Christmas in my heart

Hi Friends...

I wanted to tell You about a Christmas Miracle that happened to me last week. As many of you know, my dad and I haven't spoken for many years. When we did it was always in the company of others and was usually a heart breaking time for me. My dad has a Paranoid mental disorder. That coupled with the fact that he used to drink and use medication have lead him to make bad choices in life. He grew up a very angry man who abused his family in many sad ways. He's always been angry and abusive. We were unable to be a normal Father and Daughter and just avoided each other.
Three weeks ago realizing that my Dad is now about 75 and with Christmas coming I found something I thought he might be able to use. It's a blanket throw that say *I'm smiling because your my dad and I'm laughing because it's your own fault" . So I decided to personalize that and get it for him.
It came two weeks ago. Last week I called and ask him if I could bring him something for Christmas but he didn't return my call. So, the next day my brother called him and set it up for me to go see him the next day.
I made my plans...prayed and went alone to see him. On the way I prayed again, I was so nervous..and thought about the things that I would say to him. You see.. I wanted the war between us to end.
When I got there he had the door open (he lives in an appt.) he left the door open. I think so that I would be comfortable being there with him.
We talked about family and ourselves for about two hours. We hadn't really talked for more than 6 years. We talked about my sisters and they're addictions to medications and how they are doing and my brother that's trying to get Disability etc. and it was a nice chat but just that chit chat. He loved the throw and I covered him with it. Then I sat down beside him and tried to take his hands in mine but he turned his downward so I left mine on top of his. I told him that we were getting to old to continue the old battle that it was time to let things go and move on the best we can.
He told me that he knew how his treatment of me had effected my life and that he was sorry for what he did. I in turn told him that I was sorry for any pain that I've caused him in his life. I ask him if I could pray with him. He looked quite nervous..and seemed that he wanted to refuse (when I was a child he was called to the ministry and turned his back on it to party and gamble)..He looked up and saw my face and said okay. I thanked God that him and I had the chance to talk and make things right.. and I ask God to keep his hand on my Dad and that He would help us to have the Father Daughter relationship that we've never had. When I got up to walk to the door, Dad had tears in his eyes..he walked me to the door and I hugged him and wished him a *Merry Christmas*. It was so refreshing compared to the way things have always been. I believe that at last we have peace between us..lasting peace and for that I'm thankful. It has to be the best blessing..the best Christmas present this year. Possibly the best one I've ever had.
I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas..I pray that God would help you heal all the broken roads in your life..and that you will never ..ever give up hope and faith in Him. The Baby Jesus born in a stable that came so that we could be healed..have peace and joy and salvation in Him. Celebrate the love of Christ the love of our Father this Christmas and be blessed in Him..Love always..
Yvonne