Snowflakes softly falling Upon your window they play Your blankets snug around you, Into sleep you drift away. I bend to gently kiss you, when I see that on the floor there's a letter, neatly written I wonder who it's for. I quietly unfold it making sure you're still asleep, It's a Christmas list for Santa one my heart will always keep. It started just as always with the toys seen on TV, A new watch for your father and a winter coat for me. But as my eyes read on I could see that deep inside there were many things you wished for that your loving heart would hide. You asked if your friend Molly could have another Dad; It seems her father hits her and it makes you very sad. Then you asked dear Santa if the neighbors down the street Could find a job, that he might have some food, and clothes, and heat. You saw a family on the news whose house had blown away, "Dear Santa, send them just one thing, a place where they can stay." "And Santa, those four cookies that I left you for a treat, Could you take them to the children who have nothing else to eat." "Do you know that little bear I have the one I love so dear? I'm leaving it for you to take to Africa this year." "And as you fly your reindeer on this night of Jesus' birth, Could your magic bring to everyone goodwill and peace on earth." "There's one last thing before you go, so grateful I would be, If you'd smile at Baby Jesus in the manger by our tree." I pulled the letter close to me. I felt it melt my heart. Those tiny hands had written what no other could impart. "And a little child shall lead them," was whispered in my ear As I watched you sleep on Christmas Eve while Santa Claus was here. --Author unknown. --Selected from Mikey's Funnies.

Voices of Children--by Jodie Lynn

"I'm just a little boy," said the child. "I only wanted to touch the toy."

The father shook him and yelled, "I'll spank you and put you straight to bed!"

The little boy cried and said, "But the fire truck was my favorite color -- red."

The father gave a big sigh and tried to hide the need to cry.

He stood still trying to hide his fear and wondered what he would do with all these mouths to feed?

Isn't there a God somewhere to lead?

Guidance, he needed more than ever - since his beloved wife had died,
parenting was never his strong side.

Emotions running high and low as outward love he just could not show.

"Dear God," the dad began, "could you lend me a hand?"

Medical bills piling up and basic needs here to buy,
sometimes -- he too - wished he might just die.

As despair filled his heart and he thought about throwing in the towel,
a touch from a small sweaty hand reminded him he was still needed as a pal.

As he wiped the tears from his cheek, the little boy looked up and said, "I love you, Daddy, can we play hide-and-go-seek?"

The father suddenly realized a special and lasting memory could be made with this little boy,
all that was needed today - like each day - was time and understanding to bring love and joy.

So to try and begin good cheer,
he called all four kids together and asked them one by one the question of the year.

"If you had one wish for a Christmas gift, what would it be?"

The oldest wanted a cool watch with an alarm that would chime,
and to wish his mommy a happy birthday in heaven during this time.

A puppy was requested at the next boy's chance,
one with a loud bark and to do a trick..."so Mommy can see him dance!"

Money was what the next sibling shouted out for,
"If we had lots of money, Mommy might come back and we might not be forever poor."

The last and youngest little girl said, "I want to get a new pair of shoes."

Everyone stood in silence as she left the room and tried to figure out what she had just said. "Why did she wish for a new pair of shoes?" Asked the smallest brother.

As she entered the room with her worn tap shoes in hand, she reminded us what mommy had always said, "A new pair of shoes were good for tapping away the blues. So, since God took Mommy away - if I can again tap - maybe he'll return her and I'll scoot up onto her lap. "

Needless to say, the dad learned a lot from his kids that day.

The most important and lasting lesson was to thank God for helping him to see his children's loving way.

Through tear filled eyes, they all four ran to give his shirtsleeve a tug, and accidentally spilled a little coffee out of his favorite mug.

But as he bent down laughing with the group, a new spirit in his heart made him feel proud of his troop.

As "Little Sis" was singing happy birthday to mommy and dancing round and round, the father realized God had sent his message through these tiny voices - and it was now most profound.

They all looked up towards heaven and blew mommy a birthday kiss, and knew things would somehow be easier because of a tiny pair of worn shoes from "Little Sis."

Copyright 2001, by Jodie Lynn

Jodie Lynn is a nationally syndicated parenting columnist, author and parent educator. Her column, Parent to Parent, is available in over 350 newspapers throughout the United States and Canada. Her latest book, "Mommy CEO (Constantly Evaluating Others) 5 Golden Rules," (2001 revised edition) is available from any bookstore or at her Web site, www.ParenttoParent.com.

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