CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

This is a short essay that I posted in 2013. It's my idea of what Christmas is like in Heaven. It might seem juvenile to some of you. If you're like me, it's at this time of year, that you miss your loved ones in Heaven the most. The thought of my mom and grandma assisting in preparing a feast in Heaven brings me comfort.  if you are missing a loved one, I hope it brings you comfort too.

My grandma would make cookies and pies. My mom would make her, green bean, and spinach casseroles.

The planning for Christmas in Heaven begins months in advance.  Everyone’s given a job based on whatever unique and special talents they possess. The chapel is given a fresh coat of paint.  The chapel has beautiful stained glass windows...Each one depicts a Bible story.  They are washed until they sparkle.  All the decorations and ornaments are checked to make sure that none are broken. A Christmas tree adorned with white twinkling lights will stand inside the chapel entrance.  Every year, the tree is so high it almost touches the ceiling.  There is just enough space for the angels to place a solid gold star on top of the tree.  A crystal nativity is placed underneath the tree. 

The music in Heaven is magnificent.  Choirs practice daily.  The angels play their harps with the other musicians until the music and voices blend together perfectly.

Everyone gathers in the chapel, at midnight on Christmas Eve, to hear the story of the birth of Jesus.  Each person is given a candle upon entering the chapel.  By the time Silent Night is sung, the chapel is illuminated only by candlelight.

 Angels sound the trumpets on Christmas morning celebrating the birth of Christ.

There are no presents because being in Heaven and part of God’s Eternal Kingdom is the greatest gift one can receive. However, everyone does get a new robe made of the finest silks and brightest colors. After a short service in the chapel, there is a large feast.  Because there are people of all nationalities in Heaven every food imaginable is served.  The cooks have been preparing the menu for months.   Each year, all agree, that year’s feast was better than the last.  Each person at the feast is asked to share a memory of a special Christmas on Earth 

The part of the day that all our loved ones in Heaven look forward to the most is the time they get to spend with their families on Earth.  Those we love never really leave us. They see and hear everything we do. , If you feel a gentle breeze touch your cheek or feel a slight touch on your shoulder, that's a sign that your loved one is with you., 

I want to wish you a joyous Holiday season.  May there be Peace on Earth for us all.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

When I was in elementary school if there was ice or snow on the ground, my school bus could never make it up the hill to my house. My mom would drive me to the bottom of the hill where we'd wait for the bus. Sure, there was heat in the car, but it was still not very warm. My mom would call the street department every year and explain the situation. It took years, but finally, a truck put salt on our street.

When I was in college I would have to wait for people to open doors for me as automatic doors were only a dream then. I would get very cold if there was no one around and I had to wait for someone to come help me. On the plus side, It was a good way to meet people.

I don't like having to wear heavy coats (or in my case capes) because I have to ask people to help me take it off and put it back on. I try to dress in layers and not wear a cape whenever possible, but sometimes it's too cold to go without my heavy cape.

My power chair doesn't go through snow very well. If the wheels get too wet the tires just spin.  One year, after it had snowed, I wanted to walk to the library because it was my day to volunteer. I didn't realize how snow-covered my street was. The library was just across the street. We could make it. My caregiver and I started out. We didn't get far when my chair got stuck in the snow its tires spinning.  My caregiver tried, but couldn't budge the chair. Luckily, my neighbor saw us and helped me down the hill.

Cold weather never bothered me when I was younger. The older I get, it seems, cold weather bothers me more and more. I get cold much faster now and it takes longer for me to get warm again. I cannot imagine having to wait in the frigid temperatures we've had for public transportation, but i know there are people with disabilities who do because they have no other choice.

Winter weather may force people with disabilities to stay home because it's just too difficult to get around. I have cut my days at the library to one day a week until spring.  I'll be home more, but I'll keep busy writing, reading and playing games on Facebook. I'll volunteer at the library wham the weather is good.

Snow is pretty, but to someone with a disability is just another obstacle, another challenge. winter has not officially arrived, but I'm already asking, "How many days till spring?".