Wish Upon A Star

We all know the story of the Christmas Star. On that special night, this star shines with a brillance that is not seen year-round, and announces to the world that all is not lost and hope is still there for those who choose to take advantage of it.

But, what about all those zillions of other stars that seem to be also brighter on this night of all nights - well, as a child, I was told of an old legend that I hold dear even to this day.

Every star out there has a name of someone - they are made up of tears and smiles, joy and pain. The first tear of joy of a new mother and the first tear of pride of a new dad as they hold their son/daughter for the first time and realize that this life is their's to mold and build - they have a star up in the heavens.

A husband or wife that shed a tear of thankfulness as they look in love at each other and realize that no matter what life may throw in their direction, and that there is nothing in life you can really count on - they have each other and love is as bright as any diamond and as brilliant as a ray of sunshine. They, too, have a star.

Some stars are the tears of watching someone we love move on into another life and we will miss them, but that tear also is glad that pain and misfortune is no longer their's to deal with, and they are okay.

It is the unsigned note to a parent with a run-away child, not ready to come home yet, but has not forgotten where home and love still lives.

The stars up in the heavens are little infants that were not strong enough to survive in our world, but shine bright and beautiful in the heavens. There is a star for each person killed by war, famine, and disaster, and even though they did not survive down here, they will never fade as long as there is life and their stars shine for the universe to behold.

While this legent may or may not be true is really not important. Its knowing that we can look up in the heavens on Christmas Eve and wish upon a star - and say thank you to those we loves and lost and even to those we never knew. It is realizing that no life is ever extinguished without finding new brillance in life that we don't fully understand. Our cherished family and friends are for all eternity as is our memory of who they were and what they meant to us.

On Christmas Eve, wish upon a star and know tha someone out there is really listening and smiling down on you.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November