The Christmas Wraith Palacios

The Christmas Wraith

Dustin exited from the rear door of the trading company. Yet another holiday season event, which usually meant eggnog and whiskey. While he was never one to drink too much, he enjoyed the mellow feeling of a hot toddy and the warmth of good company.

Parking had been heavy for the party, so he had to park two blocks away. It was a chilly, windy night with light snow blowing through the empty streets. As he walked in his designer leathers, he thought about how lucky he was to own his own business and be so wealthy. He owned a Porsche, two Harleys, a mansion, and a business. He was also considering opening a new outlet in Scottsdale, Arizona.

As he walked down the street, he saw a man sitting on the sidewalk wearing military fatigues, missing one arm, and holding a sign “Please help! Veteran…will wurk!”

Before Dustin knew it, he found himself raising his voice, “What kind of work will you do? You can’t even spell the word work.” He tossed a penny in the man’s cup and walked on. “Beggars,” he thought, “they could at least sell pencils.” He continued on, ignoring the Christmas decorations in the store windows. The sound of church bells in the distance fell on deaf ears. Now he could see his car just across the street. As soon as the signal light would change to green, he could leave the garish scene of public beggars. He looked to the right. Then, as he looked to the left, he saw a pale, thin, man with dark eyes that seemed to burn as they glared into a place at the back of Dustin’s soul … a place he had forgot- ten was there. The man had sinewy flesh, knarled, boney hands and was dressed all in black. A shiver ran down Dustin’s spine. His knees weakened such that he could barely stand. “Why doesn’t this signal change?” he thought impatiently.

In a hoary voice, the stranger asked, “What shall you do with your last hour?” Frozen in disbelief, Dustin just stared. “It shall not do you well to remain silent,” said the stranger. “Within the hour you shall belong to my realm.” “Who are you?” Dustin finally managed to whisper. “I am Wraith, the angel of darkness,” replied the stranger. “I am present when those whose souls are void of kindness pass from this world. I see that your soul had but a glimmer of caring, and you just passed it by.”

Fear pierced Dustin, who was now but a frail spirit. “When,” he asked, “did I ever do that? I don’t remember being unkind.”

“Did you not think but a moment ago… beggars…they could at least sell pencils, as you put a penny in that freezing, starving, lonely veteran’s cup? You are not just selfish but also mean-spirited and vain. You shall thrive in my world. But I must warn you," said Wraith, "my world is dark, lonely, mean and void of love or warmth. You shall never again know peace, kindness, light, or caring. Your soul will cry out constantly. It shall scream the pain of a thousand pains.”

Suddenly the light turned green. Dustin looked around, and Wraith was gone. His car and the end of his life waited across the street. Tears flowed down his face, now knowing what he had become. Suddenly, a glimmer of light shimmered within his soul. He turned and hurried, nay, ran back to the veteran. The veteran was freezing to death, staring blankly into the endless sleep. He wouldn’t die that night. Dustin helped him to his feet. He took him to dinner and then to a hotel. Dustin’s next hour passed fitfully, worried that it would be his last. But it wasn’t. Dustin stayed awake that night praying, “Dear God, Holy Spirit, let me be peace. Let me be love. Let me be your servant.” The next day Dustin took the veteran shopping. Yes, the next day! And in the long years that followed, Dustin became a loving, caring servant, helping as many people as he could…however possible. But, he never forgot on cold, dark nights the premonition of “Wraith” from that Christmas long ago, And he never again let the light of kindness go dim or dark in his soul.

—Palacios

 Bealls  JCPenney  TCC Verizon  T & R  Sky Hop  Rising Sun Teriyaki  Chili Factory

 Hot Topic  Sports Nation  Urban Wear  rue 21  Maurices  GNC  Finish Line

 Foot Locker  The Shoe Dept.  Journeys  TMobile  Claire’s  Treasures  Cell Needs  Hobby Lobby  Uptown

 Serenade Music  Double U Grill  Dongramy and MORE!

(Must be family friend appropriate)

Dec 2nd Balloon Glow Dec 9th Santa Cares (private event) Dec 13th Christmas Workshop from 6pm-8pm (Ages 3 and over) Dec 13th Gingerbread Houses due by 5pm Dec 15th Festival of Trees (Winners Announced) Dec 23rd Ugly Sweater Contest @6pm

Westend Donut & Deli

More than a Mouth Full!

• subs • donuts • breakfast burritos • coffee • cookies 3030 W Historic Hwy 66 505-722-3233

Open Daily Monday-Sunday, 24-Hours a Day Closed Most Holidays

During this Christmas season, we at the Western Health Foundation would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Gallup Community for supporting our efforts to help expand and enhance services at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services (RMCHCS).

