9 MORNINGS

People have their own meaning of Christmas. They say Christmas is love and peace. For children, they would say presents. For some, they would say party. And some would say it is a time to share, to give, and reunite. But whatever they mean of Christmas, for me, why can't we just have Christmas everyday? Maybe there would be no war, no slaughtering of innocent people, no hungry children begging for food while soaking wet in the rain, no government leaders greedy for power and wealth, no shattered families, no brokenhearted and most of all nobody would be left alone especially this Christmas.

I remember this young little boy I spoke with not too long ago. His eyes were flaring with some emotions I couldn't identify. He said, "Christmas? Forgiveness." I was paralyzed. I could hardly imagine this young little boy spoke about forgiveness. At first I was startled to say anything. We never exchanged anything aside from a thin smile. Then suddenly he uttered, "My Dad left us. Mom said he has another family." He starred at me with a tense set to his mouth. I noticed the glassy sheen in his round eyes were moist.

"Christmas would be happier if you celebrate it together with your family. You see Mother Mary and Joseph happy standing right next to their son, Jesus." He continued while pointing to the small stuffs inside the box made of glass near the fireplace.

"Buts it's alright. I know my Dad is happier now that he's with his real family and that's more than enough for me. Mom said I have his eyes, cheeks and chin. So, it feels like Dad is still with us this Christmas." My eyes misted suddenly and I felt my face go tense as I shifted my attention to the lights in the Christmas tree.

"You believe when you completed the 9 mornings and when you wish for something it will come true? I swear to God when I see my Dad I would hug him as if it would be the last great big hug on earth. I know he won't be gone for long."

The throb of bass beats had quickened my heartbeat and greased my palms with sweat. The glowing fireplace wasn't just a beacon in the cold dark night. It was a bright and hopeful sign of life in a cold and barren young mind of this little child. I had managed to convince myself that having a conversation with him was the best thing that had ever happened to me.