“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that’s amore…”

They wrapped themselves in light jackets, she also slipped on Uggs to warm her feet, and he nestled a blanket around his legs after settling into his wheelchair. With great exhilaration they made their way to the local restaurant just a few blocks away from home. The attraction was that it had a wrap around patio that overlooked a small lake. Mostly, ducks, turtles, and cattails thrived with in the aquifer but the serenity that presented itself in this body of water titled Unicorn Lake was something words can not describe. It was magical. On this particular night a super moon lit up the sky.

“When the stars make you drool just like a pasta fazool

That's amore…”

Somehow, even though it has nothing to do with the holiday season it seems to have every thing to do with the holiday season. In that evening, when the two of them seemed to find peacefulness by being there in each other’s company they discarded interest in material things. They noted a simple gift of a brilliant moon shining its light across a mass of water causing it to glisten like diamonds or Waterford crystal. It warmed their heart and ignited their spirit like sparkling Christmas lights. With in that moment the burdens they carried throughout the past year seemed irrelevant.

“When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine

That's amore…”

They reflected that night on what they loved about the past year. Perhaps they didn’t see eye to eye on what it was that made their heart individually sing yet they still found laughter in noting one another’s obsessions.

“Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling, and you'll sing "Vita bella…”

Through out the year he put up with her whispering a mantra that this was the year…This was the year that the CUBS would win the World Series. Even though hospital stays, therapy sessions, and continual medical appointments kept their calendar year hopping she always found time for the Cubs baseball games. Even through most times the game didn’t play in Texas. Somehow, they always found themselves listening or watching a play back of a game. Needless to say he almost shed a tear at the same time he mustered up laughter when watching her jump for joy while in game 7 the Cubs won…

“Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay

Like a gay tarantella…”

On any particular day in a Millennial’s world one might hear, “What does the Fox say,” While this is a pop song by Ylvis the fox wasn’t a furry tailed creature in his life. But more the continual viewing by him of the FOX news channel. Sometimes she went berserk and other times she understood his interest. It was an election year and he wanted to see a change. Actually they both did…She just didn’t need to watch Fox News 24/7. So she humored him and set the DVR to record the nonstop broadcasts of the election that in the wee hours of the night, on a second Tuesday in November, would present them with a TRUMP win for president. Secretly she cheered and sighed a sound of relief as He vowed to join in on the phenomena known as the Trump train that would Make America Great Again…Seriously, it was huge.

“When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet, You're in love...”

So, as the holiday season embarks for them this year they are focusing more on the spirit of the season and not the material objects that provide superficial pleasure. Somehow, things that are of a practical nature made more sense for them to acquire in use during their daily walk of life. Certainly, they hope all that embodies this season, for each of those that they love, can be found in the glow of a moonbeam verses that of an object purchased in a store. Perhaps this season will find each of you bellowing “That’s amore” because of the simplest of things that bring you joy…

“When you walk in a dream but you know you're not dreaming signore

Scuzza me, but you see, back in old Napoli, That's amore…”

Mostly, as they reflected back of the past year they read from the bible a story about wise men (magi) that followed a star to acknowledge the one born in Bethlehem. The story told of a child who would become the savior. It seemed to encompass their feelings through out all the trials of their year. Somehow, they too were following that star. Somehow, they carried hope. Somehow, their faith was stronger than ever. Amongst all their reminiscing they prayed for good tidings for each of those they love, befriend, and even those they don’t this holiday season.

Thus, Merry Christmas Everyone!!! May the moon hit your eye like a big pizza pie…That's Amore….

References:

That’s Amore – Composer Harry Warren, Lyricist Jack Brooks, Singer Dean Martin; 1953.

Uggs - Sheepskin boots, originated in Australia as a utilitarian boot.

Waterford Crystal - a fine flint glass manufactured by the Penrose brothers in Waterford City, Ireland.

Cubs - A National League baseball team in Chicago, Illinois

The Fox – Ylvis; 2013.

FOX News - An American based cable and satellite news channel founded in 1996

The Magi visit the Messiah – The Bible; Matthew 2.