Hey Dad,
Well, here it is less than two weeks ‘til Christmas, and instead of my normal excitement, I’m a little on the gloomy side. It might be because we had an advent night last night, and I almost ruined it. I’d like to say that my kids almost ruined it...but they were just being kid-like, but I let it get to me...and well, you know how it goes.
I think the real reason for my gloomy feeling is...Christmas cards. It’s not that they’re less cheery than in past years...it’s just that sometimes they announce changes that I don’t like.
It seems that every year we hear the news that another friend or family acquaintance is no longer married. Sometimes they come right out and say something like, “Steve and I were divorced this past year...it’s been hard, but I’m doing OK...” Other times, it takes a little reading between the lines to sense that something has happened.
Yesterday, it was as simple as an odd return address label in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope and the absence of the spouse’s name in the signature.
Oh no, not them!!! I knew there were some struggles, but how could they end it? They used to be such a fun couple that did stuff together and really enjoyed each other.
I know it didn’t happen overnight...it never does, but they have so much to stay married for. They have children, grandchildren, and great memories...not to mention a testimony to the rest of the world. Now I don’t know all their circumstances, but I guess they thought that things would be better for everyone if they went their separate ways.
I wonder if they realize how their breakup affects so many other people? That’s the thing about your marriage and mine; it’s not just about two people, it’s about whole communities of people...maybe even the whole world.
That one little Christmas card has me thinking about all the other “couples” I know that aren’t couples anymore, and it makes me gloomy and sad to see so many marriages around me ending.
So, Dad, let me plead with you...don’t let that happen to your marriage. Fight for your woman. If you have some mending to do, then do it, whatever it takes. No excuses. Ask forgiveness, prove your commitment, and then take your punches until your face is bruised and bloody...and then take them again.
We’re all counting on you.

Sorry for the gloomy pre-Christmas email...that’s the way it goes.

You ‘da dad,
Todd

PS - Jim Cessna, our Colorado Top 10 Field Correspondent has some hilariously clever Christmas traditions just for dads. Go to http://familymanweb.com/top_ten.htm

PPS - The Book Review Guy, Mark Kelley, has a couple of great book reviews along with his top “5” Christmas picks to read in the coming year. Go to http://familymanweb.com/bookreview.htm

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