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Christmas Magic-time!
(Because I never
took the “time” to grow up)
Where? Lost simple-humble I---innocent-smile…Christmas Magic-time!?
Child-like find perpetual-purity shining-face
youth-delight excited sublime
Lord! Pray servant-I!
Thy Love-Grace brighten-lift tender-heart with:
Mea-culpa!
Mea-culpa! Mea Maxima-culpa! Mon Amie!
A Forever-smile---Even when obviously
absent-reason
Knowledge---Upholding: Truth! Justice! America-way!
Confession---With purpose
exposing my transgressions
A Forever-smile---Even when obviously
absent-reason
Remorse---For
intentional promulgation of evil sins
Loving---displayed in
every word, thought & deed
Accepting---With
honored-Respect toward dissent
Honor---Humbly-offered
each…including self
Innocence---Pure & sweet
of honest naïveté!
Demeanor---“Happy” as
the treasured-child
Honest---Beginning 1st
with me…then, all
Reverent---to man &
ideals Truth-worthy
Sacred-held---Values onto
virtues pure
Humor---To recognize my folly first
Generous---Of time,
money & self
Excited---in Passion-for-life sake
Holy---Of body, soul
& spirit
Christmas
Magic-time!
Lived!
And---So?...
My personal Everyday must be sacred-Christmas…
Not only do I
believe---but…I am: Santa Claus!
My old friend
Gospel-singer once lamenting crooned---
Why
can’t everyday be Christmas? It Is…”If” by Choice!
In my
simple-humble way---sacred-design…I thus “Proclaim it so!”
And---If…
A stranger
should offer thee a simple smile any-time---
Be kindly
acceptant…It might be “I”…Ole Santa
Claus!
Merry Christmas!
Each “special”
day throughout your blessed-year!
Amen!
Plus:
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 Apicture 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 Amy 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!
Oh! True! Bapa could predict snow hours
before its arrival by sniffing at the air. And, too, he admitted, his
grandfather was very insightful. But, not this. He had been extra careful. Yet?
He wondered. Could he possibly know?
Z. Tyler and M-T dispersed the gifts;
wrapping paper flew, again, like giant confetti as the girls helped open
everyone’s treasures, to the delight of all.
Over an hour passed before the last of
the presents had been handed out and their contents uncovered. It was a long,
agonizing few minutes more as “Thank you” was exchanged with hugs and kisses
from the girls and handshakes between the men.
Bapa and Z. Tyler were grinning ear to
ear.
“Did everybody get what they wanted?”
Bapa asked, beaming.
“Oh! Yes!” exclaimed Lauren, smiling
brightly.
“Me, too!” seconded Lexi.
“Me, three!” joked Anna Marie, causing everyone
to laugh.
Nanny said, “Well, then. I’ll get
breakfast. You all must be absolutely famished after such a gift-unwrapping-party
as that.”
She started to get up, but Bapa held her
arm. She gave him a questioning look. He was staring, not at her, but at the
Christmas tree, a whimsical look on his face as though seeing something but not
quite sure what it was.
“What!?” she inquired, holding her
breath. Then, “Bapa! What are you up to?” She took a deep breath, knowingly. He
was always full of surprises.
His mouth fell open in amazement as he
pointed a purposefully shaking finger toward the decorated Christmas tree in pretended
astonishment. Quietly, everyone watched, expectantly.
“There!” he exclaimed, mock surprise in
his voice, eyes wide in astonishment.
“I don’t see anything,” Lauren offered,
puzzled.
The girls giggled as the adults laughed.
Bapa always made “good”---somehow…“great”!
“In the tree,” he offered in explanation,
getting up.
He had the entire group’s undivided
attention, now.
“Bapa!” Intoned Nanny, a hint of trepidation
in her voice mixed with expectant excitement. Her wide smile belied her faux concern;
something very good was about to happen, and, from long experience, she
anticipated it.
The old man went to the tree, squinted
his eyes as he searched among the branches, finally reaching in toward the
trunk, he extracted one last package so small that it fit comfortably in the
palm of his hand. It was tied with delicate gold lace filigree ribbon around
bright paper of Nanny’s favorite color---red!
“Now! Who could this be for?” he teased.
“There’s no name tag.” He looked from
face to face around the room pretending to search for some clue as to the
identity of the correct recipient. Each one’s expression seemed poised for an
emotional explosion.
“Must be for---.” His eyes came to rest
on Mary Theresa. He paused. Silence fell upon the attendees; all thought this
had to be his surprise for Nanny. As far as they knew, he had not even known
M-T was coming this morning.
Then, he switched his gaze to his
grandson and his eyes softened. With a most profound look and in a solemn tone
befitting a preacher at Sunday morning meeting, he said the strangest thing the
boy had ever heard him announce.
“No,” he smiled, “this one is not
for Miss Mary Theresa.”
Now, everyone seemed puzzled; that Bapa,
he was a living enigma.
Like all great thespians, Bapa had a
flair for the dramatic; like, for all good jokes and playfulness, timing was
everything.
“For you, my love. Merry Christmas!” He
held the regal gift toward Nanny.
Silently, Nanny gently took the package
and slowly unwrapped it, almost reverently; a tear came to her eye. Laying the
red paper and gold lace ribbon aside, she opened the black velvet ring box; her
eyes wide.
“Oh!’ she gasped when light struck the gleaming
object. The little girls gathered close; soft “Ooh’s” and “Aah’s” escaped them.
Everyone stared.
“Oh! It’s so beautiful!” Nanny said.
