The snow was gently floating, nearing, ever nearing the silent and frozen earth below. The landscape took on the appearance of rolling waves of white, as ever persistent breeze gently and methodically shaped the sculpture which God had started millennia ago. He lovingly looked down upon His many creations from His golden throne, and with love in His eyes, watched His children as they tremblingly worked out their salvation upon this veil of tears we call earth.
The furnace wheezed and sprang into life once again, sending life sustaining warmth through the little home, nestled lovingly in a field of white. Outside the inhospitable weather created a veritable wonderland of joy and beauty. Nestled within their beds slept a wonderful little family. It wasn't a large family, numbering only four, but love was there and at times it seemed as if the numerous throngs of heaven above lived within those walls.
Joy was to be found in little things within this home. The love of a mother and father for their little family, the quiet acts of a wife and home maker, the brave ambition and tenacity of a father who day after day struggled to support his little family in a bitter and often cruel world. All these things and more made up this little bastion of love.
The night before, Christmas cookies were baked and other treats. Rolls which melted in ones mouth and fudge and all manner of wonders to caress the pallet were lovingly made and consumed. Yes, it was Christmas time and tomorrow the little family would embark upon a journey which would take them to far away lands and far away joys. Expectations were running through little heads and tears flowed silently in the dark from eyes which would guide this wonderful family through untold dangers and untold highways and byways.
There was a sigh in Heaven as Heavenly Father felt the wonderful expectations as well as the awesome fears of a Mother and Father. He knew of the fears which a normally brave father dealt with in his slumber, the agony of a loving mother as she tried to slumber with tired feet from standing in the kitchen all day and aching back from packing all the clothes and packages which would be used and brought along on the journey. He knew too, of the wonderful thoughts which raced through hyperactive imaginations of the little children, waiting rather impatiently for morning to come and the great journey to begin. Dispatching angels to watch over this little family, He charged them with the awesome responsibility of protecting them from harm and evil along the way. As He did so he turned His thoughts to others in the eternal worlds, all of which were His, secure in the knowledge that His will would be done.
The sun peered over the frosty hills, glistening off the newly fallen snow and sending rays of multi-colored light dancing over the multi-faceted snowflakes which continued to grace the ground from the heavens above. The little family packed their belongings into the old white car and with a sigh of relief that all was finally done, the wheels began to roll and the little home was left far behind to await patiently the return of it's life in a few long winter days.
Christmas carols quickly gave way to jokes and stories of days gone by and days to come and days which never were to be. The laughter and merriment eased the stress of a Father, the aches of a Mother and the miles flew by as if the car were a white sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer. Snow fell, winds blew, the sun shined and life was confined within the security of the old white car which quickly sped over the frozen road to a land far away. Expectations were rampant and love abounded as the day slowly turned to night and the little white car stopped for the night at a relatives house; far away from their little home in the snow and even farther away from their eventual destination.
Joy was to be found in this far away place as loved ones from days gone by shared life in a celebration of giving and receiving. The frosty windows reflected the multi-colored lights of the massive Christmas tree which stood in a large room, surrounded by packages of many sizes and shapes. Outside, and not far away, the sight of a strong man forever etched itself into the memory of the oldest child. The man lifted and with great accuracy and skill swiftly dispatched a blow which severed and split the wooden target of his ax. Oblivious of the world, deep in thought and without his companion for most of his life he seemed solemn and intent on his business he was about. He worked feverishly and methodically and as the oldest child watched, pride filled his heart and memories were forever cast in stone within his soul. It would be the last time he would see this grandfather he scarcely knew and greatly loved. His bright blue eyes have lived on in memory and his soul delights in the joy he has found since he joined his wife beyond the veil on the following August. Of course this was unknown to the little family as they revelled in the moment and life was good and happiness abounded.
Morning found them once again upon the frozen road, churning their way southward to the waiting and loving arms of others in the world which they shared life's happiness and sorrows with. They passed the time singing, as they did the day before, and all was well with the four souls. Games like name the Wackey Racer and 101 jokes were played over and over as the miles sped by. The Father, ever confident and skilled at driving long distances, winced at times and laughed at others.
