[Nik-key]

I wonder if I can share a Christmas story that has always held a special place in my heart and helped me tonight.....

Christmas 2002.............. After having 3 failed brain surgeries and facing another .. when my family asked me what I wanted for Christmas I requested only one thing.... having the WHOLE family come home for Christmas. Not an easy task, just my immediate family(then), siblings -their spouses and children, parents and grandparents.... was a total of 41 people scattered from NH to Washington state.

They all granted my one wish, every single person came home and we had the most fantastic Christmas one could ever imagine. So loud! Lord but I loved it. This Christmas stands out in my memory for another reason as well....I found the magic of the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of a child.

My twin sis was getting the kids then 6 and 4 ready to come over, everything was hectic and in the rush their dog slipped outside. Tragically, he was hit by car. My brother rushed over to pick up sis and the kids while another took the dog to the vets. By the time the children arrived at my house, only 15 mins away, their beloved dog had passed away on the operating room table.

I am the "chosen one" in my family... the one everyone turns to, and expects to deliver bad news.... How was I to tell these sweet angels, their "baby" was gone? And on Christmas of all days!! My stomach was in knots as I knelt down and shared the news as gently as I could.............then it happened..........

My 6 year old nephew had tears streaming down his face, and through sobs said... Today is Christmas.......... It is Jesus’ Birthday.... Cody was just the best dog ever!!! I bet God thought, what better gift to give His son, than a dog like our Cody...............

I could not help it, I had tried so hard! But tears were now streaming down my face too.......And just to try and finish me off... my 4 year old niece chimed in..... I love Cody!!! But I bet God loved His son just as much, and He gave His son to me, so yes .. I am glad Jesus has our Cody.

ACCCK........... I had to leave the room, there was no way I could control the tears now. When I gathered myself, I came back out to console the children.... and they had decided since it WAS Jesus’ birthday, we SHOULD have a cake for Him!.......We baked a cake right then!
And every year since, we have made Jesus a cake Out of the mouths of babes.....

[Koala77]

Thank you for sharing that Nik-key. I feel like I was there with you.

I know this Christmas won't be the same for you, for me or for many others here at NT, but please know that I am here for each and every one of you should you need a friend to call upon..... just like you were in your story Nik-Key.

Yes I have my own problems which have clouded Christmas for me this year, but I know that the friends that I've made here will hold me up and help me through these difficult times ahead.

Looking forward to sharing your Jesus cake with you this year Nik-key.

[jaded2nite]

I thought of this poem when I read this:

I wish someone had given little Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore him for being devine.

As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog
Would have followed him all through the day
While he preached to the crowds,
Made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.

It is sad to remember that Christ went away
To face death alone and apart
With no tender dog following close behind
To comfort the Master's heart.

When Jesus rose that easter morn,
How happy He would have been as His dog
Kissed His hand and barked its' delight
For the one who had died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now;
I just sent him mine, the one so dear to me-
And I smile through my tears
On this first day alone
Knowing they are in eternity.

[mistiis]

...oh, this just made me beak down and cry...it is so beautiful...thank you (((Nikki))) (((jaded))) (((Koala)))....I, too, am looking forward to sharing that cake. Gosh, what a wonderful forum family we have here...

[who moi]

now THAT...

is what Christmas is all about...

(((((BIG HUGS))))) for the broom....

[Nik-key]

((Moi)) it truly IS what Christmas is all about....... remembering that story, reliving it last night........ well there aren't words to express the strength it gave me. I may falter at any moment, but now I know just what I will think of when it seems too much.

((Jaded)) Wow! I have never heard that Every year since they were babes, I have read the children a special story on Christmas Eve as I tucked them into to bed. You just gave me my Christmas Eve story, thank you!

((mistiis)) I agree! And I would love to share the cake with all of you!

((Koala))

Yes I have my own problems which have clouded Christmas for me this year, but I know that the friends that I've made here will hold me up and help me through these difficult times ahead.

Out of the mouths of babes, AND ((koalas)) I have always loved this saying, and it seems fitting now.....

[Buffheart]

Aren't kids amazing!

They took that news like the brave little soldiers that they are.

I remember my grandmother would always wish Jesus a Happy Birthday on Christmas. Now I try and do the same thing

[Koala77]

Thank you Nik-key, that's lovely!

When my DD got very first ever pet, it was a tabby cat, and his name was Cody. He was such a gentle and loving cat. She loved that cat with all her heart... we all did, but he finally passed away at 16 human years due to kidney failure.

[Twinkletoes]

Wow, how did I miss this thread?

Such beautiful stories and poems, everyone! Thanks so much!

[Nik-key]

((buffheart)) I can't thank you enough for bringing this post back up to the top. I had meant to keep it in my heart and in my mind... but when I got too far down I couldn't see it any more. Thank you for reminding me Nikki