A Friend’s Greeting

By Edgar Guest More Edgar Guest

I’d like to be the sort of friend
     that you have been to me;
I’d like to be the help that you’ve been
     always glad to be;
I’d like to mean as much to you
     each minute of the day
As you have meant, old friend of mine,
     to me along the way.

I’d like to do the big things
     and the splendid things for you,
To brush the gray out of your skies
     and leave them only blue;
I’d like to say the kindly things
     that I so oft have heard,
And feel that I could rouse your soul
     the way that mine you’ve stirred.

I’d like to give back the joy
     that you have given me,
Yet that were wishing you a need
     I hope will never be;
I’d like to make you feel
     as rich as I, who travel on
Undaunted in the darkest hours
     with you to lean upon.

I’m wishing at this Christmas time
     that I could but repay
A portion of the gladness
     that you’ve strewn along the way;
And could I have one wish this year,
     this only would it be:
I’d like to be the sort of friend
     that you have been to me.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-friends-greeting-by-edgar-guest

Another Monday more facts so here we go.

The eight reindeers are Cupid, Dancer, Vixen, Dunder, Comet, Dasher, Prancer, and Blixem.

Santa comes bearing gifts for the children who have been good throughout the year. But do you know that Santa gets gifts too? Who gives presents to Santa? It’s us! Yes, even you can give gifts to Santa! And no, the jolly old man does not want traditional gifts, but he is a bit partial to cookies and milk to keep him satisfied during his trip around the world. So this Christmas, ask your children to help you while you make cookies for them and for Santa. Santa will love eating cookies made with love!

One of the best parts about Christmas is the Christmas cake, and we all love eating it. But does your child know what cakes are consumed during Christmas? It’s plum cake! The cakes we get to eat during the Christmas holidays are known as plum cakes but there are, in fact, no plums in the cake! Raisins were known as plums in medieval times and the ingredients were stirred in an East to West direction similar to that of the journey of the three wise men.

One of the reasons Santa can make his marathon runs through the day and give gifts to the kids all over the world is due to the help of elves. The merry spirit of Christmas is because of these cheerful workers and their commitment to the kids of the world.

Mistletoe is supposed to be a symbol of love, laughter, and compassion. And the tradition of a kiss under the mistletoe is supposed to a way of asking for the blessings of the spirits of Christmas through the mistletoe.

Daddy’s Little Angel

© Jason A. HodgesWhen you were born, you filled my heart with pride,
And I was overcome by the joy I felt inside.

As I held you in my arms that very first day,
I knew I would never let any harm come your way.

With your tiny little hands and tiny little feet,
Every time I look at you, my heart skips a beat.

As I watch you sleep in the middle of the night,
I hope and pray I will do everything right.

I know I may make some mistakes along the way,
But I promise to do my best not to every single day.

I often wonder what you will grow up to be,
But whatever you become will be fine with me.

So whatever you may decide to do in your life,
Maybe an astronaut, a lawyer, or even a doctor’s wife,

I can say this without any doubt at all,
I will always be there to catch you if you fall.

And another promise I make to you from me,
Daddy’s little angel you will always be.

---

Published by Family Friend Poems on 02/15/2006
Source: familyfriendpoems.com/poem/1139

Copyright © 2006 – 2020 FamilyFriendPoems.com

Hello another Monday in December that means it’s fact day.

For children, Christmas is all about receiving gifts from Santa Claus. But how did Santa Claus come into existence? The character of Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas. As per a legend, St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who provided for the poor and needy. He also loved children and enjoyed giving gifts to them secretly. As his story spread, he was called Sinterklaas in Dutch, which later became Santa Claus.
So you and your kids probably know Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, who pulls Santa’s sled on Christmas Eve. But do you know other reindeers? It would be impossible for Rudolph alone to pull Santa’s sled, don’t you think? It is filled with gifts to the brim for every good child in the world, and Rudolph can’t pull that all alone. Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, is in fact, Santa’s ninth reindeer.

When Jesus was born, a bright star shone in the sky. Three kings followed this star and made a long journey to the birthplace of Jesus. They bore with them gifts of gold, frankincense (aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes), and oils

Have you ever wondered why people go door to door singing carols? The tradition is based on the English custom of wassailing, which was a tradition to toast to someone’s good health and fortune. St. Francis of Assisi took this tradition and converted it to the modern form of carolling.

