Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Christmas Always (poems) & Christmas Treasures (excerpt) & Day 362 CJSM-book IV

Christmas Alive
 
Absent benefit shelter the wretched old woman did live
By wit, guile and keen eye, her very best she did give
 
Serendipity struck as she searched on cold bleak day
Found a discarded billfold stuffed with green money-pay
 
Blessed-“Good Luck!” Safely secreted in her old canvas bag
None paid attention to such an outcast and useless old hag
 
Unkempt and unclean, surviving on crusts of stale bread
Ragged clothes did she don with a colored scarf on her head
 
An acquaintance grimy beggar who had once done her wrong
Spied the hidden treasure for which he most assuredly longed
 
“Could I have your wallet?” He brazenly asked
Without hesitation she handed it over, quite unabashed
 
The next day being Christmas, the vagabond sought her out
Gave back the money, frowning eyes showed pure doubt
 
“There’s something more valuable from you I should need
That goodness within you to share without hinted greed”
 
Majestic Mountain Commandments foretold
Emulate Jesus! Dare live quite so bold!
 
One snowy Colorado day, I gave a vagrant all the change that I had
Christmas Joy warmed me as a “Thank you!”-smile creased his face sad
 
’Tis better give than receive, sagacious senior folks say
’Tis true! Make it just a fun game that you play today
 
Amen!
 
Merry Christmas!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Ring
 
(a “cloned” Christmas gift)
 
 
 
 
Spiritual perfection! A symbol representing a continuous circle of perpetual love represented by two interlocking hearts set ablaze with stunning blue-white diamond clarity. The quintessence of God! No beginning, no end. Always present. Pure! In its very essence: Perfect! In its simple concept: God! Symbolized!
Rotate a ring on any axis and generate a perfect sphere. Contained in that globe is the nature of concentrated love---which is…God! The goodness in each of us is ever-expanding. It is the capacity to transcend all that is not good in its various manifestations which tempt man into transgression; a victory over the impure in life with the cleansing of the soul through the Grace of the Holy Spirit. To give “love’ is to bestow the gift of God. The ring is a circle illustrating the continuum which is God, Who is Love.
May the days in your “ring” all be diamonds as you treasure Christmas Perfect!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of life bestowed through Your everlasting love for me. Faith! Family! Freedom! Will be my spoken credo. Through the Authority of the Father, The Blessing of Christ Jesus and the Grace of the Holy Spirit I shall triumph in the Kingdom’s eternity. Amen!
 
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Perfect!
(an excerpt)
 
