3rd Christmas

I would have never imagined that Christmas 2007 would be the last Christmas I would spend with my Mom, Dad and brother as a Family. Christina had to work Christmas day so we all gathered at her home for Christmas Eve brunch that year.....and then had Ted's parents to Mom and Dad's for dinner on Christmas Day along with Mom's side of the family and many of their friends stopping by to say hello. I would have never imagined this would be it. The last presents given to and received by them, the last time they would see their grandchild rip open Christmas gifts with the biggest grin on his face. And the last time my Mother got to bake her Christmas cookies and Christmas cheesecakes for family and friends. I would have never imagined this would be it. And here we are going on the third Christmas without them and it's just as painful as the first. More grandchildren have joined our family and another one on the way...I can only imagine how joyful this year would be if they were here. They would be in their glory.......

I will probably never look at the Holidays the same again but I will continue searching for ways to create new traditions and incorporate all I have learned through the years from my Family and the true meaning of togetherness.

We're back in MI until the new year with hopes of keeping busy, seeing friends, enjoying Christmas eve with the Close Family, and seeing my Grandfather and my Mom's siblings on Christmas day. May you all have a Merry Christmas...thank you for the prayers you continue to send our way in hopes for peace in 2011....

Melissa