Friday, January 01, 2010

A Treasure for Christmas


On Christmas Day, Joe showed a video that had recently come in the mail. It was from a friend's wedding 25 years ago, and she had sent it to us after Joey's departure to Heaven because it had footage of my children. My children were little when the video was taken and I think it was probably the first wedding and reception they had ever attended.

As my young children went through the receiving line to hug the bride and groom, the videographer caught their little faces all full of shiny wonder and good manners (that had, by the way, been coached into them all the way to the wedding). When my darling little five year old son, all dressed up in a bow tie and big boy slacks, made it to the front of the line, someone asked him who he was going to dance with at the reception. He proudly answered, "I get to dance with my mom!"

I never knew that till I saw the video last week. Fireworks in my heart. Like another Mother, I treasure all these things in my heart and remember the joy of raising that beautiful boy.




Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

10 comments:

Gberger said...

What a wonderful gift that video must be! I love this photo of Joey as a little boy. That bright, shining face and smile...and you, the one he most wanted to dance with. What a lovely memory you now have, thanks to thoughtful friends.
Karen, I'm grateful for your friendship this year...your passion, love and honesty continue to bless me. Thank you! May this new year bring new happiness, peace & comfort to all of us. XOXO

Maisha Bonnie said...

That warms my heart...what a special gift for a special and beautiful lady!
I love you,
Maisha

Joy Teghtmeyer said...

That must of been such a treasure. To see and hear his voice was a gift beyond measure. That is all we have now is the memories and stories for which we embrace,laugh and cry.
Thinking about you at Christmas time.
For those of us who have loss a son much to early.
Joy

Pam said...

How sweet! I have friends with boys the same age mine would be and it is strange to me to look at them and see ages we never saw. I'm glad your friend brought you this little piece of wonder during the holidays! Hugs to you today!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story. I love this picture. I just noticed Joey has dad's and Joe's ears:)) - love those ears! Loving all the JJ's in the Johnson family.

vi

Jenny said...

I read this post on New Year's Day before going to Mass. It happens to be a holy day of obligation honoring Mary. The gospel reading was that passage where "Mary held all these things in her heart.."

I am so glad that you were given this peek into the past and now you have a new special remembrance.

Anonymous said...

How very very very precious, a dance with his mom. I am so sure you will cherish this little boy with his tiny voice saying those words.

Love Sharon

Lori Ignacio said...

Karen my heart is overwhelmed with joy and sadness all at the same time. I know there can't be any more precious of a gift than to hear your baby boy say he want's to dance with his mommy. So very precious. It's a reflection of you and the love and security you gave to your baby boy. I love you Karen! xoxoxo

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Yep, it happened again. Your post about the wedding has made me weep for your loss. Not cry--weep. Koa is 5 and I can't imagine . . .

But how wonderful to be able to see him at 5 and to hear his little voice treasuring his mommy. He "gets" to dance with his mommy--what a lucky boy and what a lucky mommy.

May God bless you with more touching and healing moments,such as this one, in 2010,

Trisha