Last Saturday morning began like any other for Flint Street residents Amelia and Guadalupe DelReal.
Amelia rose before 5 a.m. to spend her customary hour in prayer before beginning her daily chores.
Guadalupe was up early too, and was about to make his regular walk downtown to pick up a newspaper, when he noticed something strange on the front lawn.
For the past several years, the couple has set up a Christmas nativity scene in the front yard, including statues of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, all carefully placed in a manger constructed by Guadalupe.
On this particular day, Amelia was watching from the house as her husband took a few steps, only to turn around quickly and head back to the door.
Thinking something was wrong, Amelia presumed one of the manger pieces was gone or damaged.
But instead of disappointment, Guadalupe told her that someone had made some additions to the nativity display, in the form of two new figures — a camel and an ox.
‘I called all my family to see it they had left the pieces and nobody knew anything about it,? recalled Amelia. ‘Then I asked everybody at church and they hadn’t done it either.
‘We just want to thank whomever it was that dropped off the two pieces — they are beautiful,? she said.
The parents of eight children, grandparents to 19 and great-grandparents to seven others, the DelReals have had their share of Christmas memories.
But this one was totally unexpected, said Amelia.
‘We were up late Friday playing cards,? said Guadalupe, ‘so it must have happened after we went to bed.?
The couple said the gesture of goodwill was welcome and one that proves that ‘the world is filled with nice people.?
‘This is a good thing that has happened to us,? said Amelia, who has been busy making batches of cookies and candies for her family and holiday guests. ‘We don’t hear enough about good people and good deeds.?
The DelReals have a couple of other reasons to celebrate this holiday season. Two of their grandsons, Michael Condon, 23, and Anthony DelReal, 22, will be coming home from Iraq, where each has been serving for the past year.
Their return means another full and happy house on Christmas Eve and the days that follow, with lots of food, laughter, presents and making new memories.
Married in Capac on November 24, 1947, the couple lived on Atwater Street before moving to their current Lake Orion home in 1964.
‘We’ve had a lot of good memories in this house,? said Guadalupe. ‘We’ve had weddings in the backyard and a lot of meals served at this table.?
Last year the DelReals had more than 35 house guests for Christmas Eve dinner. Amelia said she doesn’t mind a few extra mouths to feed.
‘Our house is always open to our friends and family,? she said. ‘With all of our kids, grandchildren and friends, we’ll never have to worry about being alone.?
And that’s not to mention the pair of new additions left on the front lawn.