The special pastries were all but gone and the family was beginning to tire as the ominous hill loomed before them. It was long and straight and the little car took a deep breath of the clear Tennessee air and forged on ahead. The miles behind had taken their toll as a thundering BOOM retorted and a tinkle tinkle tinkle filled the air. Looking back, the oldest child saw pieces of the white car as they scattered here and there and virtually everywhere.
Heavenly Father smiled as He saw their innocent plight, secure in the knowledge of His angels work and His infinite foresight. It was a traumatic experience to the little family He held so dear. A test of courage, faith, hope and good cheer.
The Father flagged down a truck and the driver took him straightway to a station. A few moments later, the cookies and goodies long ago memories, a tow truck arrived and rescue was sweet as honey. They sang songs in the car as it was towed. The wheels rolled and the miles again sped by. Soon the Father was on the phone, poor and far from home. The familiar voice of a loved one long gone graced his ears with unfeigning hope and love.
A junkyard was searched and parts were scrounged. The little car was soon fixed and once again the little family happily, though warily, resumed their journey. How happy they were as the sun soon fell. The city they strove for loomed in the half lit distance and familiar sights filled their tired, yet wondering eyes. They tried desperately to clean up their car as it sped about the town, homing in on paradise.
The darker it got the closer they got to the loved ones so dear who awaited them. Anticipation seemed to burst their hearts as the little car turned the last corner. It hummed and purred and sang a sweet tune as they rounded that corner, the headlights illuminating the dense foliage and familiar smells of home and loved ones filled their senses. It was time at last, the miles seemed so long. Could they really be here? They prayed it wasn't too late. It must be perfect, after all their fate.
As the little car pulled up to the driveway so long ago, the gas light sputtered and glowed a warm glow. The holly was high and the trees smelled sweet. The air was warm and their senses were racing as the doors opened up and they spilled out, stretching, rubbing their eyes and putting on their very special faces. Warnings, the usual ones, were issued to the children as they raced up to the door. Anticipation filled the air as the doorbell was pushed and the kitchen light clicked. Oh what a joy it was to behold, Christmas was going to be the best ever. Again.
Grandma and Grandpa stood at the door as the family ushered in and filled the house with hustle and bustle. Kisses flew and tears almost flowed. The house was just as remembered, seen only a year ago. Coffee was brewed and we crept about the house, looking for everything we could find to bring back memories and make more.
Great Grandma, "Little Ma", as you may have guessed, came in and hugged us and kissed us and "My little Danny" filled my heart with joy. Tears flow from my eyes right now as I was the oldest boy. I still remember the sights and smells and the memories are as clear as early morning Christmas bells. How long has it been, that Christmas of long ago. Have I really grown up? Is it me now calling the show? How my heart breaks to remember such joy. I look in the eyes of my girls and my boy.
The next day early, Mr. wiggly now long since put away. The car now unloaded and the presents placed out on display. The tree, silver as light loomed over a spectacular sight. Packages too numerous to count lay sprawled and packed and pushed and stacked. Was that the doorbell I heard? Oh, joy of joys! Uncle David and Aunt Karen and Davey and Jeff. Was it really them? What other joys could be left?
Christmas Day! It was here! My heart pounded so. What would I get? Do we really have to go? There in Little Ma's old chair, silver in her hair, could I give her another hug? Do I even dare?
The presents are opened and paper flew. But the greatest gifts are the memories I have of you. My family is my life, my happiness and joy. I loved you all so much when I was a little boy. How long the years are I sit here alone. I see you sometimes and talk on the phone. Heavenly Father smiles and knows my heart is breaking. He sees my life past and knows the chances I'm taking. His angels are still carrying out their charge. Do I deserve this protection I wonder, life sometimes is hard.
Memories of loved ones now long time gone. Their happy faces smile in my memory forever, I was just a little boy. Now I find that they were the real joy. The White car was sold and a yellow one was bought. Christmas was now over and our return course father would plot. Our presents were loaded, our luggage and we too. Memories we left behind, memories, not a few. So as I remember my loved ones this night. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
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