Bapa watched intently, not seeing the little boy whom he had loved even before his birth, but a flash of his lifetime from a beautiful infant whom he had nurtured, to a young boy whom he had befriended, to the ball player he had instructed, to the child he had both mentored and learned from, but, rather, viewing a fine young man of independence, a strong individual with conviction of values and faith, one who was about to make one of the most profound choices of his young life. He had often wondered how he would pass the mantle of head of the family and who would don the cloak. He need not think of it any longer, the succession was happening right before his very eyes. Bapa took Nanny’s hand in his own.
“The king is dead!” he thought in silence; “Long live the king!” he whispered, aloud.
Nanny heard him and gave him an inquisitive glance; he was smiling, a tear in his eye.
It had not been a royal coronation filled with pageantry nor pomp and circumstance, but the regal transformation of power had been deftly accomplished. Bapa was well-pleased; plain and simple was always the best way of truly important issues and momentous occasions.
Z. Tyler took the pillow as he stood next to Mary Theresa and before the little girls and the entire assemblage. He peered at his grandfather and wondered how he had known; he winked at the wise old man whom he so dearly loved.
Bapa saluted his grandson, acknowledging his acquiescence, and, unknown to the boy at this time, his abdication of the throne. It would soon enough dawn on Z. Tyler. He stood as a natural leader of unequaled ability and was the obvious choice for such an important family position.
Z. Tyler laid the red satin pillow at his feet and bent his right knee to it. He looked into the eyes of the woman he loved, raised his left hand between their faces. On his little finger was Nanny’s diamond studded double-heart platinum ring which Bapa had just given her!
Mary Theresa gasped; Nanny’s mouth fell open as she quickly felt her hand wondering how the boy had gotten her ring. But, no! Her “clone”-gift was still on her finger where Bapa had placed it! She glanced at her husband who was smiling; he squeezed her hand.
As Z. Tyler knelt on his right knee, he gently took M-T’s left hand, placed the special ring on her finger and said, “Mary Theresa, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her excited “Yes!” came with a rush of jubilant laughter, a smothering embrace and one long, passionate kiss.
The three little girls danced and laughed and hugged the engaged couple. Z. Tyler and Mary Theresa gathered the three girls as the five embraced and kissed.
Beth and Becky joined the melee with “Congratulations!” and even more displays of affection. Dad Graig and Uncle Alex shook Z. Tyler’s hand and hugged the future bride, Mary Theresa, each kissing a blushing cheek at the same time.
Mary Theresa said, bubbling with excitement, “Of course, we’ll want you girls to be in our wedding. And, Mom Beth and Aunt Becky, please say you’ll help with the planning.” Both were beaming as they nodded, tears of joy flowing down their cheeks.
Nanny hugged her boy and kissed his cheek, shedding an emotional tear of pride and joy, too.
Embracing the girl, she said, earnestly, “Welcome to our family, Mary Theresa!”
Bapa hugged the newly engaged girl; he shook Z. Tyler’s hand and the two embraced; the boy patted the old man’s shoulder.
“You knew.” he offered. It was as much a question as a statement.
His grandfather only smiled.
BaPa’s Treasures
December 25, 2005
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Dear Z. Tyler, Luvy, Lexli Lu and My Annie:
 
Some years ago we had the pleasure of taking a cruise in the Caribbean.
We had an inside cabin without portholes; with the interior lights off, it was totally dark.
At 6:30AM I awakened; I immediately dressed and went on deck. Somehow, I knew we were passing white sand islands, the blue water caressing the beach. I was right.
A bright sunrise glinted sparkles off the waves; small, uninhabited, palm-studded sands passed by our vessel. I had no way of knowing these jewels were there, but something pulled me on deck so that I should not miss this event.
When I find myself in the darkness of loneliness I experience when I=m not with you, I know you are there and all I have to do is picture you in my mind. Instant happiness---four smiling angels that are the treasures of my journey in life. Each of you is like the other and the four of you are the pleasurable remembrances of Beth and Becky---an extension of the great times of their childhood which we experienced.
Each of you is unique---special, beautiful, intelligent, spiritual, humble, blessed and... good...good to the point of being saintly; more correctly, angelic! Like your Nanny.
Z. Tyler---my young man who, I confess, I sometimes still think of as my little boy. Handsome, strong of body, sterling of character, his own man, Yes, when I grow up: AI wanna be just like you!
Lauren Victoria---L.V., Luvy-my elegant little princess, beautiful. So mature for your tender age. Kind, considerate, intelligent, sophisticated. And the best sister ever to Annie and Lexi and Rye-Rye. I should learn to love so innocently as you.
Alexandria Elizabeth--- Lexi-my angel-curly top-so independent, smart, beautiful, grown up. Your deep voice so pure, your personality  perfect. I am so glad to see you love your brother Rye-Rye and your sisters, Lauren and Annie.
Anna Marie-my Annie---Colorado-girl, for sure. Sweet, kind, intelligent and most---most... independent. You are your mother through and through---I thank God for that!
Each of you, so different, yet so alike. The seven treasures of my life---priceless!
We thank God for each of you; we thank each of you for loving us!
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Plus:
 
 
 
