Glenn W. Turner was a controversial and charismatic man known as “the harelip son of a sharecropper.” He would later become one of the greatest salespeople in our country, featured in an 11-page spread in the May 28, 1971, issue of LIFE magazine (see cover below).
I became friends with Glenn in 2001, and I had the good fortune of spending many days with him and his wife at their home in Lake Mary, FL. His stories were fascinating and inspiring on a deeply personal level.
On confidence and competence, Glenn would say, “You want to be the bullfighter with steak sauce on his sword—but it’s best if you’re also an extremely competent bullfighter.”
On excuses, Glenn would say, “Someone, somewhere, has accomplished just as much or more than you with less resources, less excuses and less whining.”
Glenn became a cherished mentor, and I kept notes of his stories and life lessons.
This is one such story about Santa Claus.
When he was a boy, Glenn wrote letters to Santa Claus, hoping to get Christmas gifts like his wealthier cousin. But because he was the son of a poor sharecropper, all he ever got was apples and oranges.
Year after year, Glenn would hide behind the barn and cry.
One year, Glenn’s cousin wished for a new bicycle. Glenn did too, so he wrote to Santa asking for a new bicycle. But on Christmas day, Glenn’s cousin was the one riding around on a new bike while Glenn was eating apples and oranges.
As usual, Glenn went out behind the barn. But this time, instead of crying, he said, “Okay Santa, if that’s the way you want to play.”
And on that Christmas day, Glenn W. Turner decided to become his own Santa Claus.
The Lesson
Don't wait for Santa. Give to yourself and others not just one day of the year, but any day you can. In the spirit of this holiday season, become your own Santa Claus.
Merry Christmas!
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I’m Michael Kennedy, Olympic Valley, CA resident, married to Nicola Kennedy (in photo above). I’m a writer, photographer, lover of nature, and property caretaker. I just want to say thanks for your attention - I appreciate it in such a noisy world. If you enjoyed it, please share with others. It means a lot to me and it helps others see the story.
If you're interested in owning any photos in my gallery, call or text me at 530.608.9150 with inquiries. My email: michael.kennedy999@gmail.com.