After a particularly stressful week we celebrated a beautiful Christmas. We decided not to emphasize gifts this year but to give of ourselves to each other. My father’s illness and subsequent hospital stay left us all tired and unsure about what is to come. But do we ever really know what is next in our lives? I think this is one of, if not the most, touching Christmas’ I have ever experienced. My father was able to come home on Wednesday afternoon. We prepared a small meal for Christmas Eve dinner and played carols and other favorite holiday music. Dad was very weak but managed to disappear into his office to find four greeting cards from the collection he always keeps in his desk drawer. He can barely write and his eyesight is failing, but he carefully selected a card for my mom, daughter, Mr. T and myself that he felt spoke to his love for us. It took him almost three hours to write the short sentiments. I will treasure the card he gave me forever. Dad has always prided himself on beautiful handwriting, he can no longer handle a pen or pencil in a way that satifies him but that didn’t stop him from expressing his love as best he could. When I opened my card, along with the printed greeting, were the simple words “to my beautiful, precious daughter, I love you, dad.”. I’ll keep this card always, treasuring my dad and always remembering this very special Christmas.
I chose the video I’m featuring today as a result of attending the Christmas concert at Christ Church in Covington last Sunday evening. “As A Bridegroom To His Chosen” by John Rutter. The Louisiana Brass quintet played an instrumental arrangement of this that I loved. I couldn’t find one that did not include the choir and lyrics but I think this recording is quite lovely. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Treasure this day and those you love. We’re about to have the beginning of a new year filled with bright promise and opportunity. You might want to make a list of the things you’d like to release and then burn it in a safe way, offering it to the powers that be in gesture of letting go of the past. No new year’s resolutions for me any longer. I only pray for peace, good health and abundance for all as 2016 nears. Be safe….be happy…..be loved!
5 Responses
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Harold Michael Harvey Says:
A very meaningful Christmas that speaks volumes to me and a great perspective on how to look at the coming days. Thanks so much for sharing this heartfelt story.
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Melissa Says:
Thank you all for your lovely comments. Here’s to a wonderful new beginning in 2016!
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Donna Robinson Says:
Very well said. Best wishes to you and your family in the new year.
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Tamara Says:
This is such a beautiful story! We, as well, celebrated Christmas with family. This year was quite different, as we all decided to forgo the gift exchange. What a wonderful, love-filled holiday it was! The children were not in their rooms playing with toys or outside…they were right there with the family enjoying the time! My mother is not great with as many things as she used to be, either…like handwriting or remembering all the words, but she is such a joy and it really makes us all appreciate her even more! With Dad gone and the family getting together less, this holiday was one of the more special ones in many years! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and remembered the true meaning of the season.
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Melissa Says:
Thank you Tamara. I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
