Month: December 2016

Life on the fringe feel
along the edge, fall off the
top.   Sink into there.

I’ve been assigned the job of reading Letter’s to Santa and posting them to Facebook for my organization.  People enjoy reading the handwritten lists and the colorful pictures that accompany them.  There are a lot of claims of being good this year, and some honest confessions of trying to be nice to brothers and sisters.  “I try not to fight with my brother, but he can be a pain.”  “I am nice to my sister and try to help people.”  I especially enjoy the letters that start conversationally with Santa, “How are you and your elves…?”  “Did you have a good summer…?”  “How are your reindeer doing?”  These letters of childhood innocence and blind faith in the special fat man has renewed my holiday spirit, and confirmed my feelings that Christmas is for children.

I remember Christmas’ growing up, waking up at 3am and running down stairs to see what was under the tree.  My parent’s probably had only been in bed only a few hours.  We seldom got what was on our list when I think back, but there was always something we were happy about getting.  With six kids and a meager income, it’s amazing we had any gifts at all.  But, we believed with our whole heart that Santa
would come through and he always did.

Now, as I scan letters, I wonder how many of these kids will get what’s on their list.  Some lists are simple and sincere with only a few items.  Other letters have lists that go on for 5 pages.  Will they be rewarded by Santa for being good all year?  Have they been good ALL year?  One letter that got me giggling was the child who asked, “…Santa can you let me know if I’m on the naughty list….”  I guess he wanted a heads up on his chances of getting what he wanted for Christmas.  And why not get a little forewarning on what to expect?  I applaud this kid, he just wanted to know his chances of getting the loot
he wanted.

Sharing these letters with our readers is so special.  No names are mentioned, just the lists and the conversation they try to have with Santa.  More often than not, these adorable kids make sure to wish Santa a Merry Christmas.  They truly have a loving and giving heart in the spirit of Christmas.  Some even say, “…you can give me whatever you want…”  How sweet is that?  Will some be disappointed if everything on their list isn’t delivered?  Maybe some kids will  get everything on their list, but for those that don’t, it’ll be OK.   Santa will come through for them.

He always does.

The ice crashes into the glass, soon to be submerged with my thoughts.  Drown it all.  These are my happy hours.  Wet the slate clean. The doctor said he couldn’t drink.  Drink and you die, abstain…

Source: In Your Backyard

An hour or a two with friends,
Renew  your faith in love.
Look at their faces and see the
connection within.

Love can seem bogus until that smile,
the magnetic wrench that brings you in.
The basic innocent feeling of self-appreciation.
You are my friend, I love you.
Are you happy?  Be happy.

Laugh until your belly hurts.  Laugh.
Deep breath for the quiet feelings.
Quiet comes after the laughter.
Clink glasses and hug, laugh, hug.
Tight.

There’s a tree that claims your family with
branches intertwined and tangled.
Scream Uncle when your brothers
twist your arm.  Swear revenge.
I Swear.

Are you twisted or is your mind
imaging what it’s supposed to be like?
Kiss your Grandmother, and punch your
sister.  Call shotgun and just try to claim
the front seat.  Yeah.

Follow the branches to the tip.
Are you a bud or a knot?
The bud is so pretty but much too
fragile.  Be the knot , mangled and
imperfect, but strong.

Sweet dreams and bedtime stories,
just sometimes. Parents are exhausted.
Brush your teeth, wash behind your ears,
fight to claim your territory. Pray, and mean it.
Pray hard.