It is unsigned note to a parent with a run-away child, not ready to come home yet, but has not forgotten where home and love still lives.

The stars up in heavens are little infants that were not strong enough to survive in our world, but shine bright and beautiful in heavens. There is a star for each person killed by war, famine, and disaster, and even though they did not survive down here, they will never fade as long as there is life and their stars shine for universe to behold.

While this legent may or may not be true is really not important. Its knowing that we can look up in heavens on Christmas Eve and wish upon a star - and say thank you to those we loves and lost and even to those we never knew. It is realizing that no life is ever extinguished without finding new brillance in life that we don't fully understand. Our cherished family and friends are for all eternity as is our memory of who they were and what they meant to us.

On Christmas Eve, wish upon a star and know tha someone out there is really listening and smiling down on you. ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November

You leave your house with a to-do list in your wallet or purse. You come home and your to-do list is almost done and your wallet or purse is a bit lighter, unless you could those credit-card receipts that are weighing it down a bit. But, somehow, Christmas spirit has crept silently, very quietly, into your heart. You have a spring in your step, and a melody going through your mind. The coffee at coffee shop tasted just a bit mellower and waitress was really quite nice. The clerk was rushed but seemed to take that extra minute to help you out and when you thanked her, her face just lit up. The older lady sitting down on mall bench seemed tired, but responded with a smile that could melt your heart as you passed by and said "Merry Christmas."

The receipt for all these little extras in your day - a million dollars and all deposited right into your heart. The kids are just not making as much noise today, and making dinner is a breeze. You welcome night and sleep like a baby and you actually look forward to tomorrow.

You take a reality check - did everything really go smoothly yesterday or was there a bit of Christmas magic dused on your jacket as you passed that sidewalk Santa Claus. Something to think about, isn't it? ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November