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The hymn “Precious Memories” is credited to J.B.F. Wright in 1925. If you have never heard it, consider taking the time to at least read the lyrics. It is a beautiful song that – while some may not be super fans of country music – it is one that stands out and touches everyone. Sung by many famous country artists ever since, it starts out like this …

“Precious memories, unseen angels

Sent from somewhere to my soul.

How they linger, ever near me

And the sacred past unfolds …”

These past few weeks we have seen the pretty lights and signs of the celebration of Christmas approaching soon and the joy this special holiday brings to each of us. I feel quite sure most if not all of us embrace and welcome the happiness it brings. Hopefully everyone reading this column has had exceptional memories of growing up happy, surrounded by love, hugs and kisses and even if in our youth we weren’t lavished with everything on our wish list it was still such a time of endearment recalling the search for the perfect fresh tree or climbing over boxes in the attic for the fake one; putting up the lights outside even if we grumbled while doing it; and contemplating what we could afford to spend on those we love so much. The Nativity set up outside on the church grounds and in the sanctuary, too; plays at church with little ones representing Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, angels and the three wise men who traveled far to bring gifts to his manager are a cherished tradition. Most of us have created that kind of atmosphere for our children and grandchildren through the years and along the way we grew to appreciate the genuine majesty of it all.

Even though Mama and Daddy were not avid church attendees, they did have faith in God and the true meaning of Christmas … the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and new beginnings. The sights and sounds of this most loved holiday (Easter, too) typically make us happy, excited and picturing an innocent baby born in a simple setting who became so well known and loved throughout the world … is incredible, isn’t it?

While I realize there are folks who have religions that are different from mine, I can only relate to my experiences and the older I get, the more precious flashbacks mean to me. Wealthy people have unlimited sources to “shop till they drop” … while others consider what our loved ones need first, then what they want and as loving parents and grand and great-grandparents, we do the best we can … but do you know what? That is ok too! The simpler, least expensive things touch the heart more often, bringing tears to the eye and more than not, those gifts are treasured throughout life.

And as much as Christmas time creates such happy gatherings of family and friends, it brings the reminder of loss too of those we miss, those who left this world and journeyed to Heaven.

In the past few weeks, our communities have felt the pang of loss, and we have witnessed tears, heartbreak and tragedy. In an environment of closeness from one town or village to the other, we hurt when the ones we love hurt, are ill, or are subject to passing. It’s hard … there is no denying it, and we struggle sometimes with feeling the emotion of such joy and at the same time such sorrow … but that’s because we care, that’s because we are who we are and what we are and for that, I am thankful, so thankful.

But if you feel sad, it is a part of life. The emotions we feel are real and natural, the worry over others, the prayers on bended knee, lying in bed or while driving down the road – trust me – are heard. There are so many reasons I believe strongly in what I say, the incredible experiences I (and you too) have had lead me not to believe in simple coincidence; it is spiritual, it is divine intervention and no one will ever convince me otherwise.

If you ‘d like to get a chuckle, this is a true story: way back 50-plus years ago, before we had so many shopping options here at home, my sweet husband and I went to the mall in Elizabeth City. Walking by the Santa Claus picture-taking platform sitting there looking all big and bad in his throne-type chair, we stopped for a minute to watch the little ones climb up in his lap and have that “I want a ….” conversation when a little baby not more than six months old dressed in a miniature Santa suit was placed in his arms. Now this Santa was pretty spot on – a big, fluffy white beard, rosy chubby cheeks and a tummy that clearly indicated he was not on a carb free diet! He reached out and cradled the baby in his left arm and began the “Ho, Ho, Ho”-ing when the baby looking totally perplexed as to who this big man dressed in red and wondering if he had been abandoned when suddenly his lips tightened and his little face became as red as Santa’s suit. Poor Santa, as it turns out, the little one was straining to potty! Santa’s face had the look of sheer dread and his playful stare into the baby’s face turned to look sideways and up toward the ceiling trying his best to avoid the unpleasant aroma permeating from the infant’s bottom. Bless his heart! Holding his breath and with eyes watering, Santa was a good sport though, he did not want the circumstance to be so obvious to the parents and onlookers at his station, but you could almost hear his silent screams. The parents got the hint when Santa’s eyes nearly rolled back in his head, and he continued to talk to the baby sideways. The dad and mom retrieved their cute little bundle, much to the elation of the rescued red suited man. No question, the little baby boy had given a “loaded” story to tell Mrs. Claus when he got home but he was obviously thrilled the baby had not left his “mark” on Santa’s beautiful red velvety suit! Thankfully, the baby’s mother whisked him away straight into the ladies restroom with diaper bag in tow!

We have all seen humorous things like that in life, so let us try to focus on the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus and the little episodes that make us smile!

If you or anyone you know would like to receive a free Bible, remember a pastor at a local church in Manteo has some. Please call/text Lisa Lloyd, secretary of the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council, at 415-246-4790. Pastor Wayne Stansbury is a veteran himself, and he wants to be sure that his veteran brothers and sisters or anyone who needs one, has one. Kudos Preacher Wayne!

Thank you to all our active duty, reserve and veteran military service members! God bless you for your loyalty, service and sacrifice for our nation. If you would like to discuss V.A. Health Care, filing a claim or obtaining a duplicate DD-214, please contact Patty O’Sullivan, Dare County veteran service officer: office 252-475-5604; cell/text 252-473-7749 or email patricia.o’sullivan@darenc.gov. If you would like to contact me, please feel free, I would love to hear from you: cell/text 252-202-2058 or email: giglineheroes@aol.com.

I was sorting through old pictures the other day and found this incredibly special one that tugs at my heart. It is of my incredibly special “Santa” and I while he was a Santa helper at the Cape Hatteras Secondary School in Buxton hearing wants and wishes more than 20 years ago before my hair turned almost white! Like so many times … it was truly precious!

Until next time be healthy, safe and happy! MERRY CHRISTMAS everybody and no matter what else is going on around us, pray that love and our Lord’s angels comfort the broken hearted and give thanks and praise for the blessings in our life: our clergy, military/veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, MedFlight – paramedic, E.M.T.s and all first responders! Oh … and please lift our watermen/women and farmers! The good Lord loves you all and so do I. God bless you! Stay tuned!

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