A Christmas Wish this holiday season...Part I

Dear Santa,
I haven't written in a decade or three yet this year I thought I would take a moment to update you on life. I don't remember what I might have asked for in my first letter to you but I do remember one of the things I asked for and I gave you credit for delivering...a younger sister. In 1975 our family grew by one to include Heidi....

Life is about more than letters to Santa...

From the moment she entered the world, her smile was infectious to anyone blessed to see it. It was one of those smiles that just melted your heart. We enjoyed our childhood and as I reflect on our childhood, as wee little ones, I am so thankful.

One thing that stands out are the times with family. Regardless of how long my parents might have worked during the day to provide for our needs and a little spoiling, they always had time for us too. Whether it was walking on Dad's back to build our strength and balance (clever, eh? We never realized it was a free back massage. Rock on Dad!), or helping Mom make dinner, we always knew both our parents had time for us. This never changed.

The only change was what activity we would be doing while we made our memories. Isn't it funny how the little things of our childhood end up being the priceless treasures of our adult years?

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Before I go any further, let me clarify for those wondering if I've lost my mind. Please know, I do know there is no person living at the North Pole going by the name Santa Clause. I also understand that although there isn't a Santa, there is a magic and mystery during the Christmas season. Both my parents and in-laws have said often, "You must believe in Santa, because there are many a Christmas that if it wasn't for a Christmas miracle, there wouldn't have been anything under the tree."

Can you relate to this statement? I think many can. It isn't about the quantity of gifts or bounty of material items we can give one another, the meaning of Christmas is so much deeper. Santa didn't bring us Heidi, God Blessed us with her...for eighteen years.

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There isn't a holiday, or day that passes we don't remember or think of Heidi yet at the same time, we continue to move forward. Our loved ones don't want us shutting down or shutting people out. Instead of letting our personal losses or struggles stifle us, we must choose to bless others and keep the faith. I know this is difficult during the holidays, especially at Christmastime.

Each year my parents do something special for me, as a way of remembering Heidi and keeping hope alive during what used to be a very difficult time of year. We still miss her and wish she was enjoying breakfast with us yet since this is possible, we choose to remember the good times we had and take time in the weeks leading up to Christmas to surprise each other with a special "Heidi" gift. My parents outdid themselves this year and I thought about not sharing the magnificent gift they made and gave me this year but it's too beautiful not to share.

Some of you are saying, "It's not Christmas yet." You are right yet this year's gift took up so much room in my parent's wood working shop and garage, it was delivered early to make room for them to keep "puttering" on other projects for friends and family.

Be sure to read tomorrow's blog to see this amazing gift of love and how they incorporated memories of my sister in to it. My parents never cease to amaze me - love you both!

I finished my gift for them last night - hoping its ready by Christmas Eve so I can wrap it. Some things require time to dry, settle, or cure ~ and then there is the mode of delivery. Hmm...what is a girl to do? Excited and looking forward to seeing the surprise on their faces Christmas morning.

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If you've lost a loved one and do something special to remember them during the Christmas holiday season - will you share how you keep their memory alive and keep the faith?