My Dad died six years ago today. Here is the last photo I have of him with my own children. The photo happened to be with Ben. By the time this photo was taken in 1998, Dad’s liver cancer had spread beyond repair and it was to be our last year with him on this level of existence. As he came to know Ben, I shared my concern that Ben didn’t seem to be developing as “typical” and wasn’t quite sure what to do. As if there was anything to do at that point. Dad said to leave it to “time and God.” And now we know, Dad.
Dad worked hard to make sure we children always knew the “magic” of Christmastime and “Santa Claus.” When I made the discovery that he and Mom were “Santa” in “Spirit,” I was not so disappointed as Awed that they would perpetuate such a Grand Scheme on our behalf. And that they would do this while taking absolutely no credit for the miracles that occurred under our Christmas Tree. Amazing Grace for certain. And Oh Ho Ho Ho! The absolute best part of that Awe was for us older children to be "In On It." Yep. We were then privy to the "Secret Grand Scheme" and could participate in "helping" keep the Faith for the younger siblings. We got to discover the secret places wherein the gifts were hidden. The attic! Oh Ho Ho Ho! Under Mom and Dad's bed! Oh Ho Ho! What a great plan Mom and Dad! So, we went on in Joy as Santa's Helpers. No, Dad was not perfect and he was a man who had to face his own demons very late in life. But, he did it.
So, Merry Christmastime “Papa” and we hope your place is amongst the high Guardian Angels. We follow your example in our own "Holly Jolly" Christmastimes.
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