Santa story

In the days of rainy weather, this picture is very appropriate for the subject which I am about to recall. Many years ago, when I lived in a suburban neighborhood of Pine Hills, Florida where life was evolving into something I would not recognize today. This was a period when I was young and going to a Catholic school and was told the truth about Santa Claus. I learned he was a Saint from Germany. His name was Saint Nicholas and he lived many years ago. I guess I figured it out no more waiting all night long to see Santa Claus flying in on his sled to deliver a mess of toys in front of my Christmas tree. I couldn't wait to share this with a neighbor kid who was sitting outside on the curb. I don't recall his name. I wanted in my mind to call him Kevin. He reminded me of a dorky skinny little guy I would like to call Kevin. His real name escapes me. Anyways, I broke the news and didn't think anything would occur from sharing what I learned in school. I was wrong!!! The little dorky kid went home and told his mother. I could hear his home door open and the earth shook. The mother had taken her first step outside. Every step closer she came, the earth shook. It was like a California earthquake in Florida. Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom. I was sitting on the curb and this big mass of a woman towered over me with her tight curled perm and monstrously loud voice." How dare you tell my son there is no Santa Claus." " What gives you the right to do that?" I was speechless and knew whatever I said would make no difference. I was guilty in her eyes. I was consoled by my neighbor Mr. Cardy who told me " she doesn't know what she is talking about." This statement made me feel a whole lot better and life got back to normal as I remembered it.