It was time, I told myself, then went into the closet to get my Christmas Tree out. While rummaging through the other things that were tucked away I noticed a small white box that laid on the shelve in the corner. I took this box into my hands and tried to remember what it was that was inside. For the life of me I couldn't remember.

Walking over to the chair I sat down and took the lid off the box. There inside was a little silver heart shaped music box. Taking it out of the box, I opened the lid where the magical little tune greeted me. Ah, the memory, like a bolt of lightening, dashed back into my mind and quite suddenly I was back into time.


"We're having us a party. Saturday night it'll be. With fine food, drink and music to celebrate your success. I know all our friends will come."
"A party, Da? I looked up into my father's eyes and saw the sparkle that they held. "For me?"
He gave a firm nod and grinned from ear to ear. "You worked hard, girl. I'm very proud of you."
"Ma will never agree to this party. She'll say she needs more time to plan it out."
He gave my hand a squeeze as his eyes glanced at my face. "A party it will be no matter what she says."
We walked on down to the path that led to our favorite place, Willow's Park. Sitting down on the bench, he took out his pipe then tapped it absently against his palm.
"Tell me what you are working on now," he said then placed the pipe into his mouth.
I watched him as he began to strike the match to light his pipe. A small smile took shape on my lips. There was something special about a man and a pipe, I thought.
"Well, it's a poem about a little girl and her special Christmas wish."
"What is her wish?" he asked then began to puff away with the pipe.
"Now Da," I said with a giggle. "You'll just have to wait like everyone else when it's published in the magazine."
"It's lovely things you see in your head."
"It's easy to see them there," I said and smiled. "It's hard work to make them look real to others."
"You'll make them look real." He patted my hand and then fell into silence. "Oh, I almost forgot. Here, this is for you." He held out the small white box with a red ribbon wrapped around it.
"Now Da, you shouldn't have."
"What's a father for if he can't give to his children?" He took immediate umbrage and scowled at his pipe. "Go on now and open it."
My eyes rounded with excitement after I took the lid off the box. Inside was the little Silver heart shaped music box. "Oh Da, tis so beautiful."
"You going to sit there and just look at it?" he asked with a frown on his face. "Go on and lift the lid."
I did as he said and the loveliest Irish tune began to play. I was so overwhelmed and deeply touched. "Thank you," I said in a voice above a whisper then gave him a big hug.
"You're welcome." He beamed his brightest smile at me then rose up from the bench. "Let's go home now and tell your Ma about this party."
I took hold of the hand that was offered and we walked out of the park together.


My father is gone now and though I miss him dearly I do know he is with me in spirit. Oh, such memories I have of him are so dear and priceless to me. 

Every holiday season make the most of it. For it is my wish that each of you make the warmest of memories with your loved ones. Hold each gift as though it were special and priceless for it comes tucked with a fold of much love. And Love, my friends, is the greatest gift of all.

The End!