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Tom Higgins: A Christmas story
By Tom Higgins - ThatsRacin.com Contributor
Friday, Dec. 23, 2011
It’s a story of Christmas past, one of long, long ago.
And although it took place well back in the 1970s, what occurred remains among my very favorite Yuletide memories.
Those recollections move me to reprise the story once more as the most glorious and meaningful holiday for the world’s Christians draws near.
I hope that somewhere a fellow now approaching middle-age remembers this tale of uncommon caring and generosity as well. It happened in the small town of Ellerbe, located deep in the heart of North Carolina’s piney Sandhills.
The hamlet had gained a measure of notice as the home of 1973 NASCAR Cup Series champion Benny Parsons, who moved there from Detroit to drive for local team owner L.G. DeWitt.
One wintry, dreary December day Benny’s two young sons, Keith and Kevin, came home from school with sad faces. Their glumness made the day seem even grayer for Benny, who had been elected president of Ellerbe’s elementary school.
The boys were upset because they had learned that some of their classmates were not going to receive presents or anything special to eat for Christmas.
Benny immediately checked with teachers and administrators at the school. He found that the situation was even worse than he imagined in the area stricken by a high rate of poverty.
Parsons, known throughout motorsports for his tenderness of heart and good-guy nature, sat about to rectify the sad situation. He began calling in favors from his many friends in racing.
Donations of winter jackets, shoes, food, toys and Christmas candy began accumulating.
On short notice a big party was scheduled for the auditorium at Ellerbe Elementary the night before holiday recess was to begin.
Some of stock car racing’s foremost stars showed up to take part.
The Wood Brothers, Glen and Leonard, had a choir from their church in Stewart, Va., travel down by bus to sing the Christmas carols.
Children who never had known much of a Christmas were wide-eyed as Santa called their names to come on stage and receive gifts.
One little fellow, a lad of 7 or 8, strode over to where Benny and I stood watching. He held a toy truck in one hand and a pair of new sneakers in the other.
“Mr. Benny, what am I supposed to do with these?” he asked.
Benny was stunned.
“Why, take them home, son. They’re yours,” he said.
The kid’s face expressed astonishment.
“To keep!?” he asked.
Benny gulped. His eyes moistened and he leaned down to give the little guy a hug.
Then Benny excused himself to be alone for a bit.
I knew why…I was crying, too.
Benny Parsons, the winner of 21 races, 20 poles and named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers, passed away on Jan. 16, 2007 at age 65 of complications from cancer.
Left to mourn this magnificent man, who became an award-winning motorsports broadcaster, were his wife, Terri, his two sons, many other family members and millions of fans.
God rest ye, Merry Gentleman.
(Tom Higgins is one of Nascars most famous writers from the Charlotte Observer. His stories and memories have gathered crowds in F& F's shop. He could spend the day and tell his tales and folks would gather from near and far. I am fortunate to call him a friend.) |
