Sunday, November 18, 2018

Dax Locke And The Heart Of Christmas

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 writer, director and producers of the film did a great job, so great in fact, it is often considered one of the most touching Christmas stories of all time. Whereas, the dialogue, cinematography and music add an extra dimension not experienced in very many holiday tales. As such, viewing the film has become a holiday tradition for many Christians and movie buffs around the world.

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 most working parents, Ms. Walsh has little time to enjoy sharing time with family in the evening and also works weekends on a regular basis. Although, when Megan does have time to spend with the children, strange things have occurred on a number of outings. In fact, it was Halloween at which time Megan and the children passed a home being decorated for the forthcoming holiday season.

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.

In order to obtain the information and updated status reports, Ms. Walsh read a blog authored and updated by Dax's mother, Julie. For, in reading the blog, Ms. Walsh could learn everything necessary to create an accurate picture of the Locke family journey. After which, Megan translated the information into a journal for future reference.

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.

As it became clear that the toddler could pass before the end of 2009, the family put up a Christmas tree in October and decorated the house inside and out with bright colors and blinking lights. As such, Dax experienced all the joys Christmas had to offer before losing the battle against leukemia in mid-December 2009.




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