I was awakened last week with an order from God.  I was to put together a small Christmas tree for my mother. My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s recently, but early signs began several years ago. Decorating her Christmas tree each year was something she looked forward to.  However, for the last four years, she has not even wanted to get the tree from her garage or allow anyone else to do this for her. I would try each year to no avail. So upon hearing that voice inside me (God), I followed it that very day. I am a caregiver and always have a longer break on Wednesday afternoons and it was a Wednesday…imagine that! At the first store I found just the ornaments I had in mind. My mother loves being outdoors in her garden. I found red/gold glittery butterflies, birds and pine cones. And she loves poinsettias… I found the perfect one for the top of the tree. Lastly I found a small very colorful smiling-face sun. The ornaments were complete and it was time to pick up the elderly man in my charge. I still was in need of a small tree so I asked if he minded I make a stop on the way back to his home, and he agreed. In fact, upon thanking him for the delay and his patience in waiting, he responded by saying, “It was the least I could do for all the things you do for me.”  Giceiving….
While he took a nap, I decorated the tree. When he awoke he told me it looked beautiful and he was sure my mother would like it. I delivered it to her that very evening even though it was two months before Christmas. She was so thrilled! She wanted it set up on an end table in her living room. After doing so, we sat together on her sofa admiring the tree. I noticed a branch was out of place and I got up to fix it.  As I did, on a shelf to the right was a red star with the word ‘LOVE’ in silver lettering. I had put that star on a Christmas package several years ago. I placed it inside the branches…thanking God for showing it to me…and returned to my  place on the sofa. Again, the two of us sat peacefully together, admiring the tree.  She suddenly turned to me and said, “Do not get me another Christmas gift, this is perfect! This tree is the perfect gift.”  For a few moments in time my mother was herself again…before the Alzheimer’s.  And for those moments, I was so grateful….my heart was ‘beating in happiness’. …Giceiving once again   Don’t you just LOVE it?