This photo was taken in the local department store's North Pole. This is the year I wanted to believe in miracles, but I started to have my doubts. Wanting me to hold onto the magic for just a little longer-- my folks hired a department store Santa to visit our home on Christmas Eve. Before sitting on his lap on Christmas, (ever the skeptic)they say that I took this photo from the top of the "TV console" and compared it to the stranger in our home! To my delight, it was the very same man. To this day, I still believe in the magic of Christmas!
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This is my dad's favorite photo of me.  It brings back memories of when he taught me how to play "Stratego", a war strategy game.  He insisted on doing sound effects. Because I always concentrated so hard, he was able to startle me time and again with a loud "BOOM".  I would get so flustered, but we both always ended up laughing. We are still very close.
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When I was 17, my girl scout troop leader wrote this in my high school yearbook: "I've known you for only two short years -- but see in you all of the charm, self-discipline, eagerness and love of mankind needed to become a successful leader.  Your mature judgment and sensitivity to the needs of others enhance your other fine qualities.  Never stop growing and learning, loving and sharing."
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