Special Yule Gift
It is hard for men to sit down and write about something like this. Maybe because it is not the impulsive and sensitive thing “real” men do. Maybe because it shows that a boy has finally matured and has accepted the responsibilities inherent to marriage and fatherhood. Or maybe because it opens the window to one’s soul for all to see, read and criticize.
But then something happens and you realize what all the rhetoric, cliches and fanfare surrounding Christmas are all about. . . . This is indeed the most special time of the year, when thanksgiving and gratitude toward one’s God are in order, along with some self reflections.
This year found my wife Patty, my 3-year-old daughter Katerina, and myself in great anticipation. The previous May, after two very traumatic and abruptly interrupted pregnancies, we were told Patty was pregnant again. This time we were all determined to do everything necessary to bring that precious little person into the world. We found out very early that Patty had to be in bed from the fourth month until the baby’s arrival, in order to increase the chances of a full-term pregnancy. This would take a lot of work, dedication, personal sacrifice and, most importantly, a lot of patience, which both Patty and I lack. It seemed that whenever one of us was about to buckle under the pressure, a new ultrasound image of the baby magically focused all our effort and energy toward the ultimate goal: a healthy new addition to our loving family.
On the night of Feb. 15, Patty and I made the drive we had worked, waited and prepared for since the previous May. Our second daughter was born at 1:30 the following afternoon. Both of us looked at each other and agreed that this little girl was worth everything we had just gone through--and more. In fact, by coming into our world, she had managed to bring us closer together and strengthen our love so much quicker and more effectively than seems humanly possible.
Looking back at this year, I realized once again that some of us are luckier than others in some respect. Some are wealthier, some are more intelligent, some are more handsome, and yet some others seem to have it all. No one person, however, can be prouder than I am this Christmas. My wife has made me feel like the happiest person on this planet. She is the main reason every Christmas is truly magical in our home, and both my daughters and I owe her everything during this holiday season. I hope and pray that she knows how special she really is, and how much I love her.
PETROS K. VASILIOU
Westlake Village