Mom-to-Mom
From One Mom's Heart to Another
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This Season’s 12 Best Gifts!
by Anita S. Lane
Every year I do a holiday gift-buying guide. This year is different.
My husband recently lost one of his closest friends, Walter P. Harris. It was unexpected and sudden. One moment he was here. The next moment he was gone.
He left this life at a short 38 years of age. He was a proud and dedicated husband, father, minister, friend and firefighter who died in the line of duty. Everyone who knew him will miss his big, radiant smile, his contagious laugh, his incredible capacity to love and his giving spirit. He provided everyone who knew him with wisdom and encouraging words. His departure from this earth was truly unexpected.
As a result of this great sudden loss, I had to teach my children a sobering and important lesson: Death is an extension of life. Each of us will die. So the only thing we can do is love each other the best we can while we can. Tomorrow simply is not promised.
Our friend Walt probably lived more life in his 38 year-old soul than many twice his age. He lived to the max. His son Robert recounts that just a month ago, Walt said if he had to die tomorrow, he couldn’t ask for anything more.
A New Christmas List
This Christmas, each of us has an opportunity to focus on what matters most. Many of us will try to reign in spending in lieu of today’s economy. Fortunately, the very best gifts cost little-to-nothing.
As you think about what to share with your loved ones this Christmas, consider sharing 12 of the very best gifts one can give:
- Share a hug—the big burly kind that takes your breath away.
- Share a meal—cook it together. Talk in the kitchen. Talk around the table. Collect those recipes for future generations!
- Share a story—tell your children a special story about your family that they can pass down to future generations,
- Share a laugh—you know, the kind that has you on the floor rolled up in a ball… If you can’t do it naturally, rent a funny movie, learn some funny jokes or just laugh at youself—it’s likely that others will join in!
- Share an encouraging word—the words that tell others what you appreciate about them.
- Share a kind deed—give someone a ride, shovel a neighbor’s snow, prepare a meal, adopt a family…
- Share a kiss—Remember the first kiss you shared with your spouse? Rekindle it. Kiss good morning, kiss good night and everytime you part. Hang the mistletoe throughout the house and never miss an opportunity to respond accordingly!
- Share a tradition—Take the time to include cherished family traditions—whether it’s special songs, special outfits, special outings, special meals or special family activities—silly or not—pass them on. Such are the events that lasting memories are made of.
- Share a photo—When all is said and done, photos and videos are often all we have. Let these images remind you of happy times.
- Share a letter—Remember the art of letter-writing? Pull out the pen and write (or type if you must) a heart-felt letter to loved ones and friends that they can cherish the rest of their lives
- Share the Christmas story-- When you shrae the story of Christ’s birth you’re sharing the Good News—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Help your family and others understand the true meaning of Christmas.
- Share a prayer— There’s an old adage that says “a family that prays together stays together.” Share a prayer, even if it’s a brief one, asking God to bless your family, our leaders and families around the world. Hold hands and pray. Pray in the morning. Pray at mealtime. Pray at bedtime. Pray without ceasing…
God bless and Merry Christmas!
Copyright ©2008 by Anita S. Lane
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