TREASURE CHEST

 

Seems like an appropriate time to post a Christmas message.

I’ve missed my last few weeks deadlines for when I post my blog, and as most of you know who read my weekly blog…for good reason.  But as Christmas Day has arrived it is without a doubt the quietest Christmas Day ever, by request.

The two weeks approaching Christmas Day were the most chaotic and scary days of my life. Once I got home, I just wanted peace and quiet.  I needed to renew my energy, thankfully that has been achieved.  I am certainly not out dancing in the streets, but I am alive and moving toward wellness, and that has provided me an opportunity for reflection.   

My first thoughts go to my immediate family.  If they were still of this world and we were visiting on Christmas Day we would spend a good part of the day playing cards or we could be out golfing, bowling, on a road trip, or sitting around playing board games.  Any of those activities would make the day perfect.

Or, if I was Florida, I would be spending some time with my childhood friend, Nancy and while we couldn’t do much shopping on Christmas Day, we could have a sumptuous lunch out and a walk on the beach.  But, also like my parents and brother, Nancy is no longer with us either.

Finally, it was a year ago this week that my, dearest friend, my kindred spirit, was diagnosed with ALS and only lived another 10 weeks.  But if Karen were still here, we would be out hiking trails, or riding bikes or skiing down a mountain top.

I know, I know, this all sounds dreary and sad, especially for such a glorious holiday, but I have pulled these precious memories from my treasure chest of memories and they make me pause and be thankful, that these folks entered my life when they did, to each one, even though they are no longer here, I am so grateful….I have a smile on my lips and warmth in my heart for the gift each person was to me….I thank them on this Christmas Day 2023.