The Western Health Foundation has been in existence since 1986, but not everyone knows what it is and does. The Foundation was formed as a 501 (c) 3 organization a few years after the 1983 merger of Rehoboth Christian Hospital and McKinley General Hospital. Its purpose was to support RMCHCS by raising funds for the improvement of RMCHCS’ facilities and services and to support its Behavioral Health Services located on VandenBosch Parkway in East Gallup. The Western Health Foundation is governed by its own Board of Directors, separate from RMCHCS’ Board of Trustees. In addition to fundraising, the Foundation supports RMCHCS through other activities as well. It provides free books for infants and children up to age five through the Reach Out and Read Program at College Clinic, helps secure grants for health-related projects, and participates in other community activities. In 1995 the Foundation launched an annual fundraising campaign, called Charity Invitational. Except for one year, there have been 22 annual Charity Invitationals, raising millions of dollars for new hospital equipment, new services, and renovation projects to help improve healthcare in the region. Recent projects include the reopening of the RMCHCS Substance Abuse Treatment Center, the renovation of a vacated dialysis building into the RMCHCS Wellness Center, and this year’s project, the purchase of new patient beds and the renovation of patient rooms at the hospital. So far over $625,000 has been raised toward this $900,000 project. The Western Health Foundation is part of the Gallup community and could not do its work without your help. The numerous financial and in-kind donations and gifts of time and talent have contributed to the many successes we have seen since the Foundation was started. Thank you, Gallup, for caring. Thank you for your partnership.

May you have a joyful and blessed Christmas season.

Ina M. Burmeister, Executive Director; Board Members: Thomas Carmany, MD, John Dowling, Jay Mason, Beverly Haberly, Rex Lee Jim, Alice Perez, John Ratmeyer, MD, Sonya Shin, MD, Emerson Toledo

1901 Red Rock Drive • Gallup NM 87301 • 505-863-7287

CHEE DODGE- Jacob Stokes

Born in Iowa, Jake has lived in Gallup since he was in 3rd grade. He earned his BA from UNM and MA in Political Science and School Administration at WNMU. Mr. Stokes is married, with two sons, ages two and eight. He desired to become a principal because he is very passionate about leading programs and guiding educators. Working with and developing teachers, while ensuring that our students have access to a great education, is what he likes most about being a principal.

CATHERINE A. MILLER- Joel Copley

Joel grew up in the Skagit Valley, in a town called Mount Vernon, north of Seattle, Washington. He was inspired to become an educator/principal as a student at Calvin College in Western Michigan. Joel resides in Gallup with his wife, Lora, and their four children, David, Kathlyn, Alisabeth, and John. Joel is inspired by passionate educators, wowed by student's learning, and strengthened by parent’s grit towards their children's success. It is his privilege to lead a learning community.

CROWNPOINT- Cindy Arsenault

Cindy holds a BA in Elementary Education, an MA in Educational Technology, and an MA in Educational Leadership. She began her career in Thoreau as a teacher for 10 years. She has worked in Canada and in South Korea and has co-authored 74 books on speaking, listening, preschool curriculum, and comprehension. Cindy became an administrator because she wanted to increase her ability to reach students-ensuring their success. Seeing students grow and develop is her favorite part of the job.

DAVID SKEETS- Laura Moore

Laura Moore is principal of David Skeet Elementary. Originally from Indiana, she earned both her BA in Classical Civilization/English and her MS in Education from Indiana University. In addition, she has a paralegal degree. Laura enjoys oil painting and creating other art. She became a principal because education is a life-long learning opportunity for a child, and the first step towards obtaining opportunities that will allow for a better life style.

DEL NORTE- Kristen Bischoff

Kristen was born and raised in Gallup, and graduated from Gallup High. She received her BBA from Anderson School of Management at UNM, and her MA in Educational Leadership from WNMU. She chose to become a principal to make positive changes in schools. Kristen is thankful that she belongs to a school community that values learning and works hard to make the right decisions for kids every single day. The best part of her job is the opportunity to work with, and learn from, many quality educators.

Originally from Nevada, Randy earned his BA degree in Middle East Studies from the University of Arizona, his MA at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, and his Ed.S. from the University of Idaho. He became a principal because he wanted to have a positive influence on students. Randy likes being a school leader because he gets to be in every classroom, getting to know every student. He loves working with teachers to help them enrich their teaching, so that all students can have the best education possible.

