We are moving towards Christmas. I know that every morning you rush to your pretty calendars desperate to open each door, intent on that chocolate rush and the picture, revealed behind it which counts down to the day that Jesus was born. I am not a religious person, as you know, preferring rather to believe in God than any particular Christian kind of church, preferring the doctrine of tolerance, love and empathy for each other. But this Christmas is different, isn't it,and that is why I am writing you this letter...

For the first time, mortality has crossed our doorstep. Usually, the nasty things happen to other people, don't they? But this year they are happening to us. Your mummy has an illness, an illness that may threaten her life, our car has been stolen and there were things in there that you miss and our dog, is, for the first time starting to show his age. He is sleeping more, seems not to be as alert as in the old days and you, yourselves, have all started on your great journeys through life.

I know that you are concerned that these awful things that have loomed out of the shadows will colour our Christmas, will mean that this season of jollity and 'fun' won't be like before, and I am sure that you are probably right, it won't be like before. But it isn't going to be worse - no, it will, in fact, be even better. Better because Christmas, apart from being about pagan festivals and the birth of Jesus, is really about thought. It is about not taking each other for granted, about appreciating each and every person we come into contact with by giving a present, sharing a drink or meal, or just simply saying 'Happy Christmas'.

And, my darlings, that is what our family does. Every time I hug you, I am shouting to the world that I love you, every time I call you, I am telling you I am thinking of you. Every time I spend time with you I am telling you that I am so very proud of you, love you so very much and that without you, without your hugs, without your love and your kisses, my rainbow splattered world would be a cold, monotone, grey place. And your gift to me? With you, cancer doesn't frighten me, death doesn't sting me, and the pale, cold shadow of illness doesn't even touch me.

How can this Christmas get any better than that? The knowledge that my arms are always there for your hugs, that my shoulder is always there for your burdens, and my hands are always there to wipe away your tears. Christmas is about thought, about giving and ultimately about love. With all that has happened to our family in the last three months, and the love that has come out of it all, our Christmas is going to be the best ever.....

I love you,

Minerva


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Selected by the judges as an exceptional Holidailies post.