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Life, actually…
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FLITTY PRISMS AND TWIRLY CHIMES
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The joyride celebrations of an Alabama family Thanksgiving are receding in memory fond.
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The looming prospect of family Christmas gatherings creates expectations most pleasant.
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As chaotic as life can sometimes be, celebrations both tiny and huge propel us into reluctantly thinking positive thoughts. Thoughts about what pleasures are still lurking if we stop long enough to pay attention.
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What makes me continue having hope here in this Down South town?
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Well, if I put aside all snarky and fearful and mean-spirited thoughts about the messy past and murky future, I can occasionally make room for small wisdoms, hidden comforts, unexpected joys.
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It doesn’t take more than a few seconds to startle myself alert. Alert to the goodness that endures if attention is paid.
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Fairy-like prismatic colors dance along the walls and ceiling of our ancient home. No kidding. Now and then these jittery twinkly lights force me to stop and find a small portal to the past.
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Daughter Margaret gifted us with this solar-powered spinning prism many years ago. It has been here so long we tend to forget its presence. But on a sunny day the dangling trinket comes to life and gently reminds us of the thousand and one pleasures caused by Margaret’s presence in our lives.
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And on cloudy, windy days we are startled into awareness of another family gift. Sprite-like tinkling music spreads itself throughout the house. Porch chimes once given us by daughter Jeannie reawaken our memories of loving good times, wise and healing laughter.
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Flitty prisms and twirly chimes have lives of their own, powered by absentees Margaret and Jeannie.
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Powered by the singular and persistent nurturing that can be generated by family bonds and family ties.
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Powered by our most human desire to place the tribulations of life on hold long enough to face the reality of unconditional love
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© 2022 A.D. by Jim Reed
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