PAD 5 Festive

Celebrate!

Where did this disability come from?

Not being able to celebrate.

Birthdays. I got used to no presents.

I buy what I want and sign your name.

When I open it I say,

“Just what I wanted, how did you know?”

The same for Christmas.

And when you look at the gifts I buy you,

with indifference, I try to not let it bother me.

Valentine’s Day. Not.

Easter. Your enthusiasm rustles

like wind in a bush.

But no bunnies, chocolates, or egg hunts.

Independence Day. Yawn.

Halloween. No go.

Thanksgiving. You munch while I cook

and when the feast is set

you’re not hungry.

New Year’s Eve.

You go to bed at ten

while I stay up till midnight

putting together a jigsaw puzzle

telling myself, “Happy New Year!”

December 28^th 1981

and April 10^th  1985.

You had trouble hiding the celebration

pouring from your eyes.

You fairly vibrated with excitement

at the birth of your children.

Why are you afraid to rejoice in the good things?

Yes, we’re waiting for heaven,

but it’s okay to enjoy a little bit of it on earth.

I think when we delight in God’s gifts

like children opening presents at Christmas time,

He smiles.

You have many strength, talents, and abilities.

Celebrating isn’t one of them.