First of Many

This name was chosen because I love the holidays and therefore will most likely be writing many holiday blogs. I know a lot of people experience sadness around this time of year for one reason or another. Now, we're in the midst of economic crisis and some have lost jobs. What reason would anyone have to be happy? Recently, my husband was having a particularly bad day at work. He runs his business out of our home and that afternoon I joined him to open the mail. Long time supporters of Saint Jude Hospital, we received a statement with a picture of a beautiful, little bald headed boy. His parents had written a letter of thanks to all those that give money so their son can have a chance at life. I looked down at a picture of our daughter on my husband's desk and slid the picture of the little boy next to it. "When you're feeling bad," I told my husband, "you look at these pictures and remember that your daughter is healthy. You think about all those parents out there that are just thankful for one more day with their children. You think of those parents that have lost their children and be thankful that you can still hold onto yours." "You're right," he said. "I have every reason to be thankful."

So, though it's WAY too early, we have a beautiful (fake) tree in the front window of our home. We'll get the real one closer to Christmas so it won't die. We've been playing Christmas music too and lighting fires because that cold, winter nip is beginning to bite and I'm freezing my butooty off! Maybe people don't have enough money for Christmas this year but for those that have lost loved ones, myself included, we know that it's not the "stuff" that matters most. It's having family and friends near and it's letting them know how very dear they are.