Light in darkness
By Johna Till Johnson
In December 2016, Vlad’s best friend Dan came to visit.
Their friendship dated back to the beginning of graduate school. Now it was a lifetime ago. A lifetime that for one of them would soon be over.
I can’t remember why, but Dan and I went out one dark evening to get something. We had to cross Park Avenue. But as we came up to the street, we saw it was crowded with people. There was no traffic.
Voices filled the air, and we realized they were singing… Christmas carols.
People singing Christmas carols! On Park Avenue!
Dan and I turned to each other, delight and wonder in our eyes. Who knew that in cosmopolitan New York City, such a thing could happen?
We stayed with the crowd and sang for a while, savoring the moment’s sweetness. Despite everything that was happening, there was light in darkness.
For a couple of years, that memory remained isolated.
I wondered, but did not know, why one dark December night there would be people on Park Avenue singing Christmas carols. It remained a mystery. But it was enough that it happened.
Life resumed.
This December a small contingent of us from St. Francis de Sales Catholic church were invited to the Christmas party at Brick Church, the Presbyterian church a few blocks away…on Park Avenue.
After the Christmas party, there would be the annual lighting of the trees on Park Avenue. With caroling.
Oh!
Now it all became clear. And a new memory was created. Light in darkness, yes. And also laughter, and cookies, and lemonade, and homemade Christmas tree ornaments.
And caroling on Park Avenue.
(Click on any picture to enlarge it, and scroll through.)
Vladimir Brezina (RIP) 
Johna Till Johnson
Wind Against Current 
A light in the wilderness! Thanks for sharing about these miraculous events.
Vincent
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Thanks for reading, and posting! “A Miracle on Park Avenue”, perhaps? :-)
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A Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year,
Pit
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Likewise, Pit! Stay cool ;-) I know this is the nicest time of the year in Texas….
And don’t tell anyone, but I finished all the lebkuchen…
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Well, actually I think autumn is the nicest time, with the leaves turning. So you finished the lebkuchen! Looks like you must have liked it. ;) Do you also have/eat stollen?
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I haven’t actually! Looks like a cross between Panettone and fruitcake.
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It’s good – if it’s made with enough marzipan, so that it will not be dry.
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Love all your posts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Johnna!
Warmly, Alexandra
>
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Hey, thanks Alexandra! And right back atcha!
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Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year with lots of kayaking!
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Thanks Marilyn! Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to you, too!
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A beautiful post with touching photos.
Wishing you many, many happy holidays, Johnna!
🎅🏻 🎄 ☃️ 🥰
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Thank you, and right back at you! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
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Thank you!
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You are most welcome! Thank you for the lovely photos of trees and leaves…
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Such a treat Johna. Bless you.
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