The Most Irresistible Beauty

Hello All,

I am sending this edition of Phyl Phacts out a day early. I will explain why in a minute.

All of you know me, so you know I love quotes. The title of this edition starts with the first four words of one of my favorite quotes (Bob will tell you I have about a million favorite quotes!):

“The most irresistible beauty is the radiant glow from a kind and gentle heart.” – Richelle E. Goodrich (American novelist and poet)

This quote always reminds me of this time of year, when you witness kindness and gentleness in so many ways. And it is especially poignant because Friday the 20th is the second anniversary of my Dad’s death. During the short course of his illness following a fall and broken hip, we were blessed with so many kind and gentle hearts. And my family and I continue to be blessed today with this radiant glow through this most incredible season.

I have been asked whether Dad’s death has diminished the joy of Christmas. Absolutely not. It has added a tinge of sadness, but it cannot diminish the importance and joy of this magical time of year. In fact, Dad died at his favorite time of year. He loved Christmas, not for the presents – but for the presence. He was a spiritual man – he loved his faith, his family, his friends – all readily present. We all thought that if there were the perfect time for dad to go home, Christmas time was it.

We will be celebrating with presence tonight and tomorrow. My brother, the one who follows me in birth order, is receiving quite an honor tonight and is being inducted into the leadership role of his service organization. Little Mom, Bob and I are going to celebrate this achievement with him and his family. Bob and I are using this as an opportunity to take Little Mom for an adventure and an overnight stay in an unique hotel we have been wanting to visit in Richmond. We will visit Dad too. Family time at the family time of the year.

There will be tears (or what Little Mom and I affectionately refer to as “leaking”). As the horse says in my absolute most favorite new book “The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackery (I know – I still have not learned how to underline!) – “Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength not weakness.” And as my wise adopted daughter says that tears “help to remind us what’s really important in our lives.”

There will be people who will be spending their first holiday without their loved ones. There will be people who are ill and will spend their holidays in the hospital. There will be people for whom this season is difficult for other reasons. Be present for them. Be kind. Be gentle. Hug just a little bit tighter.

You are important in my life. Thank you. Let your radiance glow,

Phyl