Bapa and Nanny helped with the decorations and wrapping of gifts. By eleven-thirty most was completed, save a few presents and some final touches to the tree. The old couple left for midnight mass at the little country church just down the lane. Their daughters were concerned because of the weather and their husbands offered to drive the couple, but Bapa assured them that they would be alright. To the absolute “secret” delight of his Bapa and the complete, and, expressed, relief of his Nanny, in the end, Z. Tyler proudly provided safe chauffeuring.
The trip was only a few miles, but the weather was fierce and Bapa was glad to have Z. Tyler convey them to the little country church. As they approached the building, yellow light spilled from the arched windows; huge, dancing snowflakes swirled wildly while delightfully chasing one another in a nature game of tag in the bright illuminations.
Only a handful of cars were present in the parking lot; that was unusual for Christmas Eve services. By the time mass started, a meager thirty, or so, parishioners had shown up; the weather had most certainly been a factor. Bapa had always loved evening services, from the traditional Christmas Eve mass to the several-times-a-year evening novenas to the special occasion masses occasionally held at night. The church interior literally glowed in pastel blue light reflected off the leaded stained glass windows. Beyond the glass was blackness, but the reflected light from the interior off the multi-colored windows radiated a soft, almost misty, blue-white ambiance.
As a boy, he thought it must be like heaven itself, the pleasant light adoring God. The temperature in the old, drafty building chilled the body, but the feeling of love and perfect comfort, indeed, warmed the soul. No one could possibly leave the environs of this holy place without a dancing spirit set on fire by the most evident presence of an almighty, redeeming, saving, grace-filled Deity.
By the time they returned home, soft light glowed in the foyer and through the living room windows from the fireplace; Nanny’s antique lamp was brightly illuminated; the Christmas card scene evoked warm memories of the church they had just left. All was quiet in the secure comfort as the children had retired for what was left of the night. All is calm!
Bapa made a last minute check to be sure everything was ready; all was in order and met with his approval. He slipped his arm around Nanny.
“Thanks for taking me to church,” Z. Tyler said, yawning. “I think I’m ready for bed…past ready, in fact.”
Nanny kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Rye-Rye. See you early in the morning.”
Bapa shook his hand and the boy hugged him and then kissed the old man’s cheek. He always hugged Nanny, but to embrace Bapa, well, that was a special event, indeed.
“Not too early,” the boy laughed, looking into the old man’s eyes.
“Merry Christmas! Bapa!” he offered.
“Merry Christmas! Nanny!” he added.
“Merry Christmas! Son!” Bapa replied, shaking his hand firmly.
“Merry Christmas!” Nanny said, enjoying the moment.
The boy kissed her cheek and went up the stairs; they watched him go.
“He’s a fine young man,” Bapa began. “You know he wasn’t even going to midnight mass. He just did it to make sure we were safe.”
“Yes, I know, Bapa,” his wife replied with a satisfied sigh. “We have a wonderful family.
“Best to bed,” she added, gently pushing him toward the stairs. “Tomorrow comes early,” she added with the merest hint of urgency.
“Yes, you can bet on that,” he laughed, “very early. Especially tomorrow.”
“You go ahead,” Nanny said. “I’ll get Santa’s milk and cookies ready. Be up in a minute.”
Warm and snug under the covers at last, she kissed his cheek.
“Merry Christmas! Bapa!”
“Merry Christmas!” He was asleep before he could manage even one more breath.
The blizzard played out in the night; Christmas Day dawned clear, cold and brilliant bright.
Sunshine pierced the frigid morning, then streaked through the heavily frosted window pane flirting with the fine lace filigree of a bedroom curtain as it played along the polished antique walnut, marble-topped dresser, with a vacant promise of coming warmth on a frozen Christmas Day beginning. Bapa had been awake for half an hour or so, nudged from slumber by the pale dawn pushing back the night. He listened to the rhythmic breathing of his sleeping wife, enjoying her presence, wanting to disturb neither her rest nor his own respite as he absorbed the solitude. All was quiet in the house---well…almost, all!
From the bedroom down the hallway, he heard the unmistakable patter of tiny feet across the hardwood floor near the window; the area carpet left a three foot border around the perimeter of the room and while the thick textile hushed the footfalls, the cold pine board flooring amplified the sounds. That urchin, he knew, would be none other than, Anna Marie.
First one up to peer through the frosty glass, checking the snow covered yard below, searching for telltale foot prints evidencing Santa’s arrival, eager to start the day; especially, this particular exciting day. Shortly, the padded hustle retraced its path to once again cross the carpet, then bed springs squeaked and he heard hushed whispers as the youngest of the three loudly, and obviously getting progressively louder, jabber-jawed awake the remaining two sleeping beauties. Soon, giggling and a rustling of bed covers was quickly followed by a cavalcade of cacophonous thundering hooves as three scouts flew to the window to observe firsthand what Annie “Kit Carson” Rie had just reported. Bapa could hear muffled, excited “oohs!” and “aahs!”.
