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On this night, a comforting message(Merry Christmas!)
Chicago Tribune ^ | December 24, 2007 | John Kass

Posted on 12/24/2007 7:24:41 AM PST by kellynla

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 the parents lingering in the doorways of the bedrooms, watching those sleeping shapes. For all the babies who aren't loved 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 that adopts a child to save a life. For those who've tried to have children, but can't. For those who've lost their children. For the kids who've lost their moms and dads.

And for the crazy uncles who will drink too much and tell wacky jokes and put on the red suit and dance outside, before sneaking back in to surprise all those laughing kids. And for the aunts who make sure the coffee is strong, so the crazy uncles sober up.

For the men and women of all the choirs, who've been practicing for months, gathering on weeknights after work 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 that we might ask for help to begin scraping away any bitterness that has taken root.

For every friend and relative, uncle and aunt and cousin who haven't waited for this one night to build something important. All year they've been building it, with their concern and love.

They show up on a Thursday afternoon in June, on some cool morning in November. They stop by to see if you are OK.

(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: christmas; merrychristmas
Merry Christmas!

Semper Fi, Kelly

1 posted on 12/24/2007 7:24:42 AM PST by kellynla
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To: kellynla

bump for later read


2 posted on 12/24/2007 7:25:16 AM PST by VOA
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To: kellynla
Good stuff!

Καλα Χριστουγεννα!

3 posted on 12/24/2007 7:30:27 AM PST by Kolokotronis (Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!)
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To: kellynla
For all the babies who aren't loved and may grow up with a hard crust around their hearts

Ever think that a hard crust might not be a bad thing?

4 posted on 12/24/2007 7:36:54 AM PST by Old Sarge (This tagline in memory of FReeper 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub)
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To: Old Sarge
Hard crusts are only good on a lovely french bread or creme brulee.
5 posted on 12/24/2007 7:44:28 AM PST by kimmie7
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To: kimmie7

Or for reading FR threads...


6 posted on 12/24/2007 7:45:48 AM PST by Old Sarge (This tagline in memory of FReeper 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub)
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To: Old Sarge

‘Tis better to TRUST, than to crust.

Merry CHRISTmas.


7 posted on 12/24/2007 8:02:06 AM PST by wizr ("Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, Hope Rides Alone." Sgt. E Jeffer)
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To: kellynla

Merry Christmas!


8 posted on 12/25/2007 6:20:39 AM PST by ContraryMary (New Jersey -- Superfund cleanup capital of the U.S.A.)
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To: ContraryMary

and a very Merry Christmas to you!


9 posted on 12/25/2007 11:37:42 AM PST by kellynla (Freedom of speech makes it easier to spot the idiots! Semper Fi!)
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