I REMEMBER WHAT'S IMPORTANT

This morning I went out with friends for breakfast , with the intention of celebrating the Holiday Spirit by doing a good deed. Honestly, until today I haven’t really been in the Christmas spirit, which isn’t like me at all. But after breakfast I could feel it coming alive in me little by little. We all parted and I decided to walk to the street market nearby on my way to my car. I stopped and bought an ornament, hoping to get more of that holiday spirit. Then i came upon a booth that carried candles. They smelled amazing and were so simply but lovingly presented. On the table next to the candles was a basket with cards like the one in this picture. I picked one up and read it. My heart cried and went out to the boy and his parents as I read it. I hadn’t noticed the person standing behind the table at the booth until I finished reading, and realized that she looked very familiar. I asked her if her son had gone to Smith School. She said he had and I told her my son had too. Then she told me her name and I realized who she was and who Kyle was. Kyle had been in grade school with my son. He and my son had been friends then. She told me their story. A story of incredible strength and courage. Kyle was able to transcend his disease and he is now strong and healthy.

I decided to buy some of the candles not only because they smell amazing, but also because I needed to honor their story. Kyle’s mom makes all the candles by hand. She loves the process of pouring the wax and the different scents she has been able to create. Half of the profits of the sales are donated to the different organizations that helped Kyle heal. The love with which those candles are made will be passed on to us and will be part of those of us who light them. I found my Christmas spirit this morning. I remembered what’s important. #LocalBraddah