thanks for the memories

Friday, December 22, 2017

My Christmas Gift

There is really one gift that is worthy to be given and received. Just as the first gift given on the first Christmas is the ultimate gift given on the first Easter, love is the only gift that has true value.  Granted all other gifts are valuable because of the love that is their motivator, still love given without thought of the cost and with no expectation attached has the greatest value.  Because of this truth I give to my family all of my love expressed in words that I can write though not often speak.

Douglas, your life, given to me on our wedding day reflects the love of Christ himself given in the Incarnation and in his Passion.  You have given to me each and every day wholly, truly, and unreservedly.  Never have you counted the cost, attached any expectation, or held back in all of the 35 years that you have been mine.  My gift to you, though a poor reflection is the pure intention of reflecting that love back to you.  Though the cliche says that actions speak louder than words I would like you to see my intentions as your gift. Your happiness and ultimate salvation is all I have ever and will ever desire for you.

Ian, when God sent you I thought there was no way my heart could hold all the love I felt.  There is no way a mother can express what her firstborn means to her. You are the living embodiment of the love that your father and I have for each other.  You show that love not only by the fact of your birth but by the man that you have become.  You have often heard it said you look like him but more than that you possess and show to the world all that is best in your father. You are selfless, humble, generous with both your goods and time.  The love that you have for your wife and children is reflected beautifully in the hard work that you do each day and in the faith in God that drives that work.

Ryan, there are no words to express the awe that I have for you.  When I think of your faith and intelligence, the things you write and the way you think I am sure that there must be none of me in your make up and only God and your father.  I have watched you grow from a little boy full of ideals and determination to a man who is fierce and determined.  Those who encounter your words, example, compassion, and the love you show to your wife and children cannot help but become better for having exposed to you.  I find myself waiting to see to what new heights, insights, and conclusions your quiet thoughtfulness have taken you.  You not only follow God  but you lead the way.

Adam, the best word I can use for you is joy.  From the first moment of your life you have brought joy to all who have been near you.  I watch the way that you love your wife and son and wonder that your heart hasn't left your chest with the love that is reflected their.  I listen to you talk both to Ryan and your father and am amazed at the depth of your faith.  Your smile and laughter and the bit of deviltry that lurk in them still light up the room when you are around and spread the same joy that has always followed you. 

Jason, though you don't see it you are the goodness between your father and I.  Hard work and helpfulness have been your creed since you could walk.  I have never known you to deny help to any who ask.  Those who know you best know that to have you on the job is to have a man who is going to start early, work hard, and stay on the job until it is done.  If stubbornness is a virtue then you are one of the most virtuous men I know.  God also filled you with talent.  When you sing or make music of any kind the world is always a better place.  I have seen you transported away from yourself, this world and all the trouble it holds when you were seated at a piano.  I have seen your big, calloused, work-worn hands turn gentle while bandaging a wound, holding a tiny baby, or soothing your distressed wife. 

Mary-Kate, what can I say.  You are my miracle.  It is no secret that I was bone deep afraid of having a girl.  How was I going to raise a little girl to be all that God would want when I struggled so?  You came along and taught me how.  Every day since you were born you have taken my hand and led me to God's grace and shown me how.  You have blossomed in ways that I never imagined a daughter of mine could or would.  You are generous, caring, loving, strong, compassionate, humble, talented, and any other thing you can name.  If God blesses you with a husband he will have to be a man among men 'cause I cannot imagine one good enough.  If not the way that you lavish yourself on your patients, nieces, nephews, and siblings is already beyond that of a mother's love.

Matthew, I love you.  When God sent you he knew what the future would be for this family and knew that you were the perfect ending for us.  You are loving, and funny.  You give without reserve like your father and siblings with a laugh and smile added on.  You love with tenderness that is touching to see and experience.  When you are gone from home the whole family feels a big void where you belong and when you return it is like you were never gone from us.  When you hold one of the babies or kneel before the Blessed Sacrament my heart barely stays within my chest.

All of you I love you.  All I do, each meal made, each garment washed and folded, every stitch taken every bit of dirt and dust dispelled are all in service of you.  This is my gift for you all this Christmas and forever.