*The Christmas Box ~ 1995
Richard Thomas - Richard Evans
*Available on VHS seperately and together on DVD.
Usually plays on the Hallmark Channel during Christmas!
Richard (Richard Thomas), Keri (Annette O'Toole) and six-year-old Jenna are a loving family helping to make ends meet. Keri learns about a caretaker position in one of the grand old homes in town and persuades Richard to accompany her on the interview. Although stately homeowner, Mary Parkin (Maureen O'Hara), seems a bit aloof, she likes the young couple and offers them the position. Keri, Jenna and Mary become good friends, but Richard spends long hours hard at work and grows more distant. When he finds an exquisitely carved Christmas box containing letters that reveal a surprising clue to Mary's past, a bond of affection finally develops between them. Before the holidays, Richard learns a valuable lesson from Mary - about the true meaning of Christmas and the special bond that a family shares.
*Timepiece ~ 1996
In The Christmas Box, Richard Evans (Richard Thomas) met widow Mary Parkin (Naomi Watts), and they each transformed and enriched one another's lives. This incredible follow-up, Timepiece begins on the wedding even of Richard's daughter, Jenna, when he gives her Mary's rose gold watch and tells her the story of Mary's life. Mary came to work for David Parkin (Kevin Kilner), a wealthy businessman, during World War II. Despite Mary's lack of social position, David fell in love with her. At the wedding, David gave Mary a timepiece from his friend Lawrence Flynn (Emmy-winner James Earl Jones). Their lives seem to be on track when suddenly one surprising incident threatens to tear them apart. They learn thei timeless truths about the gift of sharing, the power of forgiveness, and the greatest miracle of all - each other.
My thoughts: This is quite a touching story. A bit sad, as well. May we all take the time to remember, not only at Christmas, but all year through, that family is the greatest gift of all!
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