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Discovering The Heart Of Christmas In October

By Pamela King


When it comes to holiday movies and television shows, some are more popular than others. In the case of, "The Heart of Christmas, " most people whether Christian or otherwise, love this drama. Directed by Gary Wheeler, produced by Suzette Schafer, Charlie Schafer and Mark Burman, Lance W. Dreesen tells a sad though inspirational true story of the Locke family.

The acting in this drama whom portray different members of the family, friends, associates and a particularly curious stranger make the film well worth watching. The musical score and cinematography add an additional dimension to the film which many believe is one of the best Christmas stories of all time.

The plot involves a business woman, Megan Walsh, whom when taking children trick or treating encounters a home already dressed out in holiday flair. In the past, most people never put up decorations until after Thanksgiving. As such, the woman became quite curious as to why someone would be putting up Christmas decorations on or before Halloween. After which, upon inquiry, Ms. Walsh learned that the Dax Locke while after fifteen months of treatment at St. Jude Children's hospital was loosing the battle against a rare form of leukemia and could pass at any moment, most likely before Santa was to come on Christmas eve.

Like many parents whom both work to make ends meet, Ms. Walsh had little time to spend at home. For, not only did Megan work long hours on a daily basis but was always on call in case of an emergency at the office. While this is the case, the experience inspired Megan to spend more time at home with the children. At which time, the business woman also began writing a journal related to the Locke family.

Had it not been for this stranger whom stopped along the way to inquire as to why the family was putting up decorations on Halloween, the film may have never been made. Whereas, had Ms. Walsh not heard of the story, those in the busy business woman's life may have continued to experience an absence which had transformed into more time with family and friends after hearing about the loss of young Dax.

After learning about Dax, Ms. Walsh decided to examine life at home and priorities. In doing so, Megan read Dax's mother's Julie's blog on a regular basis to learn all there was to learn about the the Locke family journey. After which, the business woman put pen to paper, writing which was then made into this made for television movie so the story of Dax could be shared with others.

Whether acting out of love, or simply to learn more about the family and associated experiences, the film is a long standing favorite among Christians and movie buffs. For, it is a movie which reflects the importance of holding on to a sense of hope, faith and love no matter how difficult life can become. At the same time, it shows the strength and will of the Locke family who gave a son literally an early and what would become the last Christmas of a lifetime.

The movie provides a strong sense of charity, hope, faith and love. While the toddler passed in December of 2009, the family shared one last Christmas together which thanks to Ms. Walsh has now been shared with families around the world. In addition, Megan now spends more time with family and friends and fewer hours working late and on weekends. In large part, thanks to the Locke family journey and other stories of terminal illness and loss, whether of a child or adult.




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