As my last day of vacation for Christmas 2010 draws to a close, I realize that it was a bittersweet one. We lost my dad in early November and my 23 year old was away because he is serving as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. It was my first Christmas without them. As I watch my family getting smaller and smaller, I pause to reflect and treasure the time that I have with the family I
do have with me. The snowstorm shortened some of our merrymaking, but I have to say, this Christmas was very special to me. It's funny how God can use bad things in our life for good!
Romans 8:28
And we know that in
all things God works for the
good of
those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
I think I will dedicate today's post to the family members that I am missing. I am coming to a new chapter in my life....the mid-point (arrrh!), and it's a good time to reassess and take note of everything (good & bad) I do pray that whatever I do, I can influence others for good. Maybe this blog will be a good way to do this....I hope so & I've said before....I would appreciate any thoughts or feedback. I'm not one to make new year's resolutions, but I do think we should strive to do better everyday. As I dedicate this post to two important people in my life, I hope you will take time to reflect on those you love....Speaking for myself, I don't always show and express my love as I should, but....we can always strive to improve...Also, remember love is not only a concept but an action. You don't just say you love, you show your love in everything that you do!!!
School starts tomorrow....so that means I'll be jumping back on the hamster wheel and I probably won't be having as many deep thoughts or time to reflect on them!!! :D
Something that dawned on me on my father's birthday, December 30th, when we lose a parent, we have one less person in our life who loves us unconditionally!!! (sigh)
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My 23 year old son with his grandmother. (Hair is a little long! :0 )
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| My dad two Christmases ago |
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| My taller son, last Christmas |
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| My Dad & brother sharing Bday cake. Their bdays were one day apart. It was the last one my dad celebrated. |
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| Last Christmas. |
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| Right before my son left for Afghanistan (Trying to look cheerful) |
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| I believe this is the last picture I took of my dad. It was the last day my son spent with him. This was about a week and half before he died. |
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| My brother who died 8 years ago next May 9th. (one of my last pictures I took of him). |
This time in our life seems to offer as much change as getting married and having our first baby! Having fewer people at the holidays is hard--I too have that going on. Praying for Lucas and for your mom and your family during this time! You always motivate me to get my exercise in and I love hearing about what's going on in your life and family! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan, I do appreciate your kind words!!! xoxo <3
ReplyDeletegood pictures.....love you
ReplyDeletegood pictures.....love you
ReplyDelete