“I hear the munchkins,” Nanny yawned. Her natural smile warmed his heart as his eyes caressed her pretty face in the piercing early morning sunlight.
“You smile beautifully,” he stated. Then, added, “And, all the time,” as he tenderly laid the back of his fingers against her tender cheek.
“You’re a hopeless romantic, Bapa,” she cooed, “and, I love you for it.”
She stretched to kiss the lobe of his near ear.
“But,” she quickly sobered, “we’d better get a move on. Those children will be downstairs to see what Santa brought before we even get out of bed.”
She squeezed his hand as she rolled to a sitting position on the side of the bed, her feet gingerly testing the coldness of the floor.
“Burr!” she shivered. Then, “I love winter!” She giggled as childishly as a young girl caught in her own flight of fancy, enjoying every delicious minute of it.
“But,” she added, philosophically, “it is Christmas; and, Christmas comes in winter.” She smiled, impishly, casting a sidelong glance his way to gauge his reaction to her playfulness.
His response came as a loving caress from soft blue eyes with a satisfied grin which said a silent, yet, fully and immediately, understood, “I love you”.
“Anyway,” she went on, “I love Christmas!”
“And, I love you!” he softly announced; this time, verbally, while gently touching her arm.
Sitting upright next to her, he gently tested the chillness of the floor for himself. He grabbed his robe, donned fleecy house slippers and stood.
“Yep,” he agreed, “it’s winter; that’s for sure.”
Crossing to the door, he turned. “You get ready. When you’re dressed, come rescue me. I’ll be with the girls, in their room.”
“You got it, big boy,” she teased as he slipped out the door, pulling it closed behind him.
Three angels sat in a circle, cross-legged, Indian-style, on the large bed amid crumpled covers as Bapa entered, knocking softly as he pushed open the door.
“Come in, Bapa,” called Miss Lauren in welcome; accurately ascertaining who was there.
Excited faces, grinning ear to ear, greeted him; eyes full of expectant wonder sparkled. It was obvious that they had seen the reindeer and Santa Claus tracks left in the snow in the front yard.
“Good morning, girls,” Bapa said, grinning. “And, Merry Christmas!” he added. He was as excited as they were and totally unashamed of his unbridled youthful enthusiasm.
“Merry Christmas! Bapa!” The eager chorus exclaimed in unison.
“Did Santa Claus come?” Queried Lexi, getting right to the point.
“Yeah! And did he bring us lots of presents?” Came Annie’s exuberance.
The girls giggled; Bapa laughed and hugged them, climbing onto the bed among them.
He put a puzzled expression on his face, serious, with a show of concern mixed in for good measure; he shook his head, displaying uncertainty.
“I don’t know”, he said with some trepidation. “Lauren, did you hear anything last night?” He asked, peering at each of the three of them in random order.
“No! Bapa. I fell asleep by the fireplace. That hot chocolate really warmed me and with that huge cookie, all of a sudden, I got real tired. I don’t even remember coming up to bed.” She blinked her eyes trying to recall the previous night’s events.
“And you, Lexi? What did you hear?”
“Nothing! I slept ’til morning.”
“Annie Rie?” he inquired.
Her blonde hair swayed as she shook her head, blue eyes wide in bewilderment.
“Well,” Bapa began, “I just don’t know. When we got home from midnight mass everything was in order, just as we had left it. Santa’s cookies and milk were still on the dining room table.” He looked troubled.
Anna Marie brightened. “The hay we put in the front yard for the reindeer is gone,” she offered in confident protest, a hint of hope rising in her tiny voice.
“I saw out the window this morning, Bapa. It’s gone!”
 “Yeah!” added Lexi, excitedly, perpetuating the hope. “And, I saw hoof prints in the snow, too. They sure looked like deer tracks, to me.
“And,” she quickly added, “I saw Santa Claus’ foot prints, too!
Lauren smiled. “Have you been downstairs, yet, Bapa?” The “little professor” tested.
Just then, the bedroom door opened and in bounced Nanny.
“Merry Christmas! Girls!” She bubbled.
“Merry Christmas! Nanny!” They all replied, smiling brightly.
“Well, Bapa? Did you peek downstairs this morning?” Lauren persisted.
Nanny’s eyes widened. “Bapa!” She scolded, teasingly, drawing out his name in mock disbelief. Pretending to objurgate, she added, purposely playful, “Did you peek?”
“Well, you know how it is. It’s Christmas!” Bapa replied, sheepishly, as if apologizing for some unintended and unavoidable transgression.
Four pair of staring eyes held him; he had that look of a little boy caught, once again, with his hand in the tempting cookie jar.
“Okay! Okay!” he relented. “I did peek! But, only briefly. I will admit what I saw for certain. The Santa Claus treat we left on the table was---GONE!”
Cheers erupted from the threesome; Nanny smiled at his theatrics.
“But,” he continued, “that’s all I saw. I promise!”
Stares of skepticism questioned his honesty.
“Really!” He offered in weak rebuttal, offering more reason for doubt than for trust.
“Can we go down, now?” Queried Lexli Lu, urgently, already clamoring off the big bed, immediately shadowed by her cousins.
“Put on your robes and house shoes,” Nanny said. “Then wake up Rye-Rye and your moms and dads and we’ll all go down to do an inspection, together.”
