Joyoux Noel

The greatest gift I received this Christmas came to me after the X-mas Eve Service at church. I was standing alone along the back wall of the building, watching people pass by, when along came a family I've loved for a long time. Over a year ago, when I worked in Nursury, baby Joey would come every week, screaming and crying, for just about the entire two hour service. I would usually hold him during this time... and nothing I'd do could ever console him. He hated human touch, and all the usual baby-soothing tricks just didn't do a thing for him.

Finally, after months and months, he began to soften. I'd spend the time praying for him and his family... and slowly, slowly he cried less and less, and every so often he'd even smile... for a split second. But he was still very reserved and tentative.

Well, I haven't worked in the Nursury for at least the last nine months. As he and his Daddy walked by me, Richard (his dad), said, "Joey! It's Maddy... give her a hug! And say Merry Christmas!" And to my utter surprise and delight, that little tinker left his father's arms and gave me the biggest two-year-old hug I'd ever received! It was almost as if the very hand of God reached through him like a puppet, and was hugging me tight.

I couldn't have asked for anything more this Christmas.
Joey remembered me! And he wasn't afraid. And he smiled.
Thanks Santa.

And Fall Brings It's Most Tender Love...

Once again, this crisp falltide finds me spending days at the Shelter. And I have a new little loved one, bless his heart. How do these babies always manage to wrap me around their tiny hearts so fast and so tightly? It baffles me every time... and it enchants and pleases me and gives me so much peace and contentment everytime as well!

I had to wait ever so long to see this one's face; he hid it from me the first two times I saw him - cuddled in blankets, half asleep, half blocking out the world with his tiny fists, and firmly shut eyes.

But today, those little creases opened wide, and I was graced to receive a smile, escaping the cracks of his mouth, and pomegranate cheeks. (and itwas well worth the wait)

Poor boy has been in and out of shelters his whole short life. 2 1/2 years, and so much life - too much of the bad kind for this little heart. He does not say a word, but merely mumbles and coos, like an infant much his junior. He's not a normal little boy. But how could he be? He's had to suffer the effects of a deteriorating and failing world, time and time again.

They say he has autism. I think he's just hiding, and denying, and protecting himself. Little two-year-old soldier, my love.

Today we just sat outside on the swing and sang softly, and felt the cool autumn wind on our faces, watching the willow bend and float above us, and the cars pass by in the intersection just beyond the firestation.

And as we rocked... hope and love prevailed. We snuggled close... And as I wrapped him in my flannel shirt, I knew that this boy has a chance...

...and I want to do all I can so that it doesn't pass him by...