lights 4 Laiken-chapter 2012

Our afternoon started out heading for the Mission Inn in Riverside. An historic hotel, they decorate like no other for Christmas, and seeing it at night was wonderful. Far from the self seeking mall crowds, we sat and ate dinner on the outside mall, and as it got darker, the lights came on. A Festival of Lights they call it, and it was. On this Tuesday night two weeks before Christmas, it was not over run with people yet, but soon would be. Every window, nook, cranny, or whatever was decorated, from 6' nutcrackers to dancing penguins to Santa on a 4th floor chimney. It was neat, and on this 70 degree afternoon, we watched as they unloaded reindeer, and even in the warmth of the day, it would not have been a surprise if it had started to snow. A wonderful time and place, one I was blessed to be part of. And traditional Christmas music filled the air...it's the most wonderful time of the year.

But our real festival of lights was later, as we were going to the annual Lights 4 Laiken party that her mom, Stacy, and dad Jim throw every year. A very special time to remember a very special girl. Every year I marvel as Stacy somehow outdoes herself, and this year was no disappointment. Over 200 people of all ages were there, and as always the street was blocked off. Tables filled with cookies and hot chocolate. Chino city police cars with flashing lights, and even a police truck pulling a sleigh with Santa, loaded with kids. Playing Christmas songs, the way it oughta be. Led by a motor cop-ahh, Christmas in So Cal is so different. We had our picture taken in the picture booth and visited friends we only see once a year. A special time, Christmas time. But as my heart reminds me, it's really Jesustime!

But this year was even more special for me. I will be here to spend it with my family. I almost wasn't. And as I watched Theresa and Stacy visit and talk, I was touched at how they both had much in common. Stacy had endured years with Laiken's sickness, and spent so much time in hospitals. She had endured a private agony that only God could relieve, and my wife had endured the same with me this summer. I thought of Laiken in ICU, alone with the doctors and nurses, and I thought of my 20 days in Cardiac Critical Care. I thought of times with Stacy and crying together with her. Touched by a little girl I hardly knew, but knew wonderfully. Finally God told Laiken, "from now on you can call my house home," and she went to be with him almost five years ago. And I could see the pain and love of Stacy for Laiken, how she misses her, and reflects on the good times. Knowing someday she will see her again. And how much my wife loved me. How I am still here to hug and hold, and to comfort her. And in love annoy...Truly there is no better feeling than being loved...only a mom or a wife can fully know. Somehow they know without words even being exchanged. God has given them that special insight, that only comes from knowing Jesus. I watched blessed. And so we rejoice that we know Jesus, but it is even more special that He knows us-He even knows our name! How cool is that?

And so as I made my way to the table to get my latest Laiken Christmas ornament, her photo graced the table. And as I thought of past L4L, I thought of the first year, and helping those getting hot chocolate by filling their mouths with whipped cream, and soon we had emptied many cans in fun. Not much ever made it into the chocolate. Fun like Laiken had. I thought of the young girl last year who wouldn't sit on Santa's lap, not knowing it was her own dad. And crying and screaming not knowing his voice. And as I looked around, those who were 4 or 5 then, are 10 now. Laiken's classmates are now 18, almost out school, driving and have girlfriends and boyfriends. I could see Laiken among them. I also noted so many younger ones, Abigail's age, who was born in August after Laiken went home. The little sister she had always wanted-I can see here in her shirt saying I am the big sister. And the many who come out of love for Jim and Stacy. Knowing about Laiken, but never getting the chance to meet her. And I felt special, fighting tears as I looked at Laiken's photo. Such a pretty little girl, and I knew her. She was my friend. But the smile, the joy I left with was because Laiken knew me. Ask yourself-now how cool is that?

Merry Christmas to all-and a most joyous Jesustime!

love with compassion,

Mike

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