The Gift of Healing

A woman receives a Christmas gift that may change her life for the better.

Camille nodded to a classical version of "Silent Night" from her laptop. She didn't know why, but she loved the sound of the violin with deep affection. It calmed her spirit. Ever since one of her best friends, Kiera, passed away, she fell into depression. Kiera used to play the violin all the time. She won second place in their high school's talent show. Camille saw her as the next Paganini.

Later in the year, Camille started playing the violin herself. She took lessons and practiced more. But even if she practiced, she couldn't get better.

One day, she sank into her piano bench, nonchalantly playing a few keys. Her friend, Jared, sat next to her and asked, "Why not just stick to the piano? Or singing? You've always been good at those."

"Jared, you don't get it," Camille said, her eyes still trained on the keys. "Ever since Kiera died, I felt like I lost a part of me. But when I play the violin, no matter how bad it sounds, I can feel her."

Jared gave her a sympathetic frown. He didn't know what to say, so instead, he reached out to pull her close. Her tears soaked against his shoulders as her muffled sobs echoed throughout the room.

~

The next day, Jared went out into the Louisiana streets, trying to find the best Christmas gift for Camille. He already bought his gift for his other loved ones. Now, it was Camille's turn.

He had tried to fight off the headache he’d had since last Wednesday. Even some aspirin wouldn’t make it go away. But he tried to ignore it for now.

He walked towards a music store and spotted a huge purple violin through the display window. It was polished and aesthetically pleasing. The store was just built months ago, but it looked like it was made from heaven. Angelic lights shimmered, inviting Jared in. He couldn't help but take in the beautiful scene before him. He then examined the violin more. He reached out to touch it, but a voice said, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Jared jumped, then turned to a stout woman with deep red hair.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I was just—"

"No apologies needed, dear. You can look around as long as you'd like."

Jared looked back at the majestic-looking instrument. "How much does this cost?"

"Oh, sweetheart. This violin isn't meant to be bought. It's meant to be given." She grabbed the violin and handed it to him.

Jared looked between the stringed instrument, weighing heavily against his arms, and the woman. "So, it's free?"

"Of course. Everything here is a gift." She lifted her hands by her sides.

Jared couldn't help but feel a tug at his heart.

"This gift is for a woman, isn't it?" she asked.

Jared nodded.

"She must mean so much to you."

"She does."

“This violin was made for healing. It can lift even the heaviest of hearts.”

Jared smiled. “Thanks. I’m sure she’ll love it!”

"She sure will. Merry Christmas, Jared."

"Wait. How do you—"

Before he could finish his question, the lady faded away.

~

It was Christmas morning. Despite the holiday being her favorite, Camille still felt deep depression. The season didn't feel complete without Kiera. Her mother tried to comfort her the best she could, but nothing worked. So, she gave up and prayed to God that her daughter's pain would heal. She even prayed that her own ankle would heal, but so far, nothing.

There was a knock at the door. Mrs. Moore-Sanchez answered it.

"Why, hello, Jared," she greeted. "Merry Christmas! To what do we owe this pleasant surprise?"

Jared smiled. "Merry Christmas, ma'am. I just came to give this to Camille."

"Okay. Camille! Jared's here to see you!"

Camille came down to see Jared. Her eyes widened at the sight of the box. "Wow, that's a big box. Is that really for me?"

"Yep," Jared said. "Let's go up so you can open it."

The three went up to the living room and settled down. After Camille unwrapped the box, she gasped in awe. "Oh, my gosh, Jared! You got me a violin?"

"Not just any violin. It's very valuable so be careful with it."

Camille cradled the instrument, the wood cool and smooth, fitting perfectly against her chin. She stared down at it in amazement.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Jared said. "Play something."

"I don't know what to play." She started to tear up.

"Play 'Silent Night'," her mom suggested. "It was Kiera's favorite Christmas song, wasn't it?"

"It sure was," Camille said. "But I can't play."

"Camille, for goodness' sake, just play it!" Jared urged.

This time, Camille played "Silent Night" and to her surprise, she played the instrument perfectly. She did not miss a tune or a beat. Every melody and rhythm was flawless. Camille’s fingers moved effortlessly as her grief started to melt away. All the heartache she faced in her life was fading from existence. She never felt this way before when playing a violin. But while playing this specific one, which sounded soothing and ethereal, she knew it was something special.

After she finished playing, Jared and her mother were in tears.

"Oh, baby," her mom croaked. "That is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard!" She ran over to embrace her daughter.

"How do you feel, Camille?" Jared asked, wiping away a few tears of his own.

"I feel- I feel great. My heart feels lighter."

"Baby, you know how my ankle had been hurtin' for a while?" her mom asked. "While you were playing, it healed. The pain is gone!"

Camille gasped with a mixture of great shock and relief.

Jared said, "And you know about that headache I had since last week? It's gone, too."

"Wow," Camille gasped. She turned the instrument over. "Jared, where did you get this?"

Jared didn't know how to answer that question. "Let's just say it's a gift from God."