KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox Internet Christmas blessing brings good wishes
Dear Readers: Today is Christmas. For the millions around the world who celebrate this holiday, we trust you are spending the time doing meaningful things, and enjoying family and friends.
Here is a little Christmas blessing that came our way over the Internet. We hope you enjoy it:
During this Christmas season,
May you be blessed with
The spirit of the season, which is peace,
The gladness of the season, which is hope,
And the heart of the season, which is love.
Dear Annie: I would like to share a story that happened to me last year at this time. I truly experienced Christmas. Not the glittery, frantic, stressed-out occasion, but the selfless, quiet and gentle Christmas.
While in the checkout line at the store, I chatted with a beautiful young woman about some books that were in her cart. Someone had recently recommended those same books to help me through the sudden and tragic loss of my dear mother-in-law. I was still grieving and not in much of a mood to be shopping. For me, the Christmas season had lost its festiveness.
This young lady shared with me that she had lost her grandmother and was grieving, too. As she left, she wished me a Merry Christmas with a sweet smile. I was making my way to the car when this same lovely woman ran up to me. She extended her hand with the two books we had discussed. She said she wanted me to have them because she, too, knew how difficult it is to lose someone you love. With a hug she was gone.
In the few seconds that this encounter took place, I never found out her name. Yet the kindness of a stranger brought me back to the real meaning of this most precious season. I knew it before, but now I am thoroughly convinced that God sends His angels when we need them the most. I want to say thank you to that dear angel for her compassionate heart. Cherrie
Dear Cherrie: What a heartwarming story, filled with compassion and kindness, and a true feeling of the holiday spirit. We hope the lovely young woman who gave you those books will see this letter and know that you are talking about her. Thank you for sharing this with our readers.
Dear Annie: Why do people use Christmas cards to give news of terrible personal tragedies? I recently received two cards informing me of horrible illnesses in the families of the senders, including all of the most dreadful details of the treatment and suffering of possibly terminally sick people.
To include such news with a card wishing the recipient a happy holiday season seems bizarre and makes me uncomfortable. Please suggest to your readers that they send a card without the bad news or send the news in a separate letter. Las Vegas
Dear Las Vegas: The "dreadful details" do not belong in a holiday card, or anywhere else except conversations with close family members. However, giving you a brief update of the personal news, good or bad, is a way for people to keep in touch, especially those who correspond only once a year. Try to be tolerant.
Annie's Snippet: One of the reasons goodwill is so appropriate at Christmastime is because often that is when it is needed most.
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