Merry Christmas Eve, Mom

Merry Christmas Eve, Mom

Well the presents are all wrapped, the Christmas dinner menu is taken care of, the tree has been trimmed, the Christmas Train Garden is set up, and the stockings are all hung.  I didn’t have nearly as many gifts to wrap this year since you weren’t here to rally my help.  As many hours as I logged in every year to help you, I certainly miss it now for sure.  I miss the talks, the Christmas shows, the coffee, the snacks, and just the time with you.  I offered to help Dad several times and he never took me up on it.  I think he enjoys the busy work even though it’s a lot to do. 

I left a very special gift for Dad under your tree. I also left a gift for Phoebe.  Joshua & I bought her a new pink collar, a cool raccoon toy and some mini beggin treats.  I know she will love them.  I wanted Dad to have something to open on Christmas morning.  I fulfilled my promise to find the gift you wanted me to help you with, which you shared with me this past Summer.  My letter to Dad is below for reference about this special gift. 

As I reflect on Christmases past, I will probably never have as big of a Christmas as you always did.  I like to simplify and you always liked to overdo.  It’s funny Dad overdoes on his own type of things, but simplifies in the ways you overdid.  I take after both of you in such a unique way. 

Although, I can say the gifts under my tree certainly grew from last year.  That’s mostly due to Joshua being way more into Christmas this year then he was last year.  Plus you know I don’t like clutter, and would often laugh when you would holler at Dad for going through your “organized piles”.    

So, I have enjoyed donating some of Joshua’s old toys to make room for new ones.  I am constantly shuffling things in all areas of my life.  It keeps the flow and balance, as well as keeping it new. 

David gave me the most special gift.  I received it a little early for Christmas.  We had your amethyst birthstone ring mended and re-sized.  This was one of the rings, per your wishes, that you wore at the private family viewing.  The ring had to be cut to properly wear for the viewing, so we had it repaired.  It’s beautiful.  I will treasure it always.

You have certainly turned me into a jewelry guru. I enjoy wearing different pieces of yours and thinking of you and the times I may recall you wearing the piece.  It’s just one of the many ways I still feel very connected to you.

I’m not sure what Christmas is like up on Heaven’s Blvd., but I’m sure it’s spectacular.  I miss you evermore and I hold peace in my heart for your eternal joy.  And, one day, mine.

I love you, Mom & Merry Christmas. 

Dad,                                                                Christmas, 2012

During the time that Mom was sick, 

I remember one of my visits with her when we talked about Christmas plans and gifts. 

I believe this conversation took place at the rehab center that was close to your work.  She was telling me about a kind and compassionate Doctor who had seen her there.  She told him he smelled so good and asked what he was wearing.  The kind Doctor shared with her and she made it a point to write it down and tell me at my next visit.  She wanted to get this new fragrance for you as a Christmas present this year.  She asked if I could help her with purchasing the gift.

I still wanted to honor her wish, even though she is not with us anymore, at least on this earth.  She will never be forgotten and she is always with us.  Death is only a temporary departure of this earthly life as we know it, transcending into the eternal life with Jesus and all the Saints.  The best is yet to come.  Hold with you the Joy and Peace of God’s gift to us, in His son, Jesus, Our Savior, and in the assurance that one day you will be reunited with Mom, through Jesus, our Lord.  

Merry Christmas, and Hope for a Peaceful year ahead, filled with Love,

From the memory of Your Sweetheart, Alexis, through your daughter, Sweets.

Our Christmas Angel~