Sunday, January 9, 2011

My Christmas Present

I did not want to do Christmas this year. But Christmas came anyway.
Christmas morning, I decided to go out for a walk. I was spending Christmas at my daughter's; the evening had been fun, especially watching the little ones opening their gifts. But this morning, I needed to be alone, so left them warm and cozy in front of the fireplace, toys strewn all over the floor.

I opened the front door to a cold morning. However, bits of sunshine were peaking through the clouds, so out I went. Not having a plan at all, I just walked, automatically turning my face towards the sun. After about 10 minutes or so, I realized I was in the neighbourhood of David's childhood home. Somehow my feet had taken me in that direction.

I stood on the sidewalk gawking at his childhood home. Taking some deep breaths of clear cold air I tried to absorb precious energy waves of Christmases long past.  I imagined David as a little boy, opening Christmas presents, playing street hockey with friends, eating turkey with his family. David with a smile on his face looking out at the world with those sparkly brown eyes - the ones I'd fallen in love with.

There was nobody about, so I took my time. I wasn't quite sure what people would think of a middle-aged lady anchored to the sidewalk gazing at an ordinary house. Was she going to knock on the door? Or was she just going to stand there all day in the freezing cold?

Eventually I turned away. Probably should get back, I thought to myself. I'm getting cold and the kids must be wondering where I am. Ahhhh, but in the distance I could see the Lake, the sparkly, silvery Lake, luring me with its charm. What is it about water? Whether it is winter or summer, I feel the irresistible pull of a lake, river, or ocean. Just a little farther, they seem to say. And I'm never disappointed.  

So I continued down the sidewalk all the way to the end of the street. Then the sidewalk ended in a footpath which led to the Lake. As I got closer to the water, I braced myself to be hit in the face with a cold gust of wind, but the air was still. The scene in front of me was beautiful in its serenity; snow-covered evergreens at the shoreline, silvery ice crystals adorning water's edge, soft clouds, calm water, all was quiet and peaceful.

Without warning the glorious Sun burst forth, transforming the soft greyness of the landscape into shimmering, shining gold. It was as if David had popped out of the clouds to greet me with a joyful:
"Hi Sweetheart, Merry Christmas! I was waiting for you to get here!"

I stood there absorbing the golden sunlight, feeling David's love and warmth enveloping me. What a nice Christmas gift! And well worth the long walk and cold toes.

Just then a dog ran up, startling me by rudely sticking its nose right between my legs! The owners were horrified, and called out an apology, but I just laughed and petted the dog. 

"Ha! Still trying to get between my legs, are ya David?"  Smiling to myself I started back towards Daughter's home.

18 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

I am always speechless when I come here. You have such a way with describing things and are so incredibly strong. How wonderful the messages David has been sending. Miracles of love.
Mary

amelia said...

Wendy, you really should have been a writer. You have such a way with words that really tell a story.
I'm happy you had a good Christmas, or at least as good as it could be...

Rose said...

Wendy, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful experience for Christmas. I agree with Amelia--you are such a gifted writer, and your posts are always thoughtful and often funny. You should collect all of these musings into a book. There are so many besides those of us who read your blog who would be moved and inspired by your experiences.

Karin said...

So glad the Lord gave you extra special experiences at Christmas to show you His love through the many memories you and your husband shared!

Grayquill said...

That lump in my throat is becoming a framiliar feeling when I come to your blog. You write beautifully. Your words always draw me into your moments. Thanks - I feel honored!

Jackie said...

Warm hugs and love to you, Wendy. You have an incredible gift for taking words and touching the heart....
Love,
Jackie

Marimoy said...

This made me tearful in a really happy way. :)

Anonymous said...

Wendy, I'm so glad you had that experience on Christmas. Another beautiful post...I agree with the other commenters. I love the way you write!

Lovely picture of Jasmine on your header.(Hugs)

Beverly said...

I was getting goosebumps and then bam, you got me with the "leg" thought!!! You do have a way with words... I say while smiling.

Hilary said...

You never fail to make me tear up and to smile. And I always walk away with the feeling that you and David share THE perfect love. Still.

Ruth said...

It sounds like you had a lovely Christmas day in spite of your loss. But then, you are looking for beauty and meaning and you do find it.

denverdoc said...

Well the universe and David certainly have persistent and amusing ways of making you smile!

Maggie May said...

That was lovely. I did enjoy reading it!
You do make me smile the way you interpret David's visits.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Betsy Banks Adams said...

OH what a wonderful story, Wendy... You could be a writer since you express yourself so well. Why don't you consider writing a book of some kind???? I think it would be marvelous...

Loved what you did on Christmas. I'm sure that David was smiling down on you --in addition to still trying to get between your legs... ha ha (Love it).

Hugs,
Betsy

E said...

This is my 2nd time here. I find reading then returning I envision even more of what you write. I closed my eyes this time and could see and feel the water. You do inspire every one. And are very gifted. I feel you are make way for the next chapter of your life. I am so glad you still see the awe in the water. And feel the love surrounding you.
Big hug.
Thanks for reading back in my blog. My thought are rambling. And my wish is they fall out and inspire others the way you do.

E said...

Is reading between the lines your new book. How exciting. July is not far away. and I can't wait to read it. I hope I am the first to buy it. : )

JeanMac said...

David is always close

Q said...

Dear Wendy,
Once again you remind me how absolutely wonderful your love is. As I follow your heart I too am surrounded by the beauty and the humor. You know you touch us? Right? To the core!
Looking forward to "Reading Between the Lines." Can I order an advance copy?
Congratulations....wow! When you come to the U.S. on book tour be sure and let me know!
Hugs,
Sherry