie by trying to get his gifts from him. But don't worry about Donnie. He can take care of those treasured gifts. He pulls the gifts aways from Benny's hands and tells Benny to "go there" as he points to the other side of the room.

As he opened the gift, he discovered a beautiful night light with Santa on it. You could see in his eyes that it was one of the most beautiful gifts ever. He held it close to him, not wanting to put it

down. He finally allowed me to set it on the table in front of him as he opened his other gifts. He got a beautiful maroon sweatshirt from another friend who lives there at the facility, Don. And then there was a warm grey hoodie from Santa. He also got a digital camera, Christmas pajamas, a jacket, bags of candy, lotion, cards, and socks. It was a great Christmas. But as soon as the gifts were opened, it was time to go to his room. He was tired and a young lady who volunteers along with her family, pushed him to his room. It was no surprise when Benny and I turned the corner, carrying his gifts to his room, to see him in the hallway with Santa again. Santa had made his way through the halls greeting and visiting all those in their rooms. Santa is always so gracious and takes plenty of time to visit with Donnie.

It was a great party. There were so many guests, that some had to sit in the adjoining dining room. The staff had filled the main dining room with tables covered with beautiful white and gold table clothes. They served each of us a tasty ham dinner. There were Christmas songs sung with lots of laughter and cameras flashing, recording more Christmas memories for each of us.

We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year for 2010.