News from Windows of Light
In This Issue
The Knowing Special Thanks
Quick Links
Al Vitaro
Beverly Kidd
The Knowing Awake in the Dark
THE KNOWING Available on Amazon.
in digital book form and coming soon in print. If you're in a book
club, join our contest to win a visit from me and a group reading at
your club. Updates and information will be posted on my new website, nitalapinski.com
Christmas Miracles
The steering wheel burned like a hot coal from the nights cold freeze
beneath my palms. I pressed a clenched fist to my lips blowing warm air
in hopes of chasing the icy numbness away. It was 10:13 p.m. and I'd
just finished work. Anxiety slithered in my stomach like a
snake. It was Christmas Eve in 1983, and I hadn't purchased one gift for
my kids. My roommate Susan, had taken her toddler son David, along with
my two and bought a tree. Together they'd hung light's and decorated.
Susan placed a few gifts beneath it for my children. At least they'd get
something.
Like the end of every month I was broke with
just enough to cover the rent. Financial responsibilities clicked
through my brain as I considered how I might squeeze a few extra dollars
out of thin air. The reality of life lodged in my throat and I wondered
if I had some oranges to put in their stockings.
It
killed me to think of stockings filled with oranges and a few
peppermints on Christmas morning. I had my own empty Christmas memories.
The first time we had no tree or gifts I was thirteen.
"Were
not having Christmas this year" my mother informed us . "I can't afford
it and you girls are old enough to understand that I'm doing my best."
Disappointment raced through my body and I thought, don't be a sniveler, suck it up. Christmas is just a bunch of crap anyway.
That's what I told myself. But honestly, waking up on Christmas day
with nothing felt sad. I was embarrassed when at school other kids
asked, "So, what'd ya get?" I'd lie and make things up. I didn't want
that for my kids. They were too young and innocent for such harsh
realities. I felt helpless in my own circumstance.
Bright
colored lights hung from rooftops and trees along the street screaming
happy holiday, cheer I didn't feel as I passed. Tension hammered in my
temples as I parked behind a pickup truck. My head fell forward and
banged against the wheel in defeat and I cried without restraint, and
then I screamed. I screamed until I gagged. I pounded my fists in
helpless rage until nothing was left but a salty thickness that ran from
my nose.
I pulled myself together and went inside to a
party I'd promised my friend I would show up for. I managed about an
hour and left as depressed as I'd arrived.
My foot
pumped in a desperate motion against the gas pedal in my old beater. I
closed my eyes and prayed, "God, please let my car start." The engine
turned over and relief escaped with my breath. The lights from the dash
cast a soft glow inside the car and I noticed something sticking out
from the ashtray. I reached for it with numb fingers. It was a piece of
paper. I pulled it to my nose so I could see. A neatly folded one
hundred dollar bill stared back.
It took a few minutes for me to accept that I was holding such a sum. Where did this come from? Who put this here?
I glanced at the house filled with people celebrating the holiday and I
cried again. This time it was gratitude mixed with disbelief.
I drove straight to Toys R Us and filled my tiny car. I bought toys and
wrapping paper, stocking stuffers and gifts for my roommate's son too. I
had so much money that I bought food for Christmas dinner.
I asked all my friends, "was it you who gave the money?" "No," they each replied, "it wasn't me."
To this day I don't know who gave such a generous gift, but each year
no matter what, we give to someone who needs a little help.
I wish for you all a happy holiday. Enjoy your friends and family and
maybe find a way to give a little something to one who needs it.
Special Thanks
The official launch party for my book THE KNOWING was a huge
success and I owe a debt of gratitude to several people. My
stunning book cover was done by Al Vitaro, who I met when buying a
meditation chair for my retreat last April. He created several video
shorts related to the book. His work is nothing less than phenomenal.
Thank you Al.
I highly recommend his chairs and am including his website for you, zenbydesign . Check it out, you will love them too. My little sister is the face on the book, thank you Farrah.
The Capital Grille, Scottsdale did a great job offering delicious food
and outstanding service. Linda Kammeyer took care of everything. Thank
you Linda.
Some of you may know Beverly Kidd as your favorite
anchor from news channel 3. Beverly now writes health news and fitness
articles for women on a new website, health2fit
The articles are fresh and informative and well worth following. She is
interviewing me on the benefits of meditation which will air the first
week in January on her website.
Last but definitely not least,
my sisters flew in and surprised me making the night more special than I
can say. A thousand thank you's to everyone who has supported me and
believed in me. I hope you read the book and recommend it to a friend. Thank you,
Nita Lapinski
Wishing you the happiest holidays and New Year! Don't forget to schedule your reading for the New Year! nitalapinski or windowsoflightaz
Once again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Nita Lapinski