Happy Holidays from the Murman Family
A young girl attended a holiday violin recital. She was so captivated by the beauty of the music and powerful presence of the violinist she absolutely had to meet him after the performance.
She waited patiently in line to greet him, and when it was her turn, she said hello and asked if he would please autograph her program.
“I’m sorry,” said the violinist, “but my hands are too tired from playing.”
“Well,” said the girl, “my hands are tired, too, from all the clapping.” The violinist beamed and with a flourish, autographed the program.
I sing the praises of professionals, business leaders and community volunteers, parents and grandparents. You are the violinists for children, families and our elders every day throughout our vibrant and diverse communities. We who care for our own families and the loved ones of others master the notes, touch the strings, and move the bow creating beautiful music. And sometimes we get tired.
I am your admirer, honoring your commitment and applauding your efforts. Together, in partnership, we are making progress. Let’s never forget that we are needed; let’s not lose hope nor allow one day’s fatigue to dampen our spirit.
The challenges are great, but our optimism and strength of commitment will persevere!
My special wishes for the holidays go to our military and their families, our first responder law enforcement, EMT and fire-fighting professionals, health care-givers, educators and providers of other vital human services whose dedication seldom takes a holiday. They are there for us and stand ready to serve in good times and bad. Saying thank you to these people is one way of giving them the emotional boost they need to keep up their good work for us all.
Warm Wishes for a beautiful Holiday Season,
Jim & Sandy, Michele & Michael (newly engaged) and Rocky too!
PLUS…
20 ITEM Holiday Gift Guide
Here’s a 20-item emotional gift guide which I hope will be meaningful for you in this season of celebration. Please share it with family, friends and colleagues:
– To yourself….respect, confidence and faith.
– To a friend….a heartfelt and caring spirit.
– To a family member….dedication, communication and understanding.
– To our natural world….protection and preservation.
– To a good cause….generosity and ardent advocacy.
– To a traveler….an open door of hospitality.
– To our military and first responders….honor and appreciation.
– To a customer or client….excellent service.
– To the ill and hurting….concern and healing comfort.
– To the hungry and homeless….compassion and emergency services.
– To the abused, neglected and abandoned….hope and security.
– To someone with a special challenge….recognition and acceptance.
– To the addicted and troubled….a positive path to recovery.
– To an infant and toddler….attachment, attention and safety.
– To a child and teen….patience, guidance and a good example.
– To a parent in need….a helping hand.
– To an elder, reverence….gratitude and dignified care.
– To everyone you see, friends and strangers alike….a smile and positive energy.
– To people of every age….unconditional love.
– To all the peoples of the world….justice and peace.
