One of the Best Presents I Ever Received
Christmas 1994,
my wife had died in September. I did not want to put a tree
up, but the kids were all for it. So we dragged out the box
of ornaments and the tree. In the box with the tree was a
notebook.
I opened the book. It was a semi-journal from my deceased
wife. It was her way of being there that Christmas. In this
notebook, she wrote how
much she loved me and what a difference I had made in her
life. I had a great difficulty in reading the words through
misty eyes, yet felt warm and close to her. She went on and
wrote about the fact she was dying and how she wanted to
thank me for being there for her and with her.
That year for Christmas dinner, I set a place for her at the
table. She was present with us that Christmas and had given
me a present I will always treasure.
I have learned to write about my life, about my friends,
because in doing so, I can share the magic that has been
given me.
Merry Christmas one and all.
B. J. Cassady is a Stephen Minister at Edmond Trinity Church
and ISD
professional in Guthrie, Oklahoma. A disabled Vietnam era
USAF vet, BJ enjoys giving back to the world with his
writings and is putting together a CD audio collection of
his best writings. For further information please write:
bj.enterprises@juno.com
Also look for his story 'Medals' in "More Patriot Hearts" by
Lt Col William Coffey and "The Quilt" coming out August 2004
in "Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul".