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A Christmas Gift
Inspired by a humanitarian act witnessed by Ray J. Whittier, "A Christmas Gift" became the basis of and the title poem for his first self-published book.
"A Christmas Gift" is a collection of holiday poems from the lived life, heart, mind, and eyes of Lynn Poet Laureate, Ray J. Whittier. These poems capture classic snowy December New England coastal tales and the subtle and simple moments all year round that embody the spirit of Christmas.
These recordings were found and remastered after Ray's passing in June 2024. They capture just a few of the hundreds of poems found in the pages of his self-published book, "A Christmas Gift".
May his words and the sound of his voice bring joy and comfort to the countless friends and loved ones who knew him best. And if you're a stranger listening on a cold, December night nestled by your fire amongst the glow of twinkling lights, we hope you find a friend in them, too.
Merry Christmas.
Dedicated to Shirley Whittier, wife and loving mother of 64 years, and to Raymond and his wife Susan of Stratham, NH, Daniel and his wife Mary Ellen of Stratham, NH, and Mark and his wife Maria of Beverly; his daughters Denise Benevento and her husband Vincent of Stratham, NH, Mary Jean Raimo and her husband Michael of Beverly, Paula Funk and her husband Norman of Chaplin, CT, and Christine Moganelli and her husband Michael of Lynn; his brother John and his wife Karen of Fredericksburg, VA, his sister Judith McBriarty and her late husband John of Milford, NH; his cousins John Caldwell and his wife Clara of Ocean Ridge, FL and Patricia Chadbourne of Lynn; his friend Teddy; and his 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Created by a loving grandson, who misses his "Grampy Ted".
Episodes
13 episodes
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Changes
Thanksgiving napkins were put away. The holders on the table stayed. Soon the silver fingers were seen holding folds of red and green. The turkey made of paper brown from the front door was taken down. Its hanging hook left to hold...
The Wish
A short distance from my beach house door, the surf seized a bottle and tossed it on the shore. Old Dog, Ziggy, and I on our daily walk, hearing the morning talk, I saw the sunlit bottle with a rolled up note insid...
The Gift
Now let me tell you in this season of cheer, of gifts received throughout the year. The breeze that turned my whirligig's wings, carried the fragrance of lilacs in spring. A tall cluster of tulips, yellow...
A Gift Of Fruitcake
From the warm kitchen of my friend B, A gift of fruitcake was given to me. Now a fruitcake buyer I've never been, A fruitcake taster, yes, now and then. Beneath its rum soaked cover The cake I so...
Christmastime
Has it been so very long ago? In your lifetime and mine, we've forgotten what it was like to be a child at Christmastime. Remember how our small world changed as it started turning red and green? And ...
Isn't That Odd
Perhaps you could explain to me a phenomenon I often see. When driving through a city or town where road crosses and jaywalkers abound.This is the question I ask When you stop your car to let them pa...
Reflections
You can sit by a fire on a cold winter night, lie in the sun when the weather's right. You can warm your hands where the wood stove glows, adorn a cozy coat when the west wind blows. But no greater wa...
A Christmas Ring
It was a cold Christmas Eve, and I was very young. The Grange Hall tree was lit, and old time carols were sung. It was there that I saw Jenny in the glow of candlelight, pouring hot cider for the folks gather...
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