He took it from the box and slid it on
her slender finger. Two interlocking hearts set with diamonds intertwined at a
slight angle to the band; the arrangement was set in white platinum. A glimmering
dazzle emanated from fiery ice-blue sparkling diamonds.
“Wow!” exclaimed Anna Marie. “Look at it
shine!”
“Merry Christmas!” Bapa repeated to
Nanny.
“Thank you,” she said softly and kissed
him tenderly, wiping at an errant tear.
“This is a perfect Christmas!” Giggled
Lexi as her cousins nodded.
“And, girls,” Nanny added, “whenever any
you want to borrow this ring for some special occasion, it’s available for you
to wear.” Part of her natural charm was her implicit generosity.
Squeals of excitement erupted from the
three little girls.
“Thank you, Nanny,” Came spoken
appreciation with hugs and kisses.
“Could we wear it now?” Asked Annie Rie,
expectantly.
Laughter erupted as her mother voiced
objection. But, Nanny allowed each to put on the ring and admire it for a few
moments. When the sparkler was safely back on Nanny’s hand, Bapa decided to get
to the real excitement.
“Well!” he began, “I guess that’s it,
then.” He eyed Z. Tyler who was busy whispering to the three little girls,
pointing and giving instructions.
“Unless…” Bapa offered, “Unless our
young man has something to add.
“How about it, Z. Tyler? Anything of
importance to add before we retire to the dining room?”
Z. Tyler stood tall and straight before
the Christmas tree; he nodded to his three conscripted little volunteer henchmen
who were grinning ear to ear.
Lexi went immediately to the recliner
and took Mary Theresa by the hand, pulling her to a standing position, then led
her to where her big brother waited. Lauren and Anna Marie got a red satin
pillow from Nanny’s sofa, brought it to Z. Tyler and stood with Lexi beside the
young man and his astonished girlfriend who seemed bewildered at the pointed
interest in her.
Now, all the attention in the room
focused on the boy who was emulating his grandfather.
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 held up his hands to quiet the
celebrants. Order slowly, but, eventually, ensued.
“Now, before Nanny treats us all
to a sumptuous breakfast, I would like to second what little Lexli Lu said a
bit ago. Every year I announce that this Christmas is the best ever, and, it
always is. Lexi said that it’s a perfect Christmas and I do not know how next
year can be better than this.
“So,
I thank God for all of you; such a wonderful family; you all make our lives
perfect.
“Thank
you! Each and every one!
“I hereby proclaim: This holy day
is: Christmas Perfect!”
Amen! To that.
Amen!
Epilog
Breakfast developed into a pure delight
which lasted through lunch and blended into the afternoon activities. There was
a brief interlude at eleven when they all attended Christmas Day mass. Dr.
Pilgrim and Nurse Shirley were there; even William “Wild” Bill One-Pony was on
hand. Anna Marie invited the Pilgrim’s for sled riding and lunch. When they
hedged, saying they had ridden to church with One-Pony, Lauren, seconded by
Lexi, quickly invited him, too. With that invitation, all three graciously
accepted. Ice skating on the now safely-frozen pond spun brightly colored
winter coats with long, flowing wool scarfs flying wildly while sled riders
challenged the frosty slopes. Aunts, uncles, more cousins and grandma came to
visit. Magic was hitched to the red sleigh and the silver mare gave rides
across the rolling meadows now covered in a blanket of fresh snow. Arctic wind
sculpted drifts glistening with sparkling tiny diamonds highlighted by the
stark winter sun; the imagined anachronism appeared as ocean waves captured in
an instant of time, rolling onto an incongruent summer beach. Bapa ignited a
huge bonfire at dusk and straw bales were placed as benches where one and all
roasted hot dogs, toasted marshmallows and drank hot chocolate. The horses
gathered at the coral fence to partake of the festivities and were rewarded
with carrot treats, liberated from Nanny’s root cellar, provided to them by the
youngsters. Night slowly nudged day to dusk and pushed on to darkness as myriad
blue-white diamonds pierced soft black velvet to usher quiet respite to an
impeccable adventure:
Christmas Perfect!
Amen!
Plus:
Day 364
Saturday-market
in Portland
We
discovered a vast array of interesting entertainments in the Great Northwest
during our tenure there. The Cascade Mountains, coast Range, Columbia River
basin, Oregon’s fabulous coast of 412 mile-length, Crater Lake, Monmouth Falls,
the high plains, Portland Saturday Market. This last consideration a craft
festival under the I-405 bridge each Saturday morning.
I
found a vendor there who fabricated small wooden boxes with pull-out drawers,
each drawer containing an interior “hidden” compartment. I have one and gave
several as gifts. Beautiful!
We
expanded our explorations into the entire Oregon state, onto Washington and
Canada’s British Columbia and into Nevada and Northern California. Once, the
nation’s largest lottery reached $130 million (very high in the 1980’s) and I
trekked on down to California just to buy a chance-ticket as Oregon did not
participate in the Lotto-drawings at that time. Didn’t win!?
We
got a 23” snow our first winter in the “natural”-state; “no” snow plows. Oh!
They had the right equipment on the mountains, but, the “mild” Willamette
Valley supposedly never got but a
“dusting”. Hmm! Reckon they hadn’t counted on me bringing Christmas with me. Ho! Ho!
Ho!
Life
is, indeed, the Adventure If you are
not afraid. Go ahead! Give ’er a shot! I sure did!
Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Dare challenge your
boundaries!” Memories!
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