I grew up to the sound of trains, rattling and clamoring through the night - spent many an evening on a screened-in side porch listening to the tumble of the Cumberland River over old stones and with the clatter of the train at the foot of the hill, the house reverberating to its deep throaty rumble in the night.  Even now, in my later years, the train below the house signals the onset of dark. If the 11:35 is late, I awaken. It has become part of the seamless backdrop of my time here.

You can imagine, then, what it was like to come awake early on a Christmas morning to the tiny sound of a small whistle and wheels running on steel track.

My father was kneeling in the half-lit room, watching a Lionel Train race in an endless circle around the base of the Christmas tree, its headlamp cutting through the dark and small puffs of white smoke marking its passing. I don't know who was more pleased - the twin daughters or the father.

I doubt that my father considered whether it was appropriate to give two daughters an electric train for Christmas more than 50 years ago. I doubt that he realized how unusual it was. And I think he would be astonished that we both remember that moment so well - and what it said about not placing limitations on what would interest us or about who we could be.

Most of us would be astonished at the impact of our expectations - on our organizations, our colleagues, and our contributors. Not the ones written into plans and mission statements, but the ones portrayed in the everyday actions and words of our lives.

It is the closing of the year. Your December may bring the traditions of Hanukah, of Ramadan, of Kwanzaa, or of Christmas. In each one there is a call to reflection and to generosity. Perhaps your best gifts this year might be those of open expectations, of a willingness to see what could be.

It has been my privilege to serve as the president of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals this year. I want to acknowledge the work of our 2007 Board and the many volunteers who made this year exceptional. We have hosted the International Conference, had a very successful DFW Philanthropy Conference, grown our membership to 419, had excellent programs averaging 100 participants with nationally renowned speakers, offered the First Course in fundraising, gained significant sponsorships from area companies, and just this last month, held another superb National Philanthropy Day celebration. Our growth prompted a change in our management company as well, a transition that has been completed smoothly due, again, to the leadership and work of our board members and the insights and care of the new management group, Madeleine Crouch and Company.

With you, I look forward to our new leadership for the Chapter and to the new year and what it may bring. Bill Lively, CEO and President of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, as our speaker for the Holiday Luncheon will end our year on another high note. Be sure you've made reservations by December 5th at www.afpdallas.org.

May your December bring peace and hope, the company of friends and family, and quiet moments of remembrance of good hours.

Listening for the train-