Imagine the emotions of finding a Christmas letter penned by her mother who had died this year.
This past year, 89-year-old Marjorie Loudermilk passed away, leaving behind four daughters, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her husband of 70 years. Growing up dirt poor, she and her spouse worked hard at raising their family and giving them the opportunities to achieve their own dreams, whatever they may have been.
As one of the daughters began to rummage through the boxes, bags and suitcases of Christmas decorations in her mom’s attic of treasures, as Marge called it, she came across this note from her. How long or why it was sticking up amid that mountain of memories, just for the family to find this Christmas, none will ever understand. But with enmity and strife so common today, it seems it may carry a message that reaches beyond her own family:
"You have asked me to write about what I like about Christmas. In one word it’s everything!!! Should I stop there??? Nah … there’s much more to Christmas than just saying everything. For instance, have you seen the warm glow on people’s faces as they enter the church for Christmas Eve service? I have. Have you ever felt love radiating from one to another as they calmly wait for that service to begin? I have. There’s kind of an expectation of something beautiful happening and it pulls us together with an unseen force. I like being in God’s presence on Christmas Eve. Is it the song of the angels that draws us close?
"Christmas is my favorite time of the year, it’s the only holiday I decorate for. I love choosing the real tree even in the freezing weather, as we have sometimes had to do. Even digging through boxes of ornaments and finding just the right one or the one we didn’t use last year does not bother me. Every year new things appear on our tree. Every tree is beautiful.
"The beautiful music that fills the air and becomes part of our celebration of Christmas at the touch of a button or switch is a wonder. How it all comes together sometimes just boggles my mind. Wonderful voices lifted in praise of a baby born long ago, indeed, cause a warming of my heart.
"As I sit down to send friends a Christmas greeting, I scatter the cards around me and each card is selected with love and care for each family. Most of the time a note is included in those loving wishes sent across the miles of this great country, from Rhode Island to Oregon and California and from Texas to Minnesota and Florida. And even across the great Atlantic. I hope each little card will be a witness of faith of the one whose birthday it is that we celebrate.
"I like seeing a change in people’s attitude. Something softens most people; they are more willing to help others at Christmas time. Gifts and food baskets appear in poor folks’ doorways. An effort is made to remember the elderly tucked softly away in nursing homes or those living alone. The sick and the lonely are touched by something outside of themselves even when the visitor is a stranger, whose smile is as bright as any star. The gift is welcomed but it’s the visitor’s nearness that lifts the lonely hearts.
"Remember the wise men brought gifts to the Holy Child. It is right and good that we give these gifts. The joy and wonder on a child’s face as they get the first glimpse of a twinkling, sparkling tree decorated from top to bottom with packages underneath. Somehow that child knows the gifts are for him. Tiny hands that reach out to touch are quickly drawn back in awe of the beautiful sight before him.
"These things I know about and love.
"I could go on to mention the loving hands that put forth extra effort to prepare the feast of the year. The plans. The shopping. The desire to please and make happy those who depend upon a mother. Her family and extended family of friends. This too, is a wonderful part of Christmas.
"A father’s surprised laughter as he discovers his children can disassemble toys faster than he can put them together.
"I sometimes feel nature itself puts an arm around us and holds us still so we can see and feel the wonders of the blessing of that first long-ago Christmas when peace and love were given unto us.
"I do like Christmas. I wish you a blessed one."
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― Larry Karson, Marjorie Loudermilk's son-in-law, shared this story with The Oklahoman. Marjorie's husband spent time in Oklahoma through the military in the early years and when asked if Marge was with him during that time, his response was, “We spent 70 years together!” Karson's connection to Oklahoma City was through his own service with the U.S. Customs Service’s aviation program at Will Rogers World Airport. He also lost an associate, Paul Ice, in the April 19,1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. "With OKC being the heart of America, it seemed appropriate for her 'Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus' letter to be forwarded there," Karson said.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mom's letter was found among Christmas decorations; she had passed this year
