A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, our youngest daughter was to spend her lst Christmas without family, without Christmas stockings, without Christmas baking, without Christmas snow. She had moved to Singapore with her fiancée the spring before, and was walking her own path, as children who transition to adults are wont to do.
I knew Christmas was important to her (and it was breaking my heart) and that I could not be with her for Christmas. It is always easier to help someone than to ask for help. I tucked my pride in my pocket and reached out to the American Women’s Association in Singapore. I asked them if any of there members might wish to help me with Christmas for my daughter and future son-in-law. And then came the Christmas Miracle.
A very beautiful lady, named Helaine, reached out to me. Her daughter was the same age as mine, and they were days apart in their birthdays – her daughter was in the States and would not be joining them for Christmas. And of course, she would help. Over the next two months, two mothers crossed the distance with emails, and ideas and new-found friendship. I sent money for gifts – Helaine, went shopping and shopping. I sent family recipes for butter tarts, and short bread, Helaine baked our family recipes in her Singapore home with temperatures of 100+ outside. As we talked, I told her how silly it was that a grown daughter still got Christmas stockings…… and she understood. And bought the most spectacular Christmas stocking I have ever seen.
Just a couple days before Christmas, Helaine invited Rex and Michelle over for dinner (as new comers to the expat population of Singapore) We were so far away, and yet I felt so close to our daughter that Christmas. Gifts were given, baking delivered. Helaine was from Huston, Texas and had never tasted butter tarts, - they are now a part of her family’s Christmas baking. There are tears in my eyes today just recalling how very special this Christmas was. – simply by asking and receiving. A blessing.
Later I would find out from Helaine, that just before I contacted her, she had lost a very good friend and that with family not being able to join them in Singapore – she was anticipating a blue Christmas. Our connection – did not just help me, but it was a blessing to her as well.
And they all living happily ever after, touched by the kindness of a stranger who became a friend.
Wishing you all find your own special Christmas Miracle this year.