A Christmas Letter

‘Twas a month before Christmas, Thanksgiving was done

I had just started out for an afternoon run.

12 miles was the distance that day I would go

It would prove to be slippery on the fresh fallen snow.

The paths were all icy so I ran on the street

It was easier there to stay on my feet.

I was cruising along at a comfortable pace

As my mind drifted off to a happier place.

When into my mind a thought just occurred

My ears started ringing and my eyes were all blurred.

I shook my head hard to get it out of my brain

I shook it so hard I feared my neck I would sprain.

But there it was fixed at the top of my mind

It was a nagging old thought—you all know the kind.

You would think that by now that I would somehow know better

Than to keep putting off writing this stupid letter.

But with time running out and with Christmas so near

I had to think of some things that happened this year.

Some things that my friends would all want to know

I thought of all this as I ran through the snow.

This year that just happened has not been the best

It’s been hard to find where our lives had been blessed.

Debbie’s two grandmas and aunt passed away

And I went six months without work and no pay.

Our cars are all old and falling apart

The truck’s in the driveway not able to start.

Our house needs repairs that we cannot afford

I tell you, my friends, when it rained it just poured!

As I ran down the road all these thoughts I let linger

Then a guy honked his horn and he gave me the finger!

Well, this made me mad and I yelled at the stranger

Then I looked up ahead…in a yard was a manger.

The owners had placed right there in their yard

A reminder to me I don’t have it so hard.

Mary and Joseph—three wise men were there

Of course, baby Jesus was placed there with care.

A scene from the past of that first Christmas day

When Jesus was born and laid in some hay.

No room they were told in the inn on that night

So they trusted in God to make it all right.

And God did just that by sending his son

Jesus was sent to save everyone.

By dying and rising our sins have been pardoned

But a life without pain was not in the bargain.

So I stayed on my run and I thought about stuff

And how all that I have is really enough.

I still have my family and I’m still pretty healthy

And in most of the world I’d be considered quite wealthy.

We lost special people and we’ll miss them no doubt

But their lives were a blessing—that’s what life is about.

And I do have a job, now—I work for DryTech

We restore people’s homes when their homes are a wreck.

I was done with my run and I felt I’d done well

To think of some things that I thought I should tell.

But who should be waiting as I walked through the door?

It was Debbie, my wife, and she looked pretty sore.

“Hi, precious darling,” I said while I shook

As she stood in the entry and gave me that look.

“Don’t give me that crap!” She said back to me

“But I’ve started our letter!”  I replied with a plea.

Then I told her my plan from beginning to end

Of the message I had and wanted to send.

But when I was done she said in a shout

“That isn’t bad, Mike, but you’ve left some stuff out!”

“Mikey and Jamie had twins in September!”

“That’s a pretty big deal, Mike, I’m sure you remember!”

“And how ‘bout Alyssa, she’s expecting soon, too!”

“I’d say that’s important, I don’t know about you.”

Two more new grandkids and a “great” on the way

We truly are blessed I guess you could say.

And we’re blessed by your friendships that we treasure so dear

So Merry Christmas, our friends, and Happy New Year!

                                Debbie and Mike

.....Epic Poem mike/////.............and a Merry Christmas to you

Nice Mike.  One blessing I received this year was meeting you in Knoxville

Nice letter as always, Mike!  You have a real talent for writing.

One of the highlights of 2012 for me was running my 1st marathon, and I'm glad you were here to share it with me!  And I'm glad you didn't get too bored here for a week...   Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Very nice!

Wonderful letter, Mike.  Thanks so much for sharing.  It's a blessing to have you in my life, even if it's only via the 'net.  Your sense of humor and "never say die" attitude are contagious and wonderful!