JEFFERSON- Jessica Landavazo-Guillen

Jessica is originally from Texas, and earned her BA in Education from ASU. She earned her MA in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. Jessica and her husband Mike have five children: Josh, Matthew, Adam Guillen, and Dillon and Madison Landavazo. Jessica became a principal because she loves working with students and staff, and she makes it a priority to get to know her students individually and let them know that she truly cares about them and their education.

LINCOLN/ROOSEVELT- Edgardo Castro

Mr. Castro was born and raised in the Philippine Islands. He received a BS in Education degree at the Western Mindanao State University, Philippines, and his MS in Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University. He is also a National Board Certified English Language Development Specialist. He has a son, Xavier (9 years old). Edgardo believes that to make a difference in the lives of our teachers, students, and community members, you inspire them every day, every second, and with every child.

NAVAJO – Pandora Watchman

Originally from Window Rock, AZ, Pandora has a BA in Elementary Education and MA in Educational Administration from Arizona State University, as well as MA in Counseling from Western New Mexico University. She has worked as a teacher, school counselor, instructional coach, and assistant principal. She is married with one daughter and one grandson, who continually teaches her about the development of the young child.

RAMAH- Oscar Ontiveros

Originally, from El Paso, TX, Oscar holds a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and a Master’s degree in PreK-12/Mid-Management Administration from Sul Ross State University. He has served as a teacher, principal, and administrator. He and his wife, Bernadette, have one son, Carlos. Oscar enjoys professional development opportunities, influencing school's goals and visions, collaboration with teachers to enhance their skills, and finding solutions to problems.

RED ROCK- Tara Udeh

Tara earned her BA in Elementary Education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After teaching at Ramah Elementary, she served as a teacher on the mission field in Nigeria- West Africa. She earned her MA in Educational Leadership and continued to serve in Nigeria until 2018. Tara is passionate about instilling within children a love for life-long learning and seeing them succeed! Her inspiration for becoming a principal grew out of a love for teaching and interacting with children and adults.

Debbie Arthur calls Gallup home. After leaving Gallup High, Debbie earned her BA from the University of Central Florida. Returning to Gallup, she earned her MA in Educational Leadership from WNMU. Debbie believes that it only takes one person to make a difference in the life of a young student. She is strongly committed to students growing academically and helping them realize that they can be successful.

STAGECOACH- Jeff Hartog

Born and raised in Gallup, this is Jeff’s second year as principal at Stagecoach. After graduating from Gallup High School, he earned his BA from UNM and his MA in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University. Jeff and his wife, Paula, have two children, Mia (13) and Hank (7). Mr. Hartog became a principal because it is his passion to do what is best for kids, and he tries his very best to make decisions on behalf of his students and their best interests.

THOREAU- Daryl Antone

Daryl was born and raised in the Gallup area and attended Gallup schools. Mr. Antone and his wife, Amelia, have three children: Ty, Kate, and Ashley. He earned his BA in Elementary Education/Special Education, and his MA in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He enjoys working with children from our community and wants his students to see that there is a positive future outlined for them, and that they can be successful in life. He enjoys being a principal because it is challenging and every day is different.

TOBE TURPEN- Cynthia Mowrer

Cynthia earned her a BA degree in Elementary Education from UNM, and a MA in Educational Leadership from WNMU. She taught first grade at Stagecoach Elementary for 20 years. Cynthia and her husband have four children and four grandchildren. “Having a family and being an educator have been the most meaningful parts of my life. ” Her favorite aspect of education is teaching small people to read; whether they are her own small people, or her students, it is an amazing process.

TOHATCHI- Dan Fruchey

Born and raised in Ohio, Dan earned a BS in Comprehensive Social Studies from Defiance College (Defiance, OH). Dan came to GMCS in 2002, and obtained a Masters in Education Leadership from WNMU. He has been at Tohatchi Elementary as principal since 2012. Dan and his wife are the parents of two children (a four-year-old daughter and a three-monthold son). Mr. Fruchey saw the greater positive impact he could have on large groups, and the ability to influence the lives of the students he serves by being a principal.

TWIN LAKES- Ophelia Sanchez

Ophelia is from Tohatchi, NM, and has been in education for 25 years. Mrs. Sanchez is a wife and mother of four. She earned a BA from UNM, and MA from WNMU. Her experience and education has kept her close to home to serve as a teacher, leader, and mentor. The relationships with her students, staff, and parents are the most rewarding part of her job. She whole-heartedly believes every child is a learner and that children need a champion in their educational lives to foster their future.