12/25/2024
I PICKED UP AN OLD MAN ON A LONELY HIGHWAY & LET HIM STAY FOR THE NIGHT — THE NEXT MORNING, HE SAID, "I HAVE LIED TO YOU." It was Christmas Eve, and the highway stretched out before me, cold and desolate. My breath fogged the windshield as I hurried to get back to my two little ones, staying with my parents while I wrapped up a work trip — my first since their father left us for a mistress from his work. The pain still lingered, but tonight was about my kids and the warmth of home. Rounding a bend, my headlights caught an old man trudging through the snow, clutching a battered suitcase. The sight froze me. What was he doing out here, alone in the freezing night? Against all instincts, I pulled over. "Ma'am," he rasped, shivering, "I'm trying to get to Milltown to see my family for Christmas." Milltown was a day's drive away, and the bitter cold was unforgiving. His frail frame and tired eyes reminded me of my grandpa. Against better judgment, I said, "Get in." I offered him a place to stay for the night at our home — no one should be alone on Christmas. He hesitantly agreed. The next morning, Frank, as he introduced himself, brought life to our Christmas. My kids even gifted him some drawings — crayon masterpieces of snowmen and Christmas trees. Tears welled in his eyes as he clutched the papers. Finally, he broke down, and his words hit me like a freight train. "I have lied to you. I need to tell you the truth," he said quietly, with tears in his eyes.⬇️