Note: As we approached the end of 2020, Susan’s neurological symptoms continued to worsen. In November, she had spent two weeks at UAB and had returned home just prior to Thanksgiving. Though weak, she was elated to be home and truly enjoyed the Thanksgiving meal. However by Christmas, her overall condition had declined further. Our Christmas Day was very muted. At that point, one can only focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I read the below note to Susan during a brief period in which she was awake. (Tom Fitzgibbon)
My dear Susan,
Do you remember O. Henry’s short story, The Gift of the Magi? At some point, I read it as a kid in school. The story was written in the early 1900’s and involves Jim and Della, a married couple. Extremely poor, Jim and Della each had a single, highly prized possession. For Della, it was her beautiful long, brown hair. For Jim, it was his gold watch which had belonged to his grandfather and father. But given their poverty, they were each greatly stressed as Christmas approached. How would they afford a suitable gift to give each other?
Having only $2 in cash, Della chose to sell her hair to buy a $21 platinum chain for Jim’s watch. Unaware of Della’s decision, Jim made a similar sacrifice. He sold that prized watch to buy a set of tortoiseshell & jeweled combs, the perfect gift for Della’s lovely, long hair.
It is tempting to focus on the tragic irony – i.e., each spouse bought the “perfect” gift, but the prices paid were too great and thus the gifts were of no use. However, the story does not end in despair. Instead, through their tremendous sacrifices, Della and Jim were forced to see that they already had the perfect gift – their love for each other.
I have been thinking of this story lately. As you know, I always struggle to pick out gifts for you. But this year has been so much tougher. What can I give you that is most needed or meaningful at this present time? The gift that I most want to buy for you is beyond my reach. It cannot be purchased by any man, regardless of wealth. Only God can provide you with the gift that I most want for you. Instead, all I can do is give myself to you – to support you and care for you.
Like Jim and Della, we have been stripped of those things that made us so proud. Yet also like Jim and Della, we are learning that we already have the greatest gift – our love for each other and our love for our gracious God.
Merry Christmas Baby! I love you so dearly.
Tom
God Speaks 