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eBook Category: Spiritual/Religion
eBook Description: Ten Chocolates from the Box is a collection of short Christian stories drawn from events in the authors' own lives. The stories encompass a variety of genre--from humor to quiet reflection. Experience Christmas in a Soviet prisoner of war camp, be reminded of God's gentle leading, or spend a riotous day in the life of a housewife. Ten Chocolates from the Box will bring you to laughter and move you to tears; the perfect read for those times when you need a "special" moment.

eBook Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing, Published: Writers Exchange E-Publishing, 2002
Fictionwise Release Date: July 2002

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A TRIBUTE TO PARENTS

The frock of a senior citizen is not one that is purchased at a discount store, or even a fancy department store. Rather, the owner of this garment has slowly sewn it together over the years--stitch by careful stitch. Childhood and the teenage years mark the hasty basting stitches up the back. Being inexperienced in the craft of life, it was often required that some stitches be taken out and re-done, but each accounts for knowledge gained or a lesson learned. Hidden in the side seams, out of view, are the ragged stitches of life's sorrows and disappointments. Although these stitches were painful to ply, it was recognized that they were required in order to give the garment character. Many of these stitches were worked with tear-filled eyes, but the hand of God guided their placement. Proudly spaced from collar to hem are the buttonholes, carefully edged with the memories of each child. At those difficult times when the edges become a little frayed, they were lovingly rebound and secured with prayer.

Placed boldly out front, for all to see, is the overcasting around pockets and collar, commemorating each of life's joys and triumphs. The special stitching around the cuffs was added when the grandchildren began to arrive.

The everyday comings and goings of life are the stitches that hold the individual pieces together to form a secure garment. The style is ever-enduring, nothing radical or flashy; a classic to last a life-time. Your garments, mom and dad, are sown from the finest cloth. I've noticed how you have carefully sown integrity into the shoulders, so they fit perfectly. Patience, understanding and tact were blended together to form a durable lining, and the interfacing that holds the shape comes from your commitment to Christ. No seam is puckered with greed or envy, or crooked with deceit.

The thread that you chose to form each stitch is very strong; it is the thread of faith. Your thread has never broken or become snarled. You wear your garment secure in the knowledge that no matter what challenges you encounter, no seam will pull apart and no hem will fall. I notice that your frocks are only three-quarter length.

But of course! You both have so much more to experience! More stitches to add to the garment to make it one of old age. As I work on my own garment I will keep your pattern before me. I realize that no two ever come out the same, but regardless of the color or style I choose, by following your example I hope that my garment will be of the same high quality.