My Christmas Gift

On December 28th, it will be the one year anniversary of my wife's passing.  The week before she passed, we attended a Taizé Candlelight Service at her church, which was something she very much wanted to do.  She had battled cancer for four years and was known for digging deep, and did once again, finding the strength to attend the service despite her rapidly declining health. 

For weeks this year, I have felt an urging to attend the Taize service.  I have not been back to the church since my wife's memorial service, but felt her guiding me to attend the Taize.

 A little history of our Christmases together:  I am red/green color blind.  Sensitive to this reality, my wife would always incorporate something blue into our Christmas--   one year a blue ornament, another year blue wrapping paper, a blue bow, a blue card and even a blue sweater.  So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when I walked into the Taize service last night only to find the most amazing Christmas tree on the altar-- covered top to bottom in  blue lights.   It was spectacular.  Once again, my wife managed to give me the typical blue Christmas gift.. this spectacular tree. 

The blue Christmas tree has put a new light and face on my Christmas, changing it from one of avoidance to that of joy.  A photo of the tree is on my phone's wallpaper and is a daily reminder of the spirit of the season and knowledge that my wife is thinking of me from the other side.  The best gift I could ever receive!  

Posted by a friend

Offertory Gifts

Shared by a friend:

On Sunday, May 18^th, 2014 I attended Mass with my two children.  Due to their busy schedules, it was rare that we could attend Mass together.  I was grateful.  As we arrived at the church my children were asked by the usher to bring the gifts up during the offertory, which they agreed to do.  

As I knelt to pray, I suddenly realized how special the request was – May 18^th was the 26^th anniversary of my mother’s death.  The last time my children were asked to bring up the offertory gifts was August 26^th, 2013, my mother’s birthday.  Coincidence?  No!  God had given us such a gift on both those days.  As we left church on May 18^th, I asked the usher why she had chosen my children to carry up the offertory gifts.  Her response was that she saw something in their faces and that God wanted her to ask them.  I explained that it was the anniversary of my mother’s death.  She was grateful I had told her for she now understood why God had her ask them.  Thank God for his wonderful winks!