Friday, November 16, 2007

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas


Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My favourite part? Giving gifts. Whether they are homemade, or bought, hours of preparation and looking for that "perfect" gift is my objective. Over the years my children, and step-children have cried because they were so touched with a particular present that I gave. That is what I try to achieve every year for my friends and family.

There are two particular Christmases where my daughter, Sarah, had me cry. Today I would like to share one of those Christmases with you.

Sarah plays the piano and was in a Christmas recital six years ago, when she was 16. Sarah never, ever, agreed to play more than one piece for every recital she played in. This particular year, I was so excited because not only was there more than one song on the program we received, but there was three. Yes, three whole songs! All I kept saying was, "wow, I can't believe she is playing more than one piece. I'm so excited." Anticipation was building up. I was so excited to hear her play three pieces. Then it was Sarah's turn to play. What was she doing? She wasn't going to the piano like the others. Rather she came up to the front of the stage and looked down at me with the biggest smile I have ever seen. The moment she said, "tonight I'm not going to play the songs on the program" I started to cry, knowing very well that Sarah was going to surprise me some how. As I cried, in the front row for everyone to see, I heard her finish her speech.

"Tonight, I'm not going to play the songs on the program. My mom does not know this, but I have been practicing a song she has always asked me to play since I started piano lessons. Tonight I'm going to play Charlie Brown's Christmas. Merry Christmas, Mom." This Christmas present was so special to me, and it is one that I will always remember.

12 comments:

Penny said...

Awww, how lovely of your daughter:) And a STUNNING card! Love the colouring on this.

K Hutchinson said...

First the story is so touching! It make me cry! Second this card is gorgeous! Oh mother of god help me make it until Christmas!

Sandra Evertson said...

Lovely post and Love the card just below too!
Sandra Evertson

Tami Bayer said...

Awww, it made me cry. You raised a beautiful daughter. Thanks for sharing your story.

♥ cloudberrie ♥ said...

Loved to read your story! And also to hear about your christmas preparations, you give me the spirit to enjoy this time of the year.

I tried to e-mail you but I got the mail back.

Lovly cards you make!

Have a nice weekend!
Best wishes from Eva

Debbie - StudioBeeCreations said...

OK....I am crying now too!....Very touching...and what a most awesome memory for you!
Beeeeeeeeautiful story......AND the card is too!!!!!!!

Corie said...

WOW this is beautiful!!

Unknown said...

I knew if I raised such an awesome daughter that my grand daughter would be just as awesome. Your story made me cry too. Love, Mom

Dawn Wheeler said...

Beautiful card ,love the traditional colours ,Dawnx

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story. She sounds like a gem. And the card is stunning.

Deborah March said...

What a TREASURED memory Beth!

Maria said...

Awww, Beth. . .what a wonderful story. Your daughter is precious! What a wonderful surprise for you!

I love you card. The background is fabulous and the colors are stunning. I love everything about it!

Maria