Through the years I didn’t have much. Worked long hours for low pay, kids to feed and then divorce…many years of barely making it. Of not making it, frankly.

I was the fortunate recipient of a few Christmas acts of kindness during those years. Some here, reading this right now, some whose names I’ll never know, went out of their way to help out of the goodness of their heart, and not a day goes by without me being grateful.

I’m in a different place today, partially because of the counsel I’ve received through the many years of being on this forum. Professionally and personally. Wonderful wife (with a job this time!), 15 year old son living with us full-time and growing up to be a good man. A sweet daughter that is growing up to appreciate her time she gets here more and more. A new role in my department as of last week that will give me the opportunity to positively influence the careers of many young officers, and will allow more time to be engaged in my kids’ activities.

I’m happy to be able to pass those acts of kindness forward today, and wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that those small actions really can mean a lot and the returns are immeasurable.


And that I’ve not forgotten what you did for me when I was truly in need.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Nothing says Christmas more than just having an appreciation for what you do have...both what you have been given as well as what you have earned.

Glad you are a part of the forum. Congratulations on the promotion and Merry Christmas to you and the Chongo family!

Merry Christmas back at you Chongo. You dont post as often as in the past but always enjoy reading you sir. You have a strong Constitution and always seem to deal well with no matter what comes your way. We've always enjoyed what you share with us sir. If I ever am through your City again, I will stop in and ask to see the boss.. . Yer awsome sir. You and all our LEOs are a great addition to Sig Forum. Dont be a stranger.

Merry Christmas Chongo

Merry Christmas.

It is nice when acts of kindness bloom in the other person.

For Christmas, I used to make my wife put together some gift bags. I have a list of people mostly at work that I want plus extras for on the spur of the moment.

Two incidents I fondly remember: one was a building cafeteria worker who told me, "Rey, you're the only one who remembers us." The second was years afterwards, I heard, "Hello, Mr. Rey HRH." Now, my last name has been mispronounced chronically that I even forget how its supposed to be pronounced and when I say it, it sounds off to me. But when I heard my name that day in the mall, it was perfectly pronounced. It was a young lady who used to work at the dry cleaners I went to. She had since found a great paying union job at Safeway. She just wanted to say hi and to show us her baby. The pleasant thing is that we never called each other by name. I did encourage her to just keep on striving and finding a better job. She obviously saw my name on the tag on my laundry bag but she remembered me.