“Yea!” Thundered the unanimous cry as the three scrambled into robes and warm house shoes. They flew out the door in unison, first to Rye-Rye’s room to wake him with hugs and kisses, then, quickly continuing their mission to awaken their parents, bursting into the rooms with all semblance of any required protocol long since forgotten and eagerly abandoned.
Within minutes, the entire assemblage gathered at the head of the stairs. Pine scent wafted to their senses from garland draped on the bannister and hung on the stair rails. Nanny’s tasteful decorations were impeccable; at Christmas she outdid even herself. Her home sparkled like love personified; her refined, classy taste always obvious in her special offerings.
Peering through the spindles to the open foyer below, Lexi proudly announced, “Yep! Santa’s milk and cookies are gone, alright.”
Quickly, Lauren and Annie crowded beside their cousin, looking into the opening which afforded just enough view of the dining room, adjacent to the foyer, to reveal the corner of the highly polished tabletop where the treats had been left for Santa Claus; the glass was empty and only a few cookie crumbs remained on the plate. The evidence told the story.
“Yeah! He was here!” concluded Lauren, excitedly.
“He sure was!” shrieked Anna Marie.
The fourth kid among them, and the biggest, could restrain himself no longer.
“Okay!” commanded Bapa. “Let’s go!” He ushered the others ahead.
The adults laughed at his unembarrassed childish enthusiasm as they followed the scampering little threesome down the stairs.
Nanny grabbed his hand, holding him back, and lightly kissed his cheek as she admonished him sternly, whispering, “You’re worse than the kids!”
She was not sure if the shadow which crossed his face was real or if he was merely playing, but it passed in an instant and he pulled her along, saying, “Come on! We don’t want to miss all the fun. Do we?”
She shook her head and laughed that little girl giggle he loved so much. Now, he was unsure whether she was only teasing him or if she was truly exasperated at his little boy behavior. It didn’t matter, of course. So, he took it as a bit of each. Hurriedly, he pulled her along as he strove to catch up, descending the steps two at a time. She thought he’d surely kill them both!
In the living room, the girls were already perched in front of the lighted tree. Piles of festive gifts in vibrant Christmas wrapping paper towered around the decoration. Larger, unwrapped gifts left by Santa Claus included tack for the girls’ horses, three shiny new bicycles, various items of clothing.
The moms were busy picture-taking from various angles so as to miss chronicling none of the action; the dads being as unobtrusive as possible on the periphery of animated activity. Rye-Rye sat in the large recliner near the fireplace; he had strategically repositioned the chair to afford him an unobstructed view of the front yard and the parking area beyond the fence. He had invited his girlfriend to join them this early Christmas morning. Bapa and Nanny appropriately occupied the love seat nearest the Christmas tree, holding hands, smiling like satiated Cheshire cats.
The girls were told which piles of presents were for each of them. Candy canes and Santa Claus and Bethlehem’s Star and manger scenes and angels which adorned scads of red, gold, and silver wrapping paper exploded as shiny ribbon flew like long confetti at a grand parade while they opened and examined every item, taking notice of the other’s gifts as well as their own. Showing their appreciation, they said “Thank you!” as each package’s contents was discovered and appraised. The adults, especially Bapa, were having as much fun as the excited children.
Z. Tyler enjoyed the show, too, though keeping a wary eye toward the window. Suddenly, he quickly rose and went to the front door; his Mary Theresa had arrived.
He opened the door before she had a chance to knock. A plethora of brightly colored gifts tumbled from her arms as she entered the house. Quickly, he caught her as she regained her balance. Pulling her close, he said, “Merry Christmas!” Looking into her eyes and gently kissing her red, full lips.
“Oohs!” and “Aahs!” intermingled with giggles, escaped the little girls.
Nanny came to his rescue, as usual.
“Merry Christmas! Mary Theresa!” she said, hugging the young woman and then quickly lending a hand to gather the disarrayed presents spilled onto the floor.
“Merry Christmas! Everybody!” the young girl acknowledged.
Z. Tyler helped with the packages she had brought, then escorted her to the recliner where they shared the seat; he held her hand and kept looking at her as though he might just burst if he had to keep his secret much longer. Everyone took notice of their young man’s uncharacteristic apprehension; only one among them had correctly guessed the cause of his excitement.
The girls had opened and examined the wrapped gifts under the tree and were now giving close examination to the larger items. Z. Tyler wasn’t the only one suffering from a lack of patience; Bapa could wait no longer.
“Okay! Rye-Rye! Would you do the honors, son? Hand out the rest of the presents to the adults; maybe Mary Theresa would help you.”
To the young woman, he offered, “Merry Christmas! Mary Theresa. We’re so happy you could join us so early, today.”
“Thank you, Sir,” she replied, politely.
He went to her and gave her a gentle hug.
“Welcome to our family,” he said, almost dramatically.
“Thank you, again,” she said, somewhat surprised at his formal demeanor.
Z. Tyler gave him a quizzical glance; Bapa winked in reply, a sparkle in his eye.
The boy suspected that the old man knew. But, how could he have possibly figured it out?
 
