The holidays can be a very fun and festive time of the year. Lately it has become a little difficult for many trying to take on the family and make the best out of their lives. In light of the season the crossing guards who look after the children may be overlooked. This was not the case with the beloved Nathaniel Kendrick, who is now very grateful for his gift.

Kendrick, also known to the students of Lakewood Elementary School as Mr. Kent, has been a crossing guard in the Dallas community for over a decade. He has watched over the intersection in front of the school in Lakewood, Tx, while keeping its kids safe. He mans his post for several hours, twice a day, five days a week. The elderly man is also a retiree for the city of Dallas.

Aside from keeping his eye on the children of the local elementary school he has also been taking care of his ailing wife at their home. As he so eloquently put “my mom told me before she passed, ‘Take care of your wife.’ So I try my best,” speaking with the local news.

Even with all the good he has put out into the world, he has still fallen on hard times. Just two weeks ago , Nathaniel’s vehicle was repossessed due to a payment problem. His car was very important to him, needed for taking his wife to and from the hospital and getting to work. Kendrick was stretched to the limit until a neighborhood association stepped in.

The Friendship of Lakewood is an organization founded in 1982 by the fathers associated with the Lakewood Elementary School. Their goal is to increase the educational livelihood of the children who attend the elementary school. Among the many academic programs and outings they have orchestrated, they also raised the money to help a very important member of their community.

Last Wednesday a small group of these  dads pulled up to Nathaniel’s crossing and parked a new Buick and began to joke with him. They told him to “park your car.” Kendrick replied “it’s not my car, why don’t you move it?” After quite a bit of laughter and clapping Mr. Kendrick finally realized that it was, in fact, his car. He started tearing up and graciously thanked the group of dads that came to his rescue. He was quoted saying to the dads, “Everything is good. I love you all so very much.”

The gift of seeing this elderly man’s face light up was the first Christmas gift the organization received. Kendrick will continue to be the guard in front the elementary school, only now, with a wider smile.