Day Thirty-six: "Happy", on Steroids

"They're here," I told my husband reverently, hands trembling as I gave him the rain-soaked box that had been delivered Saturday afternoon. "I hope they're not damaged," he said, worried. "Me, too," I got out, but mostly I was holding my breath in eager anticipation. He took the kitchen scissors and gently cut the tape sealing the contents. Soggy paper was removed, and beneath it pristine, undamaged perfection...Mattie's book. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pulled them out to inspect the piece of work Mattie and I had created. This is the first hold-it-in-your-hands book I've published, and it's fitting that most of the words written within are hers. Brad took the first copy from me. "This one is mine," he said possessively and pulled my shaking body into his arms. "I am so proud of you," he whispered against my hair. "And she would be, too."

On Sunday, I took three copies with me to church. I showed them to some of the people Aunt Mattie had known and all of them shared stories with me about how she'd touched them with her brilliantly beautiful light. I came home with no books but a heart so full of joy I don't know how it didn't burst. Later that afternoon, I took a copy of the book to her son and daughter-in-law, who live in the house where I grew up, Mattie's house, refurbished with love that shows in every space. When her son thanked me for making the book, I had to bite back a sob. I wanted to tell him, "Thank you for sharing her with me," but knew the words wouldn't be enough. Some things truly have no words to express them. This is definitely one of those times. Today I am happy, thankful, and honored to have the opportunity to give something back to the most influential person in my life. Making someone's dream come true might just be the most powerful "high" I have ever experienced. No wonder Santa wants to keep his job for all eternity! The magic of Christmas is a spell created from the sincerity of giving...a child to the whole world, food & gifts to those in need, as well as those we love, and dreams made real. It is powerful magic!

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