When the Love Lights on the Angel Tree were turned on Dec. 3, Sally Smith was among those to speak.
Smith, of the Patrick County Alzheimer’s Group, LLC, thanked those who contributed to the annual project that raises funds for the group.
“It was an honor to be asked to take part in the lighting ceremony and see all the happy faces,” she said. “It really makes each of us feel a deep feeling to have been raised, loved, worked, and been a part of Patrick County. Thank you again and have a Merry Christmas.”
Smith then read “Twelve Christmas Angels,” a poem by Loyd C. Taylor, Sr.
“Twelve Christmas angels met
Up near the Milky Way
To discuss why joy was missing
From the Christmas holiday.
“It gave them so much sadness
As they tracked the negative trend
So, each decided to do their part
To bring this madness to an end.”
Each of the 12 angels had a mission – from touching memories, tenderizing hard hearts, gathering families, returning ‘Merry’ and ‘Christ’ to holiday greetings, clearing calendars and the like, Smith read.
But she noted that in the poem, the 12th angel had the hardest task. It was that of “bringing wonder back to each heart…. Before that Christmas night.”
Smith then encouraged the crowd “to try to think of which one (angel) you can be during 2022.”