A Christmas Miracle I Will Never Forget

It was Christmas Eve 1987. There was little money for gifts or a turkey dinner, which was a harsh reminder of how difficult the past year had been.

No matter what we did to get ahead, we were thrown two steps back. We had taken a huge financial loss and had no income at the time. Jobs were scarce and every day seemed to bring a new dilemma.

“Daddy hasn’t had a job for quite a while so there will only be a small present under the Christmas tree this year.” I reluctantly told the kids. “But we are together and we will have lots of fun, especially if it snows.”

“O. K., Mommy.” Basic. Reality. They were young enough that fun was a priority.

A Wonderful Surprise

When the doorbell rang, I was surprised to see our neighbors, who were farmers. They handed me a large grocery bag. “Phil and I want you guys to have a great dinner. We know you are going through a tough time and our gift to you is our largest bird – enjoy.”

Not just a bird, but they gave us potatoes and carrots from their garden.

That kind gesture made me realize that the new year would bring many blessings. “We will get through this,” I told myself. 

My favorite spoon that I used for cooking was a long-handled metal one with a rubber end to protect your hand. While preparing our Christmas Eve dinner, the rubber end broke off. Without warning, the floodgates opened and I began to weep.

All the pent-up emotion of our circumstances poured out.  I sat down on the kitchen floor and cried. When my husband heard me, he came into the kitchen and saw the broken spoon in my hand.

Gently, he removed the spoon from my grip and laid it on the counter. He took me in his arms and held me. No words were exchanged. There was no need.

Waking Up To Another Christmas Miracle

The next day was Christmas and we woke up to snowfall. Perfect. We lived in a remote area surrounded by acres of woods. The beauty of the forest was breathtaking. What fun we had playing in the snow with our children.

The freshness of the pure white snow confirmed the message that this year would be a new beginning. I found solace in that.

Although there were only a few presents under the tree, I was thrilled that the children had used their imagination to make a small token of love for each of us. Maybe they understood more about our struggle than I realized.

After opening the presents I went into the kitchen to prepare Christmas dinner. Then I saw it. On the kitchen counter was my spoon – my favorite spoon. I couldn't believe my eyes. It had a new wooden handle. 

I had no idea where my husband got it or how he did it, but he had found a perfect piece of wood to fit the spoon. My spoon. It could still be used. I got so excited that I wondered if my family was concerned Mom had lost her faculties. I couldn’t stop laughing.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The lesson the children learned that day was priceless. They witnessed the joy that comes when giving a gift from the heart. And what is important. What love means.

That was almost 30 years ago and I am still using that spoon. Every. Day. And every day I am reminded that I need to find a way to make a gesture, no matter how small, to show appreciation to those I love.

I may never know the impact I might have on someone's life from a small act of kindness on my part. I will never forget my husband’s loving act because I am reminded of it every time I use that spoon.  

That spoon continues to remind me of the importance of giving. It is the gift that keeps on giving.