Some Christmas presents are best when bought at the last minute

I grew up in St. Louis Parish in Batesville in a family of seven children and—fortunately—two caring parents.

We had a toaster that would only “toast” two slices at a time—not good for a large family at breakfast time!

I saved enough money from mowing our neighbors’ lawns to buy a four-slice toaster for my parents for Christmas.

One of my younger sisters—who was probably about 7 at the time—asked me for gift ideas for Dad and Mom.

I suggested a loaf of bread to complement the toaster gift.

Little did I know that she would buy the loaf of bread in early December!

When my Mom opened my sister’s present at Christmas, she found a loaf of bread that was green and moldy!

(Tim Prickel is a member of St. Benedict Parish in Terre Haute.) †

The Criterion