The Christmas wreath is representative of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. Eventually, the colours of Christmas – red, green, and gold were added. Red is said to represent the blood of Jesus, green is supposed to symbolize life, and gold stands for royalty and light. And the evergreen foliage used to make Christmas wreaths symbolises the continuity of life and nature even in the darkest days of winters.

Woke around 7ish, got up and sent Tash a message asking for help with breakfast.

At 11am Jess came and helped me change my clothes to go to Kelli’s for lunch with her and Leo as well as their friend Jay.

Lunch was great I had a wonderful time and laughed a lot.

Didn’t get home till 4pm, so only did meds for tonight will do the rest tomorrow.

Woke at 6am opened the house and Tasha came down and gave me a shower.

Going to be a very warm today but no need for air con.

Saw Kelli when she came to say goodbye to Jay.

Tim on afternoons again this week.

Mum was happy today and pleased to hear I had a good time yesterday.

Awake before the alarm and straight up and opened the house.

Suppose to be cooler today and it feels it at 7am

Decided to spend the day trying to answer some letters as I have 20 piled up.

Managed to write 3 letters to penpals and 3 Christmas cards to family.

I am shaking a great deal this morning, another cool morning.

Had a shocking night last night and it turns out I forgot to take my meds last night.

I am shaking a great deal this morning, another cool morning.

Dr rang and because of shaking I hung up on him and had to ring surgery and arrange for him to ring back.

I improved as the day progressed.

Managed to write another 2 letters and 6 Christmas cards.

Had a better night last night, woke as my alarm went off, I only remember waking twice during the night and going pretty much straight back to sleep.

Had to turn the air con on at midday due to how much I was sweating.

Mum told me she is worried about losing her memory she is getting bad but still knows who is who and remembers to ring ,e each day

Leo here tonight

A new day has arrived I dragged my body out of bed at 6am, opened the house a cold morning.

Didn’t warm up much but still I was drenched in sweat from head to foot.

Had a lot of pain in my left leg and knee so much it hurts to move let alone walk which is cry worthy pain.

Had to massage my leg for half an hour till it was possible to move in order to go to bed.

Mum was over the moon about getting another letter from Kathy in the mail. As she read about poppy she cried.

I woke at 6am and got up straight away and was in the kitchen when Tasha arrived.

I gave Tim a death look because when I asked him to clean off the table he said he works 6 days a week. When I told Tasha she said she works 7 days a week

Kathy gave me a shower and half an hour later I was drenched in sweat.

When Kelli dropped off Blain she came and cleaned my computer desk.

We gave Blain a $50 gift card from EB Games

I Measure Every Grief I Meet

By Emily Dickinson More Emily Dickinson

I measure every Grief I meet
With narrow, probing, eyes –
I wonder if It weighs like Mine –
Or has an Easier size.

I wonder if They bore it long –
Or did it just begin –
I could not tell the Date of Mine –
It feels so old a pain –

I wonder if it hurts to live –
And if They have to try –
And whether – could They choose between –
It would not be – to die –

I note that Some – gone patient long –
At length, renew their smile – 
An imitation of a Light
That has so little Oil –

I wonder if when Years have piled – 
Some Thousands – on the Harm – 
That hurt them early – such a lapse
Could give them any Balm – 

Or would they go on aching still
Through Centuries of Nerve –
Enlightened to a larger Pain – 
In Contrast with the Love – 

The Grieved – are many – I am told – 
There is the various Cause – 
Death – is but one – and comes but once – 
And only nails the eyes – 

There’s Grief of Want – and grief of Cold – 
A sort they call “Despair” – 
There’s Banishment from native Eyes –
In sight of Native Air – 

And though I may not guess the kind – 
Correctly – yet to me
A piercing Comfort it affords
In passing Calvary – 

To note the fashions – of the Cross – 
And how they’re mostly worn – 
Still fascinated to presume
That Some – are like my own –

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/i-measure-every-grief-i-meet-by-emily-dickinson

Hello Monday the first Monday of December being December I am doing some Christmas posts so here are some Christmas facts.

The origin or the use of Christmas trees goes way back to ancient Egyptians and Romans. They used evergreen trees like fir or pine trees, wreaths, and garlands.

