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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| A Christmas blessing from John Kass |
| 2009-12-24 |
| And no snark, please; especially on the need to pray for the president. We should also pray for our other politicians as well. For all the children who should be loved always, but especially on this wondrous night, with our arms around them and a long good-night kiss on the temple, a kiss more precious than anything wrapped in a box. For all the parents who linger in the doorways of the bedrooms, watching those sleeping shapes. For all the babies who aren't loved enough, and may grow up with a hard crust around their hearts because someone neglected to plant those kisses and give those hugs. For every couple who adopts a child and saves a life. For those who've tried to have children, but can't. For those who've lost their children, and for the children who've lost their moms and dads. And for the crazy uncles who will drink too much tonight, and tell wacky jokes and put on the red suit and dance outside in the cold, before sneaking in to surprise the laughing kids. For those wise aunts who make sure the coffee is strong, so the crazy uncles can sober up. For all the men and women and children of all the choirs of the world. They've been practicing for months, gathering on weeknights in empty churches, so that on this night they may carry us with their harmonies. And for their voices that gently invite us to humble ourselves, so we can ask for help and begin scraping away any bitterness that has taken root. For the friends, relatives and neighbors who haven't waited for one night to build what is important. All year they've been building it. They show up on a Thursday afternoon in June or some cool morning in November, just to see if you're OK. So tonight is theirs and tomorrow, too, because they are family, by friendship or by blood, by the acts of family. For those who are far away and can't make it home this year. And for those who've been distant in so many other ways, worrying they've been gone too long, wondering if it's too late. But because of this night, we're given new hope. The door is always open. Just reach for it and see. For those who keep their sense of humor and count to 10, and for those of us who only make it to 7, and wish we'd kept counting. For everyone who has made bad choices, but acknowledges what's been broken. Tonight is the night to begin again. For the old guys at the end of the bar, nursing their drinks, half-watching the TV and grateful there is a warm place to sit and hear laughter. And for the old women alone in their rooms, awake in bed, remembering these nights past and the laughter of children, nights when it wasn't so still, when there was so much to do and a houseful of hungry guests to feed. For all the young moms who are stressed and overwhelmed, with the kids and the bills and the shopping. For the dads and moms who've been out of work and need a job. And for everyone on the night shift tonight, and those who work tomorrow. For the families of our police officers, firefighters and paramedics working tonight, and for the police and firefighters and paramedics themselves, who run into danger to help us. For everyone in the hospitals praying for dignity and relief without shame or suffering. For the doctors who care for them. For the nurses who enter the room and pull up a chair, listening to quiet confessions. For the clergy who have struggled with belief, yet find it again, and are renewed. And for every sailor on every ship tonight, especially those standing watch on the bridge, looking out into cold black water, remembering brightly lit rooms. For our young president and our leaders. For members of the U.S. armed forces who protect us with their bodies and their lives. For the members of the intelligence services and Foreign Service who put themselves at risk for us. And for their parents and loved ones who wait for them. For our great nation that faces difficult days ahead. To those of you whom I've offended with my thoughtless and clumsy words and shrill tone on bad days. I'm sorry. And to those of you who've given this column a chance for more than 10 years now, visiting with me four mornings a week, and those of you who write or call or send an e-mail. My wife and I can't ever properly express our thanks. But we do thank you, again. For everyone who has kept hold of what is important about this special night. It is the message brought by that perfect child born in a manger in Bethlehem, who came to light the world. He is the gift. It is all about love. And I hope that it comes to you, and comforts you, and remains. From my wife, Betty, and our boys, from my mother and my brothers and their wives and children, from all of us to all of you and yours. Merry Christmas. |
| Posted by:mom |
| #4 May God watch over them and us all, whether we believe or not. Amen and amen. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2009-12-24 23:59 |
| #3 Amen |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2009-12-24 19:11 |
| #2 Got something in my eye... |
| Posted by: xbalanke 2009-12-24 18:57 |
| #1 Thank you. |
| Posted by: 49 Pan 2009-12-24 14:24 |