This poem was written by a new friend of mine
who emailed me after seeing my name in a poetry group
that I am a member of....
It's a lovely poem and a true one also. The Love for
he's Mother...A Love So Beautiful
Thank you Randy for giving me permission
to use your story on my website....

We lived in Minnesota & Mom lived in Orlando, Florida.
The Last three years' she spent in and out of I.C.U. & C.C.U. After
double - by - pass surgery,
Diabetes and Congestive heart failure,
We were never sure when the
End was to come.

She came so close all too often.
I called her from home and said
I had no money this year
And was unable to come home
To Florida for the Christmas holiday.
We ended the conversation both in tears,
Yet with warm wishes for a happy holiday.
Something inside of me
Begged me to find a way home.
Later, I managed to get an advance
From my boss and borrow a car for
The long winters' trek to Florida !!
Then off we departed for mom's !!!

I stopped @ the 7-11 right around the corner
From mom's & darned my
Santa Suite, Then to mom's !!
I walked in to find her asleep.
I stirred her from her sleep, Hey!!
Nothing like being woke from a Sound sleep
To find Santa @ the Foot of your bed!!
So, Naturally she looked extremely confused.
However, I was quickly followed
By four wonderful children, one Samoyed,
And my wife! Still half groggy,

Yet filled with jubilation & as giddy as a
Schoolgirl, She jumped out of bed,
Crying, Laughing and trying to hug us
All @ the same time!
Then she said in-between hugs and kisses!
& quote; I hoped in my heart
And soul you'd come,
I told everyone, Without you and the kids,
I'm not having Christmas this year. ".
I said..." We couldn't afford to come,
But most definitely
Couldn't afford too!
Hugging, Crying, Holding each other!
Feeling the love and caring that
Flowed from this joyous,
Emotional family reunion.
Now ever stronger,

The warmth and joy of coming home was relived.
Christmas Eve @ mom's was full
Of joy, wonder, love & excitement that year.
I, of course, was the appointed Santa!
(Hey I had the suit). I passed out the
Gifts from under the tree to all excited children of all ages!
As with all Christmas'
Since my twin sisters' died at the tender age of two
Years old, In a tragic drowning accident,
Mom lit two youtsite candle lamps,
Followed by a silent Moment of prayer for the twins.
Dinner was the best!
We sang Christmas Carols all together,
We made Christmas Magic come alive!
We gave what we really couldn't afford to,
Yet by giving so much,
We received ten folds then we gave!
It was wonderful!

My mother passed away
At the early age of fifty-eight.
Due to severe complications
From diabetes the following March of 1988.
Christmas has never been the same without her.
She left behind the precious memories,
Also an unfillable void in my life.
No mater how special I make Christmas for others',
Or they for me, it'll never be the same.
I'm re-married & still have my children.
My wife lost her mother when she was a teenager.
I understand she was just as wonderful a lady!
This year there will be four candles lit on Christmas Eve

One for each mother, And two for the twins.
Christmas will always be special for us.
Though I'll always remember, Above all,
Just how special the Last Christmas with mom was.
I'm so glad I made the journey.
You see, You really never know when it's
Going to end for any of us!
This Precious gifts of life we all share together. So!
PLEASE! Take my advice. Be there for them.
I Promise, you won't regret it!

P.S.
Give'em a hug for me!

Written By: Randy Reiveira