Hours After High School

HOURS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL graduation, Dorothy “Dot” Richardson flew from her Orlando, Florida, home to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to try out for the USA softball squad. The 17-year-old’s surprise selection brought Richardson honor but meant hard work and years of travel.

After a summer of international competition, Richardson enrolled at Western Illinois University but later transferred to the University of California at Los Angeles. After receiving her degree in kinesiology from UCLA, she attended the University of Louisville Medical School. California became her home once again during an orthopedic surgical residency in Los Angeles.

As a collegiate shortstop, medical school student, and surgical resident, the 1996 and 2000 gold-medal Olympian trekked around the world to compete. Studies, softball, and medicine left Doctor Dot little time for family and friends. But every year for the holidays, Dot flew to her parents’ Orlando home, usually arriving on Christmas Eve.

Richardson often used her holidays to squeeze in projects. One year, the All-American rallied her family to film two instructional softball videos at her first playing field. She also established the tradition of shopping on Christmas Eve for her father, mother, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. Years added ten nieces and nephews to the growing list. But whatever she purchased, Richardson remembered that thought—not cost—provided the true value of the gifts.

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POINT Though short, the hours spent with family celebrating Christ’s birth revived and sustained the busy physician-athlete. One holiday she and her grandfather found themselves riding alone together. Her beloved grandpa didn’t look well and had difficulty breathing. In the car, he shared about his wonderful life and his faith in God. Dot felt surrounded by the glow of Christmas and the glow of his love.

Her grandfather died a few weeks later, but Dot knew they’d see each other once again in heaven. She believed that truth because of Jesus, the gift God gave at Christmastime. And that’s what God wants us to celebrate this holiday season: the gift of salvation through his Son.

GOAL! Is your Christmas shopping done? The best presents are more about meaning than money. Your Christmas celebration will be blessed the most as you focus on the baby born in a manger.