Memory Cherish




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" December 12, 2002 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ A move at Christmas can be unsettling at the least. Finding a new Church home and participating in the Christmas program helped Diane and her family to cope and fit into their new community. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- A Memory To Cherish By Diane Dean White ------------------------------------------------------------- We were all looking forward to Christmas that year. We had just moved into a new home and the children enjoyed their summer and were looking forward to their new school and friends they had been making. Little by little I was purchasing things I thought would make their Christmas special in their new surroundings. We started attending a nearby Church and within a few months felt settled and acquainted with other families that year. A Christmas program to be put on by the elementary Church age children was being planned for the Sunday before Christmas. Immediately practices began for the coming activity. This was always a special time for me, and with three children involved,I volunteered to help with the large group soon to be transformed into shepherds, wise men, and angels. Much time and practice went into fixing costumes for everyone, as well as our shepherd, one wise man and the oldest, our daughter was a singing angel.The kids were happy and excited about the program and had asked their Grandparents to make the trip from the city, an hour away to see them. Everyone had been practicing their parts and often I would hear them around the house singing the songs or saying the lines they would be performing. When the night of the play finally arrived we bundled everyone up and made our way to the Church which held around 500 people. The snow was already covering the streetlights as we entered the Church, and to my relief my husband’s parents had found a spot for us among the group which filled the sanctuary that evening. I took the children downstairs for final instructions making sure all white robes were high enough off the floor so the smallest angel wouldn't trip. The excitement was intense, but the group new their parts. I waved to our children and went upstairs to join my husband and his parents. As the play started I looked around at happy faces, proud parents, knowing whatever their child's part, it was so important they be there. As each song was sung and the Christmas story presented, I watched as our children and others said their lines. Our youngest, in first grade was one of the wise men. Little Brian had been practicing his lines, so serious, as he was one of the three who would be traveling from afar to see the baby Jesus. When the play ended, beaming eyed children ran up to their parents, each one wanting praises on how well they did. This was followed by a time of refreshments in the Church fellowship hall. The children were happy their Grandparents had made the trip, but they would have to postpone their visit until another time, as the snow was still coming down, and the roads were getting worse. We left the Church with three tired little sleepy heads who cuddled up in the back-seat for the trip home. I don't recall a thing about the gifts that year, only that our children were happy and the love of new friends helped to make it special. What I also remember about that Christmas with our new Church family, was being included in a cookie exchange, a special Christmas party my husband and I were invited to, a gift exchange, and the fun of working with other parents on the Christmas program for the children. That evening after we returned home from Church, the kids were eager to change into their nightclothes and go to bed. We tucked each one in, telling them again how proud we were of the fine job they had done. After spending some time with my hubby, just enjoying the lights from the Christmas tree, we talked about the evening and the happy feeling of watching as our children grow and take part in things that would be a stepping stone for other activities, we too went to bed. I checked in on the kids once more. I pulled covers up around Brian, and kissed his cheek. From a little guy peacefully sleeping, who had been filled with such excitement came the unmistakable words from the play "We are wise men traveling from afar, we have come to worship Him." In that moment when Brian dreamily echoed the lines he had practiced so hard, my Christmas felt complete. His words made me aware of how much each child felt a part of their new home and Church. I was afraid it would all be so hard on them moving to a new area. Instead, an unforgettable Christmas joy came when we were able to give of ourselves. From the smallest things, bountiful blessings came. "That load becomes light which is cheerfully borne" Ovid Diane Dean White thelamb212 @ aol.com (You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today’s story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. She and her husband Stephen are the parents of three grown children, and two grand-gals. They make their home in South Carolina where Diane continues her love for writing. Her new book BEACH WALKS which includes this story and other heartwarming stories will be available soon. For more information on ordering this book, you may E-mail Diane at thelamb212@aol.com or visit her book site at http://bw.newsmoose.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- Maria, What a sweet story, and such a lovely poem. You have a great talent for writing. I love all of your stories, and I know there are many more to come. Hugs, Pat ***** Maria's stories always have such a peace about them. I always look forward to her writings. Pam --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner I have a magnolia tree over my patio that sheds at this time of the year. I told my grandsons that the patio would be a great canvas for sidewalk chalk. You should have seen the activity to get out the leaf blower and rakes to clean it up. I had colorful murals in my back yard till it rained. And the boys never thought they were doing work. God Bless Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2002 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors. --------------------------------------------------------------- All subscriptions sent to your e-mail free of charge.