December 14, 2025
This true story is called “An Exchange of Gifts.” Marty was the youngest in his family and deaf in his left ear. He lived in a trailer park with his mother and his two siblings.
They did not have much money, but Marty’s best friend Kenny, had even less. But the boys were “rich” in the play area of the wonderful field and stream near their homes. The only thing that separated them was an electric fence around the field. They became experts at sliding under it!
As Christmas time approached, Marty seemed to be carefully storing away his allowance to buy a compass for his friend.
However, Kenny’s mother would be embarrassed by a gift like this when they could not afford to give anything in return. So Marty decided to give it to him secretly. The day before Christmas was rainy and cold and gray.
Marty waited until dark, then ran to Kenny’s house, rang the doorbell, and raced to get home before he was seen. However, in his hurry, he slipped and banged into the electric fence.
Upset, but not seriously injured, Marty recovered to have his friend Kenny come over on Christmas Day and tell of the mysterious gift- giver. But Marty also received a gift. He had mysteriously gained full hearing in his left ear.
