Then All The Reindeer Loved Him

As they shouted out with GLEE... Come on, you know the words. Are you humming them in your head right now? That's it.

Sing for the season. Sing with joy. We are recipients of amazing gifts, and we are witness to miracles all around. Sing with celebration.

May your holiday be wonderful and may you be surrounded by those you love.

My Grown Up Christmas List

As I look at these three amazing young men... I know I have the best gift I could ever wish for. I get to watch them grow up every day. I get their, "I love you's." It was only a moment ago in my mind's eye memory that their lives hung in the balance. I learned then that they are borrowed from God and I need to be grateful for every minute... and I am. Still, if I were to crawl up into the big warm lap of the man in red velvet I would ask for a few things...

Let my children know a world that has a moral code. Where car manufacturers, home lenders, and even politicians have to live up to their promises. Where hard work, honesty and integrity are virtues to attain. Let my children know that we are all connected and it is good to help one another. Let them know there are things more important than the bottom line... and those things aren't things. Let my children receive a quality education, one which prepares them not only for a higher education but for an independent life contributing in our community. Let my children have access to health care... where going to the doctor isn't a luxury beyond our grasp. Let my children know laughter. Let them know that there is greatness in giggling until you can't catch your breath. Let them know the joy of playing and sharing. That while there are serious issues to deal with silliness sometimes gives our mind the leap it needs to find a solution. Let my children know patience. In this world where we have instant pudding, microwave meals, up-to-the-minute communication and credit in 3 minutes... let them learn to wait. Old saying, "Good things come to those that wait." Let them not be in too much of a hurry to grow up. There is truth in only getting to be young once, despite what plastic surgery can do... we get one go around on the ride of life. Let my children know quiet and peaceful. This world is so noisy... so filled with sound-bites. We are constantly bombarded with chatter. Let my children know how to listen, especially when we disagree. Let them have the ability to extract the meaning in the message. Let my children know acceptance where they don't need to look, behave, or be a certain way to belong. Just being is enough. Let my children know the Lord, not the one of religion that divides people, judges people and punishes people... but the one and only Lord whose door is always open, prayers are always heard, and shoulders are broad enough to carry all our burdens... Let them be on a first name basis.

This Child of Mine

It would be so easy to hold you so close to my heart. To keep you only for myself. To know that you are always safe. To have your big squishy hugs belong to just me. To know that your soft warm hand holds only mine. But a gift isn't a gift until you give it away. And you are a gift. So each day I send you off to share your gifts, but know that not a minute goes by that I don't hold you close to my heart.

You Are Incredible

Not everyone will recognize your superhero powers. Like many supers you will go through your days disguised as an ordinary citizen, revealing your powers only when most needed and to other supers... To the janitor at school that cleans up after hundreds of kids and never complains about how kids leave the cafeteria or bathrooms, you will recognize him as a super; running up to him with an embrace and a high-5. You will recognize his powers of perseverance and humility. To the child in after school care who's parents are so busy trying to hang onto their home that they don't have the time or energy to give her... for her you will have super hugs and share a book. You will recognize her powers of patience and understanding. To the elderly lady whose hand you hold so gently and hair you pat admiringly. You will recognize her beauty and stop time if only for a minute. To the boy who is last in his class that the other kids tease... for him you will have a special hand shake (knuckles) as you recognize the leader he is to become. To the stranger needing a smile you will extend a warm hello, greet them with a handshake and learn their name because you recognize that we are all connected. To the mom you will always sing a song for her and dance just because, pick flowers to give her, wait patiently when she is late and tell her just that you missed her. You are Incredible.