An old man was fumbling around one day,
in a women’s clothing store,
He’d found his wife a Christmas coat,
And was headed for the door……
When he bumped into a little boy,
That looked like he was lost.
And he said “ Mister can you help me,
Find out how much something costs ? ’

Here it is almost Christmas.
And the nights are getting cold,
Winter time is on us
And my mom don’t have a coat,
I’ve been working for the neighbours
And saving for some time ”
And in his tiny outstretched hand,
was a dollar and a dime.

His gaze went from that big eyed boy,
To that pretty Christmas coat,
And he finally cleared away the lump,
That had gathered in his throat.
He said “ Son that’s just what this coat costs,
We’re lucky that we found ‘er' ”
And he turned around and gave a wink,
To the lady at the counter.

She put it in a pretty box
And wrapped it up just so,
And went off in the back
And found a big red Christmas bow,
He said “ I thank you for your help sir
And I kindly thank you ma’am ;
I hope y’all are gonna have a big Christmas
Cause now I know I am ! ”

Well the old man walked home busted
Except for the dollar and the dime,
Thinkin he’d just have to buy
The coat another time,
He told his wife that Christmas this year
Wouldn’t be much fun,
And he gently took her in his arms.
And told her what he’d done.

She said “ Why you old softie
I wouldn’t trade you for a farm,
I’ve got two or three old coats with me
And your love to keep me warm ! “
She put that money in a matchbox
And placed it beneath their tree,
And said “That is the grandest sweetest gift
You’ve ever given me ! ”

The years went by like years will do,
When people are in love,
Their marriage was a golden bond
That was forged by God above ;
Then one day came some bitter news
That filled his heart with fright
The doctor told the old man’s wife
That she was going to lose her sight!

He said “ There’s an operation we can do.
But it puts me on the spot….
Cause it’s a quite complex procedure
And it’s going to cost a lot”
The old man said “ Doctor I’m a failure
I’ve made no preparation……
We don’t have the money
For that kind of an operation”

The doctor had the strangest look.
And he sat there for a while,
And then he slowly nodded,
And he broke out in a smile…..
He said “Why sir, you can’t fool me
You’re a very wealthy man!
You long ago invested
In the world’s best savings plan”

I’ll see she gets the best of care.
She’s going to be just fine!
And the total cost to you old friend
Is a dollar and a dime ”
The old man stared in disbelief
Then he recognized that smile…..
The one he’d seen those years ago
On a loving thoughtful child…..

The man said "What you gave me that day
Was more than just a coat,
You gave me the gift of giving
And you gave my mother hope !
My mother’d been mistreated
Neglected and abused,
But she gave life just one more chance
And it was all because of you.❤️❤️

Now every year, she takes that coat,
And lays it beneath our tree,
It represents to us the things
That Christmas ought to be.
She says that when we leave this world
For a better home in someday,
The only things that we’ll take with us
Are the things we gave away ! "