by Olivern “Olie” Dithmar Isaacson
(Jan 8, 1926 – Jul 17, 2007)
My most sincere wish for this Christmas day,
is that souls that are lost may find their way.
And that the hungry around me somehow be fed.
For the weary, I wish a pillow for resting their head.
For the hungry of spirit, I would seek as my goal,
that they should find satisfying food for their soul.
And for those who would long for a child today,
I wish them the laughter of children at play.
For those without love, who need love to find,
I wish someone to love them, who is thoughtful and kind.
And if there is someone without a song in their heart,
I wish that a melody within them would start.
For the homeless among us, who are sad and alone,
I wish them friendship and love, in a comfortable home.
And I wish the satisfaction of unselfish giving,
for those with a surplus in their daily living.
May the love that’s within us be spread all around,
and our spirit of giving in abundance be found.
Then, because we’ve responded in this positive way,
the Christ of Christmas will be honored today.
Thank you for posting this poem from our beloved, departed Uncle. I miss him much. I also find that I miss his mom, our grandmother. I see her face in many others that pass by me.
I look forward to trying out your Lefse recipe with gluten-free flours – wonder how that will work since I understand that making lefse is tricky. I’m glad you took the time to learn it from her. I never did. But, it does also make me think – I should bring my krumkake baker with me when I go to Moses Lake for Christmas. Mmm, with gluten-free flour again, this will be interesting.
What a sweet poem from Uncle Ollie! Thanks for posting this, Dean! It’s good to remember that others really need our love and encouragement all the time, but many more at this time of the year.