I feel him pulling
Moving away
Gently he slips
In directions
Opposite me

Testing his wings
Determined and courageous
The look in his eyes
Reveals fear of
Full flight

No longer
My little boy
Always my baby

No matter how
Far from me
The universe
Takes him

Of typical concern
My own human flaws
Hoping my guidance
Has properly prepared him

I opened the envelope, slowly removed the card, and realized immediately that it was so much more than that.

Greenery of a pine tree trimmed the edges, nestled in the corner was a gold globe ornament, encasing the image of my beautiful friend Denise and her son. Their eyes sparkling, filled with love, smiles of happiness and pure joy, radiating from the image, wrapping around my heart.

Mother and Child, the embodiment of Christmas; a reminder in times when commercialism reaches its peak and we’re all expected to give and receive, what’s truly important in life and why we celebrate this wondrous season in the first place. Even more special because of the trials and tribulations I know they’ve overcome, to get to that captured moment in time; sharing with me that joyous piece of their lives.

A single, simple card, meant as a holiday greeting; the best gift I could hope to receive; one that will be treasured long after the season reaches its end. A reminder in this turbulent world that it all comes down to love…