06E003
Yes, Santa Claus, there is a Virginia
We take pleasure in answering thus
prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great
gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The
Herald-Times:
"Dear Editor,
"I confess that I am a very old
man, measured in miles travelled, and in demands made on me to deliver the most
recent electronic devices available, whether they consist of a writhing/talking
doll, or a 'Game Box' of some particular brand name. We certainly have come a
long way from the days of simple wooden toys whose workings were immediately
discernable, yet infinitely fascinating. If my visit helped a sick or needy
child, the miles and the years rolled back as if by magic, and I was instantly renewed.
"This precious event has become
rarer and rarer, until I think there is no longer anyone like Virginia
O'Hanlon. You may recall that she wrote to your paper in 1897 to seek advice on
the question of my own existence. I have likewise come to doubt her existence.
It is difficult to reconcile the image of sweet, innocent Virginia with the
recent TV pictures of women trampling one another to secure a place in line at
Wal-Mart.
"My wonderful wife, who is
attuned to my every mood, suggested that I write your editor for guidance in
this matter. She says, 'The Herald-Times always knows.' Please tell me the
truth: Is there a Virginia?
"S. Claus"
Dear Mr. Claus,
Consider yourself lucky to have such a
wife. Her journalistic intuition is without equal. Doubt and skepticism are
necessary in our jaded age, but are entirely unwarranted in this matter. There
are those who cannot believe anything they have not seen with their own eyes.
If they did not read it in USA Today, or see it on CNN or on a movie screen, it
must not be real. Yet, we are surrounded by the evidence of a greater truth, if
we will but see it.
When we first awaken, do we
immediately remember who our enemies are?
Who are we supposed to hate?
How much money would we accept in
exchange for our loved ones? How much would we offer?
Do we hurt when we see others in pain?
Including animals?
Do we not see a better world for our
children? Why do we work, struggle and sacrifice for it, although we do not see
our situation improving in the never-ending chaos and fearful uncertainty
presented in the media?
"The good news is, you're going
to die — the bad news is, not for another 40 years." Can we accept that as
the punch line of a joke, or is it a tragic reality? Can it be both?
We do not have the answers to these
questions. Age brings with it more questions, not more answers. Maybe the
questions get better.
Almost certainly, the punch lines do.
The answers are in our hearts, right
next to the questions. Search your heart for Virginia. She is there, ever a
precious question.