 
 
Plus:
 
 
 
 
Day 362
 
 
The parakeet that dodged Dad’s flying pens
 
 
My Dad died very unexpectedly right before Christmas of my 24th year. Devastation!
We managed to get through the archaic-funeral travesty---then…”tried” to get on with life.
I had a job which allowed me to work on my own time; I did a lot of work from home.
Reports had to be dictated on my assignments, then transcribed by a secretary at the office.
I did my dictation at our kitchen table so as to have ample room to lay out the elements of the particular file I was working on; our pet parakeet was in a cage in that room. For some reason, when I un-limbered my recording machine and spoke into the microphone---the bird…Sang!
With patience, Hmm!, not my strong suit, I tried waiting for the feathered-friend to finish his serenade. Each time I paused in my verbal-report into the machine, he quit singing. As soon as I talked just one word into the microphone----he “tuned-up”! Irritating!
After several tries, my “patience” wore thin (not a very long journey). I yelled at the bird; he grew silent. Hmm! Pick up the mike---speak one word…Chirping! Incessant chirping!
Finally, forging ahead, I threw a ball-point pen at the crooner; it bounced off the cage. Quiet!
We managed to get the dictation finished; the bird avoided Death! The secretary got a laugh!
My family thought the incident was hilarious; I still do not find much humor in the adventure.
 
Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Birds-of-a-feather!?” Memories!

 


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