Dr. Carole Martin, AuD, CCC-A/SLP, Director
Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders
1820 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001-4530

As is an annual custom, on December 13, 2002, the Scottish Rite Foundation of Wyoming held a holiday party for more than 100 students at the Cheyenne Childhood Language Clinic. Consistory Honor Men brought cookies for refreshments and all who attended brought gifts for the boys and girls. The Cheyenne Shrine Clowns entertained the kids while waiting for Santa Claus. When he arrived, the Job's Daughters of the Cheyenne Bethels served as Santa's helpers passing out candy, fruits, and gifts.

Taking advantage of the festive occasion, Ill. Jack E. Nixson, 33°, Grand Almoner of the Supreme Council and S.G.I.G. in Wyoming, handed out participation and graduation certificates to the clinic's young clients. Also, a drawing was held for the antique chest donated by Bro. Joe Daniels, 32°, K.C.C.H., and his lady of Medicine Bow. Special guests at the party were Cindy Gruwell, Grand Guardian of Job's Daughters in Wyoming, and Kelli Gruwell, Miss Wyoming Job's Daughter.

Linda Roche, a true angel, lovingly hand-made four beautiful dolls, with clothes, for some of the little girls. The lucky recipients could not have been happier. One parent later said her eight-year-old loves to sleep with the doll and insists the doll sit at the table for every meal. The daughter of a local veterinarian opened her Christmas package and found a girl doll dressed like a vet. She asked her mom, "How did Santa know?" She proudly carried the doll around throughout the party, and, using her best five-year-old speech, she asked, "Guess what I got? Look, it's just like my daddy."

The parent of a two-year-old who was graduating from our speech program told me her children had a wonderful time at the party. They had gone to the mall to see Santa, but they came to the Scottish Rite Clinic Christmas Party to see the real Santa.

For me, however, the real Santas were all the men and women who spent the time organizing, planning, decorating, providing food and drinks, and bringing all the wonderful presents. And the real gifts were the joy and laughter of the children that filled the room. No one could see the surprise, delight, and wonder on those young faces and not be touched. We all look forward to next year's wonderful holiday season made all the more blessed by the appreciation we receive from the young hearts Scottish Rite Freemasonry so lovingly fills with joy.