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David, my husband, loved Christmas and Elvis Presley.
On Friday after Thanksgiving he would ask me if I wanted to get the tree
and ornaments out so he could check them for breakage. Sometimes I wasn't
ready to begin on the tree, but I knew he would nag until I did. The more I
procrastinated, the more her would nag, until I gave in out of
frustration—or just to get him to shut up. Once he had the tree assembled,
it was my job to decorate. David didn't like hanging balls and tinsel but
he would arrange the lights and tell me where to hang the balls. When the
last decoration was in place he went into action and lit the tree. All this
was done while Elvis crooned a carol or hymn.
He began his Christmas shopping in January and searched
all year long for that “special thing” that would surprise me. David bought
other things for under the tree, but hated it when after a few shakes and
rattles I would correctly identify what was inside. That's why my special
gift was not placed there. It was kept securely locked away at his office
or in his truck and brought out on Christmas Eve to join the other gifts
under the tree. He would not be denied the pleasure he had in hearing me
say, "I never would have thought of that!" His grin would light the room
when he knew I was surprised. David's presents ran the gamut from beautiful
jewelry to a crock-pot. One year he couldn't find the ideal gift. My
surprise was a gift certificate and money, tucked in the toe of a pair of
socks. He loved the shocked look on my face when I opened the box to find
socks!
Every night he lit the tree and turned it off at
bedtime. Sometimes I would see him just sitting—staring into the lights.
When asked what he was thinking, he would always answer, "How pretty the
tree looks. Don't you think it's prettier than last year?"
David has spent the last four years in his mansion in
Heaven. I am sure the decorations are far more beautiful than anything ever
seen on Earth. Can't you just imagine the beautiful trees, perfectly
decorated by Cherubs, and topped off with a real star? Heavenly music plays
softly, provided by an Angelic band. Perhaps Elvis favors them with a
carol, backed up by a host of heavenly voices. The King of Kings is waiting
on his throne for his birthday party to begin. When all is in place and
it's time to light up the sky, I hope David is asked to turn on the lights. |
