This is about how I still see you in December.

December 1, 2024.

I take a new step at the beginning of the month, at the end of this year.
Just a little—I want to tell a story
about the one who stole my heart, about the one who always made me smile.
As if that was my main job on this earth—to always smile,
to smile because of her sweet presence in this world.

Her name is Defta. That’s all I remember.
Back then, I didn’t know what her name meant.
Did it contain Tellurium? Astatine?
Haha, but I’m sure she was just an ordinary woman
who had the power to melt me.
Yes, thank you for that, Defta.

That day, I felt a little braver,
brave enough to admit that I truly had feelings for her.
I admitted it to myself.
Back then, I was the only one who knew.

Do you know, Defta?
I always wanted to know you more.

That time, I invited her to join
as a Sunday school teacher.
I offered her a small class—not for any particular reason, just an offer.
I believe everyone deserves to serve GOD, the giver of life.
I believed she was also worthy,
worthy of being a kind sister to the children.

For a moment, I felt proud
because you decided to join.
Welcome, sweet one. Welcome to working for our true GOD.
Let’s take pride in our lives,
for we have given our lives
to GOD, and only to Him
have we come this far.

From that moment on, I kept looking at you.
From afar, I kept hoping you knew
that I admired you.
Isn’t that sweet?
When a man like me falls for your captivating charm?

A good beginning carried me through December’s cold,
through the chill of the year’s end.
If I could hope for more, I would.
But among all the men competing for you?
I feel like I am the winner.
I believe I am!

I have found Deogifta—God’s Gift.

Deogifta Graciani Lailossa🌻.