A CHRISTMAS OF TREASURES
I'll always remember Christmastime
so many years ago
We ran from the hand of an abusive man
and needed a place to go.
The local shelter for battered women
said they would take us in
except for one of my children
not allowing young boys over ten.
That was not an option for me
or even a consideration
so we headed down the highway
with no particular destination.
We drove to mile marker zero
parking the car along Galveston Bay.
It was a lonely Christmas Eve,
I was confused and so afraid.
Trying hard not to let it show
I focused on the stars above
and began telling stories till daybreak
of wise men, baby Jesus and love.
Through stories I told my children
we found strength that Christmas Day
and knew the stars in God's universe
were what helped us to find our way.
There was no garland or tinsel,
no lights or pretty Christmas tree,
no baking or fancy dinners
we gave thanks for crackers and cheese.
No toy trucks or baby dolls
jingle bells or bows to untie
but we had treasures everywhere
just my children and I.
Seagulls flying, hermit crabs hiding,
sand castles and shells on the shore;
learning a lot about life that night
we were no longer afraid to explore.
I will always cherish the Christmas Eve
through fear we found a new beginning
together beneath the stars of heaven
we broke the cycle and started living.