"Pink" The Real Color of Christmas

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- By Gary R. Belsaas

Today, a little boy about the age of ten came into my department carrying a pink suede leather jacket. He approached one of my Sales Associates and informed her that he would like to purchase it.

My Associate knowing the cost of the jacket asked the little boy if he knew how much the jacket cost. He said he did, and that he had plenty of money. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet and my Associate rang up the jacket for him.

While she was ringing the jacket up for him she asked him who the jacket was for. He told her that it was for him mom. The Associate told him that it was a very nice gift for his mother for Christmas. She then asked him if pink was her favorite color. He said "not really." He began to tell her in a very adult like manner that a few years ago, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and when his father found out, he couldn't handle all of the stress that was to come with dealing with a cancer patient. The father ultimately left, leaving just himself and his mother alone. His mother went through successful surgery and treatment, and has experienced a successful remission. The little boy realized at that point that he now was going to be the man of the family. He made it a point to buy his mother something extra special every year for Christmas.

This little boy would save a dollar or two from his allowance each week in order to save enough money to buy his mother this one special Christmas gift.

He knew instantly that when he saw this jacket that it was what he wanted to buy for his beloved mother.

The Associate said to him, "if pink isn't really your mothers favorite color, we have other colors that she might like better." He said very emphatically, "no" I will take the pink one. The Associate said, "You sure have your heart set on pink." "How come, if it is not your mothers favorite color?"

The little boy looked at her and proudly replied "because pink is the color for cancer survivors, and because I love my mama."

I share this story with you to help remind you of why we do what we do every day.
Sure we are going to have those customers who can be challenging, and difficult. We are working long hours, coming in early, and staying late. It's busier then we can ever imagine. The departments get all messed up. The freight never seems to stop flowing. Frustrations rise and tempers flare. I could go one and on.

The message that I want you to remember here is that the reason that we do what we do each and every day, is to ensure that we help fulfill the hopes, dreams and wishes of each and every customer that comes through our doors. Not only at Christmas time, but every day of the year.

So when things are getting you down, and you feel there just isn't enough time in the day, and the customers are too demanding, remember this beautiful boy and his mother.

Take comfort in the fact that we were able to contribute to this very special and beautiful memory for a little boy and his mother.

For on Christmas day, when she opens this present from her little boy, she will know the true meaning of this very special gift, and will cherish it for always.

About the Author:

Gary R. Belsaas is the Area Sales Manager for Robinson's May Department Stores in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be reached at grbelsaas@cox.net He wrote "This is a true story that I wish to share with your readers. It happened in my store shortly before Christmas. I wrote it and passed it out to my staff to help remind them about the true meaning of Christmas."