THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

It is the time of year that many become so busy trying to find the perfect gift for loved ones; attempting to figure out how they will pay for it and run at such a hectic pace that they miss the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As I have grown older and become less active I find myself thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for and reflecting on the blessings of the past year. I have a wonderful caring wife, improved health, and had the opportunity for the first time in years to visit my oldest son and nieces and nephews back in Troy, New York where I was born and grew up.

The day before Thanksgiving I went to see my heart specialist. When I go for my checkups I take along poems that I've recently written which he and his wife enjoy reading. This time I took two of the poems I wrote after returning home from my trip along with my Christmas poem-letter. He asked me if I had written one for Thanksgiving. I told him I was planning to write one; which I did on Thanksgiving day.

I am attaching both my Thanksgiving and my Christmas poem letter. I hope they will encourage you to take a few moments from the hectic Christmas rat race and reflect upon the blessings in your life.

A SONG OF THANKSGIVING

A soft intermittent rain gently washes the faces of the few leaves remaining on the tree outside my window. Its work finished, small droplets glide from the edges of the leaves to the earth below. As the rain slows to a misty halt a breeze dries the moistened leaves and gently lifts them from the security of the branches allowing them to float blissfully to the ground. It twirls them in a mystical dance across the damp pavement and lets them rest against the rounded curb. Their journey is complete.

With their departure from the tree I can see more clearly through the naked branches, the unfurled flag fluttering in the breeze. A reminder of the price of peace we enjoy. A prelude to a day of Thanksgiving. Rejoice my soul; let me sing praises, not only to my God, but to his creation and his creatures. To those who so gallantly give their all that I might know the joy of freedom.

A song of Thanksgiving springs forth from my soul. The withered leaves of bygone trials gently slip away. The peace of God’s Spirit guides me to see the multitude of myriad benefits He bestows upon me, moment by moment.

Don E. Cunningham, Patriarch Octogenarian Poet ©11/27/08 213 words

PSALM 138

The Lord’s Goodness to the Faithful
A Psalm Of David.
I will praise You with my whole heart;  Before the gods I will sing praises to You. I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your loving-kindness and Your truth;
For You have  magnified Your word above all Your name. In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, When they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, For great is the glory of the Lord. Though the Lord is on high, Yet  He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

My Christmas poem – letter has already been mailed to my family and friends. Some have been receiving Christmas letters from me for over 50 years. Sharon and I always wait with anticipation for the Christmas cards and letters we receive. They give us an update on how family and friends are doing. I hope some of you who visit my blog regularly will leave a comment on my blog letting me know how you are doing. My Christmas poem -- letter follows:

CHRISTMAS TIDINGS, 2008

The winter winds howled roundabout,
Greeting a brand new year.
I sat there in my old bathrobe,
Hooked to oxygen gear.

A grand New Year was beginning
But I was feeling blue.
Little energy to do much,
What lay in store God knew.

Xolair was doing its job well,
As I was soon to learn.
My health was starting to improve,
Day tank I soon would spurn.

Springtime came with fresh breath of air,
And I was feeling good.
I asked if I could travel home,
By fall Docs said I could.

But Sharon faced some health issues,
Fibro and shingles too.
Food allergies began to peak,
What could my poor gal do?

Then heartbreak hit in late April,
Brother Guy passed away,
I was titled a Patriarch,
I did not feel that way.

My poetry continued on.
So much to write about.
Of life, humor and politics,
I had to get it out.

In August to New Mexico,
Dear Mykie was to wed,
It was a very joyous trip,
The aisle she did tread.

Now we have a grandson in law,
An Irish lad named Quinn,
We pray them both the very best,
A blissful life to win.

I took an Amtrak train back east,
To visit family,
The fellowship with son was great,
Treated like royalty.

Nieces and Nephews gathered round,
To listen to my tales,
Stories of family’s bygone days,
I did them all regale.

To visit family and friends,
Was such a special treat.
The memories came flooding back,
Each one was very neat.

Now in the winter of my life,
Old friends have passed away.
I can rejoice in blessed hope,
Celebrate Christmas Day!

Sharon and I, blessed in our love,
Send words of Christmas cheer,
We pray for you the very best,
In the upcoming year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2009

HUGS, IN CHRIST’S AND OUR LOVE,

DON AND SHARON CUNNINGHAM

As each of us face difficulties in the coming year here is a good verse to meditate on:

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

May the Love of Christ dwell in you richly. I pray you have a blessed Merry Christmas and that you will be "FINE IN 09"

HUGS, IN CHRIST'S AND MY LOVE,

Don E. Cunningham, Patriarch Octogenarian Poet copyright 11-30-2008