A Christmas Story

Miracles and Christmas stories come in multifaceted varieties. Some earth shattering, some seemingly miraculous, and some quietly slip into our lives, all being of great value to those affected.

This Christmas story began 44 years ago and came full circle this past December.

It began during the Vietnam War. Yes, I know, there are those wanting it referred to as a "conflict". It was not. Ask the men and women who were part of that so-called­conflict and you will hear the word, war.

Paul, as an 18-year-old young man, joined the United States Marine Corps and 2 ½ years later then served 11 months in Vietnam. His tour came to an unfortunate end, while guiding troops, when he tripped a wire, triggering what they called in those days a booby-trap, known today as a I.E.D. Fortunately he was wearing a flak vest and helmet, and upper body injuries were neither life threatening or severe. Regrettably his lower body sustained severe and traumatic injury. He remained hospitalized for six months, undergoing surgical procedures to portions of his back and legs, with his right leg sustaining the brunt of trauma.

Paul, a Purple Heart recipient, was one of the fortunate returning service personnel and today leads a healthy, vibrant and productive life, as do many returning veterans of the Vietnam War.

And now the Christmas Story comes to light. One evening Paul was doing what so many of us do, going through old papers, shredding and discarding things he had kept for no apparent reason. As he was tossing paper he noticed a small yellowed envelope with a postmark from 1971. He noted the return address, realizing it was the address of the nun he had in Catechism class as a young boy. Reading the letter he discovered it had been written to him by Sister Michael Clare, after learning of the injuries he sustained in Vietnam. He was certain the letter had been shared with him while he was hospitalized but it had been tucked away in an obscure box and totted about for over 40 years.

Saddened that her wonderful and caring letter had been overlooked for so many years, Paul began his quest to locate Sister Michael Clare. The last he knew, she was in

Wasco but had no idea where she was today. Two other young boys and Paul were friends during those years of catechism classes and he contacted one of them, who had since gone into the Priesthood. He did not know her whereabouts but was sure the third member of their boyhood group did as he was the one to keep in touch and know the whereabouts of others from their past.

After numerous calls, Paul finally located Sister Michael Clare in Guatemala. He wrote her a wonderful letter of apology, explaining his errant response and was happy to learn in her late seventies she was still be serving the Catholic Church.

Sister Michael Clare responded to his letter and was happy to know he was doing well today.

Both Paul and Sister Michael Clare were touched by the written correspondence and each seemingly felt honored having been a part of the others life.

Often times we seldom learn when we have had a significant impact on someone's life. Never take for granted the smallest of gestures you make towards another for you may learn years later or maybe never, how you may have changed a life.

So in keeping with the Christmas spirit and the meaning of Christmas, the seemingly smallest of gifts may have the grandest of impact. We just never know.

The story came to me after Christmas, but while talking with Paul, there was such heartfelt emotion in regards to the correspondence with the Sister, it seemed befitting to share as one of those Christmas stories that slip quietly into our lives.

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, to all!