Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas is EVERY day for me...

Hubby and I finally got the last of the gifts wrapped and stowed around the tree. He scanned the packages and said, “You don’t have anything under there.”

I laughed and replied, “I don’t need anything under there and besides, YOU already broke our agreement of not buying gifts for each other.
He grinned and shook his head. “I told you. That wasn’t a Christmas gift. It’s an I love you gift.”

If you happen to visit my Facebook page, this is the picture I posted of Mr. Sneaky’s I love you  gift.  This behavior is just ONE of the reasons I feel like every day is Christmas and have felt that way pretty much since June 1979.
That was when my knight in shining armor rescued me from an emotionally abusive hell. It’s been a long road and a painful struggle, but he’s taught me (and is still teaching me) the meaning of love, acceptance and trust.

Along the way, I received the wondrous gifts of two amazing daughters. Sometimes, I still look at them in disbelief. How could I have given birth to such two beautiful individuals? And then there’s my granddaughter. *sigh* Such a delightful gift. She gifts me with joy every day.

I’ve worked at the same job for twenty-three years. My co-workers are more like family than long time friends. I know there are lots of folks who’d love to have that gift.

Every day of my life, I receive more gifts than I could EVER begin to list here: laughter, renewed health, the devoted love of my dog, generous folks who take the time to let me know they consider me a friend. Never underestimate the power of something as simple as a smile or telling someone you care.

So, while I treasure this time of year. Christmas is every day for me.

24 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post! And an awesome gift. I had an abusive ex (now deceased) and I feel very fortunate to now have my own white knight. We are truly lucky to have wonderful family and friends all year round. I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday!

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  2. Happy holidays to you too, Gale! Your friendship is one of the gifts I cherish. :-)

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  3. Oh, Maeve, what a wonderful post today! You are truly blessed. What a fabulous fella. No wonder you write romance. Thanks for visiting me today at Heather Hiestand's blog. Your blog is great. I'm always looking for "blog swappers" anytime you want to hook up. ;) Happy holidays.
    Liz
    Message To Love
    The Wild Rose Press

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  4. Happy holidays, Liz! I really enjoyed your post today and am so looking forward to reading your book. Thank you for stopping by and we'll definitely "blog swap" in the future. I'd be honored! :-)

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  5. and you have a (MUCH younger) brother who loves you very much and understands you (most of the time...) :) I am very thankful for the gift of a loving (elder) sister who has supported my tentative steps into writing. Without your encouragement my novel would never have been complete - I can't tell you how much your friendship has meant all these years. Merry Christmas to you sis!

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  6. That is a lovely post. I was counting my own blessings today and they really added up. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, you and all of your family!

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  7. It must be the season, Kate, that makes us pause and realize just how great we've got it! Happy holidays to you, my friend! And I hope you're blessed with a prosperous new year. :-)

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  8. *sigh* And yes, my dearest baby brother. Even though you're such a rascal - I count you among my many gifts. You know I love you and you know how much I believe in you. You're a beautiful person AND a great writer. Merry Christmas, little Brother.

    :-)

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  9. Oh Maeve - you never fail to remind me how wonderful life is - thank you! You are a truly lovely spirit and deserve all lifes riches that have come your way.

    Best of luck to you Michael! And huge congrats on finishing your novel! I'll look out for your name in the near future!

    LaVerne

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  10. Thank you so much for such sweet words, LaVerne. I hope you and yours have the best of holidays and that all your wishes come true.

    :-)

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  11. Thank you, Melinda. I appreciate your stopping by --especially during this busy time of year.

    :-)

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  12. Hi Maeve,
    It takes grace to count the blessings in our lives. Thank you for the timely reminder.

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  13. Thank YOU for stopping by, Cherie!

    :-)

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  14. Maeve, What an awe-inspiring post. I agree with LaVerne. You never cease to show us all the true meaning of friendship, and appreciation for the wonderful gifts that life grants. Thanks for sharing a little of your "every day is Christmas" with us!

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  15. What a wonderful post. I have to agree, my life is pretty special too and I fall deeper in love with my husband as time goes by.

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  16. Thank you AJ & Patsy! I hope you both have a wonderful holiday and all your wishes & dreams come true.

    :-)

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  17. Maeve, what a lovely story. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for your happiness. Wish I could find my knight in shining armor!

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  18. Awww...thank you, Bianca. My wonderful knight showed up when I least expected it...and when I needed him the most. I hope the coming year brings you happiness and joy and all your wishes realized.

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  19. It makes you realize that you should never take life for granted. It's great to hear that he's still your knight in shining armor after so many years of marriage (and your best friend). Great post, Maeve!

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  20. Thanks for stopping by, Victoria! Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to you, my friend.

    :-)

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  21. Such a lovely post Maeve. Have a wonderful holiday, and wishing you all good things in the year to come!

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  22. Thank you so very much, Cate! Know that I wish all the same wonderful things for you.

    :-)

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  23. Wow, such an amazing life you have. I'm lucky to share most of the same miracles. I wish you all the best this holiday season. Although, everyday is Christmas at your house (I love that) I hope it is an especially bright day with your family.

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