Heart Touchers

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{Straight From the Heart} *The Gifts* 12/25/00

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The Gifts

By Deborah Dee Simmons

As you unwrap gifts bestowed to you by loved ones, young and old,
As you hum familiar carols with the Christmas lights aglow,
As you read the cards sent near and far by those you long to see,
Be sure to note those gifts you'll never find beneath your tree.

Remember sultry August days with children at the lake,
Or the strains of "Happy Birthday" 'round a blazing birthday cake?
Did you note the sounds of summer, did you sniff the scents of spring,
Have you glimpsed the hues of red and gold that only autumn brings?

Have you held a squirming kitten, heard a newborn baby sigh,
Or beheld the twinkling summer stars beneath the velvet sky?
Have you stood your ground in a summer breeze, or tasted sweet, fresh rain...
Have your days been filled with blessings--and devoid of hurt or pain?

Are there friends who bring you laughter, are there loved ones in your life,
Have they brought you peace and comfort when your days were filled with strife?
Can you count on those around you when your fortitude is low,
Is there comfort in the knowledge that we reap the good we sow?

If you can claim possession of just one or two of these,
Then you're rich beyond the cost of any goods you could receive.
Take stock of all your treasures, lock your riches safe inside,
Count your blessings, share your feelings, put your differences aside.

For beyond the lights and tinsel--and beyond the Christmas cheer,
Lies a year of love and laughter with the ones you hold most dear...
Though the holidays are fleeting and the revelry will pass,
Your memories are precious gifts that nothing can outlast.

Send Deborah an email and let her know what you thought of her poem!
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"Deborah Dee Simmons writes from Ionia, Michigan, where she lives with her husband, John, (and pines away for their three grown children who live scattered across the country). She works fulltime as the Secretary to the Superintendent of Ionia Public Schools, writes a column and feature articles for the local newspaper, and continues to plug away at various book manuscripts. Two of her stories will be published soon in an upcoming book."
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_
/_/\/\    MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ /    THUNDER27@aol.com
/_/ \    "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \   Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
   \_\/   of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

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Video Imagery (Michael's Video Production Business.)

"I thought of you first after my family sat down to watch the video we gave them. They loved it, to say the least! Within thirty seconds my mom was crying and my dad did too. They said it was the best Christmas gift we could have given them!! You did such a beautiful job! They were so surprised and so touched---they really, really, really loved it. Thanks for helping to make it so special to us all. My mom mentioned how the songs were perfect for the video too! Thanks again!"
Kelli (RKaGe@aol.com) College Station, TX

Let me make you a video from your pictures or home movies!
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