Heartfelt Wishes

There are personal wishes

and universal wishes.

I sat down the other day to see if what I really desired at this time of the year

was anything to do with the usual stressful ambiance of the Christmas season

which seems to be happening  around me, but not within me.

Oh yes,

I love creating decorations with crochet and hook

a few bells 

a candle or two

and beautiful music,

but more than any material gift

I desire the presence of peace and harmony.

On a universal level, like most people, I would like world peace

that no one should suffer from hunger 

and that we would all take responsibility for climate change.

One of the things that we can all do

is to focus on abundance instead of lack

for it leads us to the path of contentment.

What are the most important things for you during this month of December?

Have you tried making a list of your most heartfelt wishes?

A Life Well Remembered: A Story

When I was twelve and my brother six, my mother left to make a new life for herself,

without us.

My father became a single parent.

Every day of my adult life, I am thankful that my brother and I were brought up by my dad.

It wasn't always easy, especially during our teen years,

but dad did his best to be the best dad he could be.

I consider myself lucky as I have inherited my dad's positive and upbeat attitude,

his love and enthusiasm for life and his caring nature.

Dad was full of fun and was always there for me when I needed him.

When I became a mother to three lovely children, 

I realized the true value of my dad's upbringing.

There isn't a day goes by when I don't think of the father I was given,

how lucky I was and how I shall always be truly thankful.

I'll never forget all he did for me 

and I'll never forget that smile of his

and his wonderful twinkling blue eyes.

Photo:

Two photos of Dad, a book of poems he gave to me,

his Parker fountain pen, which I still use,

and a handkerchief with his initial, J for John, which he once left when he came to stay

and which I laundered and kept in memory of him.

His writing in a birthday card he sent to me.

***

Joining Sarah at Paisley Rain Boots and Lee at Sea Blue Lens

for Scene & Story