The use of modern Christmas trees started in Germany in the 16th century. Instead of the glitzy decorations that we see on them today, they were decorated with fruits and nuts.

The use of the term ‘Xmas’ dates back to the 16th century. The ‘X’ in the word Xmas comes from the ancient Greek language. In Greek, Christ begins with the letter X. So, Xmas simply means Christmas.

Santa Claus initially wore clothes that were in green, purple, or blue. For many years, this was the common theme for the jolly old man at the North Pole. However, Coca Cola decided to dress him up in colours that match their brand and that stuck. So this is why he is always in red clothes now!

The Christmas wreath is representative of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore.

Eventually, the colours of Christmas – red, green, and gold were added. Red is said to represent the blood of Jesus, green is supposed to symbolize life, and gold stands for royalty and light. And the evergreen foliage used to make Christmas wreaths symbolises the continuity of life and nature even in the darkest days of winters.

I woke just before Tim’s alarm went off at 6.30 so I got up then. Tasha arrived a few minutes later to throw a load of washing and dressed me while she was here.

Another stinking hot day turned the air con at 7.30.

Woke at 6.06 and got up and opened the house up and was washed with clean teeth when she arrived.

Not as hot today thankfully.

Leo’s driver rang told Jess that he will be late as he woke to find he had two flat tyres. I sent him a text asking him to let me know when he is here, he said ok.

Leo here at 8am for a change. Brian arrived at 8.35am to get Leo.

Leo’s early day home by 2.20pm.

I was up at 6am and Tasha arrived just after to throw a load in the machine before giving me a shower

Another hot day had to turn the air con on

Tim on afternoons yet again

Sue’s Chrisco gift cards came here, so I rang her and let her know. Less drove her over to get them.

She looked thin and older then her years.

I am in a bad way due to the shaking and seating and of course the pain in my left knee.

Woke to the alarm going off, struggled to get out of bed but did it.

Not as hot today, a nice breeze is blowing through the house.

I am feeling like shit, all this shaking and needing to get up and down every few seconds or minutes. Then there is the seating from head to foot all the bloody time.

Spoke to Mum she was good better then me.

I had a shocking nights sleep kept waking from weird dreams that of course I can’t remember.

Was raining when I went to go with Leo to meet his driver, so Tasha had to go with him.

A coolish day with me dripping in sweat again.

Spent a lot of time working on Christmas cards and wrote one letter.

Mum was ok although at 15 mins into chat she had to go and take a call from the doctor’s surgery. Turned out to be Andrew her doctor ringing to tell her about her last lot of blood tests. They showed her kidneys were shutting down and he wanted her to stop taking one medication because of that.

Friday at last, I woke at 4.10am unable to breath I thought the cotton wool I have against the side of my nose had moved but no my nose was blocked, I applied chest rub under my nose and that fixed the problem.

Saw GP and got a referral to see another neurologist this will cost a small fortune but both Tim & I as well as my GP feel that I have undiagnosed Parkinson’s.

Jess & Kelli helped me get ready for bed.

Tim laying carpet squares in the kitchen, as well as replacing the plastic mat under my computer chair to try and make it better for me and stopping it from moving.

Woke at 6ish got up sometime later but before 7am, lucky for me Tasha turned up with a load of washing. So she was able to get my breakfast.

Kathy-Lee & girls turned up at 9ish and gave me a shower. She also ironed Tim’s work clothes and Jess work shirt for me.

Another hot day, turned the air con on at midday.

Jess told her dad she has changed her mind about trip to Canberra in January this has upset me.

I feel things I want never pan out.

When I’m With You

© Blakelee

Published: January 2008

In your arms,
I’m in my safe haven.
With you holding me tight,
I have no other craving.

All I need
is that one look
that says you’re always there,
just like in a fairy tale book.

Your eyes talk to me
as the world stands still.
My once empty heart
now with love does fill.

Your eyes tell me
that you’ll love me every day.
No matter what may come,
you’ll be there to stay.

I tell you everything
and never with a lie:
all my worldly secrets
and everything that once made me cry.

Everything in my past,
with you I can forget it all.
I know I can trust you
to catch me if I fall.

If only I could explain
how much love I have for you.
Then maybe, just maybe,
you’d feel it too.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/being-in-love