December 21, 2007

Christmas Supplement

Video preserves family’s love and special blessings

By Pamela Domescik (Special to The Criterion)

It had been an extremely trying year for our family in 1999 as we had been ­separated geographically from my original family for a year and a half.

We were experiencing a great trial at the time, and I was sad and homesick.

With a little creativity and great loving hearts, the folks back home found a way to stay connected with us and lift our droopy spirits.

We had moved across the country, and with great difficulty left family and friends behind. I am very close to my Mom, siblings and their families so ­leaving them was hard.

During our time away, our family began to experience some painful ­contradictions. So much of it was out of our control, and I was at a low point and feeling more discouraged.

Meanwhile, back home, my family put their heads together and decided to videotape happenings going on with them. They filmed my Mom, brothers and sister and their families, and the new dog, Bandit.

They made a special effort to include various scenes and family gatherings ­complete with greetings, well wishes and singing around the Christmas tree.

Before the video was finished, we were suddenly able to return home to live.

The happy finale to this recording project was that our family was included in the Christmas videotape. Now we were home for Christmas and sharing in the festivities.

I cannot help the tears that well up in me whenever I watch that video. It is a reminder of the generosity and love of God blessing us with the gift of family—not just at Christmas, but every day.

(Pamela Domescik is a member of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish in Greenwood.) †

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