tree

He was a "computer man" who shared his knowledge with a little group of
online friends. He was their guide as they shared parts, pieces and parcels
of their daily lives.

A wonderful group he thought. What could I do with them on this upcoming
Christmas season? Some have mailed gifts to others, but what could draw them
all together?

Like Santa filling a stocking, ideas poured into his mind until he caught
one that he thought would be especially easy for all.

"Choose one word," he wrote to his group. "One word that speaks to you of
the Christmas spirit, and around that word draw an ornament.

After that, send your word ornament to me with your scanner, or use your
digital camera on your computer.

I will place your decorations on a tree, and on Christmas Eve I will send
you a picture of our Christmas tree."

Word ornaments were sent to the computer man.

One said, "Joy"

One said, "Love"

One said, "Hope"

One said, "Encouragement"

One said "Kindness"

One said "Happiness"

One said "Warmth"

One said "Fun"

One said, "Peace"

One said, "Blessings"

One was drawn as a 12-sided figure made with cdr discs from an anonymous
sender marked only as "Universal Laughter"

Many sent more than one, and each expressed what they felt at Christmas
time. They showed their joy of sharing the holidays with their loved ones,
friends, and pets. They showed the caring the group had for those friends
who were down and had their back to the wall. They showed the fun they felt
sharing ideas on recipes, hobbies, and creative interests. They showed the
respect they had for each other.

The computer man assembled their creations and placed them on a tree. As he
placed each item on the tree it grew more breathtakingly beautiful. When he
finished he offered it up to the group.

"Wonderful" "Gorgeous" "Lovely" came the responses from the group.

"But Wait!" cried One. "There is no star on the top of the tree!"

"Yes, it's there," said the computer man. "Look closely."

"I think I see a star," said One.

"You do," said the computer man. "The star is ...each one of you. Your
kindness to others is a brightly shining star."

david...

beautiful story, stan. i enjoy your imaginative talents. just the thing to
start my day on a high... :) Thank you.

Merry Christmas from Stan and Butterkup

Joy...

Welp, you made me cry too. Thank you, Stan. This is beautiful!

Norma...

I just had a little trouble swallowing...past the lump in my throat.

Thank you, Stan.

**Lin**...

I think you summed up what we all feel but don't have the words to
say. Thank you Stan and Butterkup. :-) And Merry Christmas to you
too from across the miles, hand to hand and heart to heart.

Mikals11...

Beautiful Stan.... you and I need to talk about this more.... What a

Stan...

Thank you Mikals, I do have some ideas for children's books. We'll talk
after the holidays.

Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments. I love to ramble on, you
encourage me.

Stan :)

Goromoff...

you don't need no encouragement, mate - that's what adds to your talents!

beautiful way to see the love in this group and you have expressed it beyond
anything I could ever begin to show.... Sir you have the writings for a
childs book without knowing it.... Change a few little things without taking
the heart out of it and keep it simple and I'll stand behind you with the
little things I can do.... Each person whos read your work here has said the
same thing..... "Can I have a copy to read to my kids" Man add a few
drawings.... (and I don't care where they come from) and man you have a hit
on your hands....

I'm mikals52 at att dot net

Goromoff...

what you said Mikals!