I hope you’re having a beautiful day. ♡
Today, we’re celebrating a very special 4th anniversary of ¤ John’s Gratitude Day! ¤

Full Circle with a Bow!!!

What does Christmas mean to me? What is the gift of Christmas?

So many memories, most of them excellent!

The biggest thing that came to my mind when I was prompted to think of my biggest memory of Christmas was one Christmas when my Son came to visit me at my home. 

This would have been 20+ years ago when I lived alone and still was heavily ensconced in my alcoholism. Never isolated, I had a busy professional life, but not many meaningful personal relationships or interactions. Just lots of parties and drinking friends. I was very successful in Sports. But even with all of the wins and successes, those interactions only led to more and more drinking.

One Christmas, my Son stopped by just to give me a handwritten letter and card. I will never forget that it said, “I know how tough the Holidays are for you, but never forget that I love you.”

I have thought a lot over the years my life would have been had my son’s Mother chosen to remain married to me. Although it is virtually irrelevant now, it was like a crippling ball and chain I was dragging around for a couple of decades. This led to some very irresponsible behavior on my part and I suffered the resultant embarrassing consequences.

Now in reflection, the Gift in the mirror, ME, knows that his Mother and I worked together to mold and help to shape our son, who is the best thing that ever happened to either one of us.

The home in which my Son grew up is still the place where his mother and their extended family and many friends gather, and I am a welcome guest. 

Frankly, my friends, that is the only Christmas present I will ever need.

Fully Circled with a Bow!!!!

-John Olander