8:00 a.m. I woke up at the girl’s house. We spend most of the morning together.
11:00 a.m. I drove over to my mother’s house for Christmas. My mother has her friend Kathy over. We had a nice meal and we all hung out together and have conversation. I have Charlie help me open my presents.
2:30 p.m. I drove to Salem to get Cryin Mike. I invited Mike to come to Loriann’s family dinner in Rockport. Mike says he has not had a warm or family meal in longer than he can remember. I park my truck in Salem at a church near downtown. I have to track Mike down and when I find him he’s not sure if he wants to go to dinner. I let Mike know it’s up to him, but I assure him that everybody will love him. Mike decides to come for the journey. While we’re walking back to my truck, we run into another homeless man named Matt. He has a beautiful husky dog who’s really well behaved named rigatoni. We stop and chat for a while. I’m always amazed at how Mike is so quick to give other homeless people money and supplies that he’s drummed up panhandling. He offers Matt food, money, and other supplies.
3:30 p.m. Mike and I arrive at Loriann’s house. Everybody welcomes Mike with open arms. We have a wonderful night together, Mike gets to meet a lot of wonderful people. Lori Ann and her family give Mike some donations and things and we have a wonderful dinner. Oh did I mention it’s also Mike’s birthday. Mike told me it was the best birthday present and Christmas he’s had in a long time.
7:00 p.m. I drove Mike back to Salem. I drop him off downtown. I drive over to the location of my camp and I hike into the woods. I crawl into my tent and go to sleep knowing that I did a good deed today.