On the night of December 28, 2005, I was with much of my family in Gatlinburg, TN. We had gathered for time together in the mountains. We had a house for a week and all were invited to come and spend what time they could between December 26 and January 2nd. On this night there were 18 of us present (13 adults and 5 children). After eating a meal of delicious NC barbeque, we shared gifts with each other.

As we began the festivities a storm raced through the mountains and people were afraid the lights would go out. They asked if we had candles. As this was a rental, I had not seen any candles around. BUT, I had found a very tiny flashlight that fit in my pocket in the bedroom as I was unpacking. I was also giving four of the grandchildren flashlights as gifts. I quickly suggested that we have the grandkids open one of their gifts first. I had also given all of the assorted families the book, "Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem" by Maya Angelou.

The poem starts this way,

"Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes
And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses.
. . .
The sky slips low and gray and threatening."

Soon the storm passed. We experienced the peace and love of togetherness. My sister remarked that there was more than coincidence at work. In giving the book to my family, I wrote inside, "Carry peace within and spread it throughout the world." I do wish for all peace in 2006 and much happiness and time with family.--Rene