A Perfectly Imperfect Christmas
A few weeks before Christmas, John and I were getting hints from Spencer that perhaps a marriage proposal was in the near future. When the decision was solidified, he approached us first, and did the proper and gentlemanly thing--he asked permission for our daughter's hand.
Because Mom passed into Eternity this past March, I kept my holiday expectations muted, not wanting to feel overly stressed or let down. Surprisingly, as the season approached, I realized that my focus on Christ was the remedy for any negative or dour feelings. No music, lights, sounds, foods, or gifts are needed when we immerse ourselves in the beautiful mystery of the Christ child. All else pales in comparison. Thank you, God, for keeping my Savior, Emmanuel, at the core of my spirit.
The day that Spencer visited the local jewelry shop, he bounced into my living room with his hands behind his back. His smile was brighter and bigger than anything I'd seen in awhile. With unbridled joy, he pulled a gold box out from its "hiding place", and showed it to me. He then proceeded to lift the lid off, and show me a smaller ring box inside. Carefully, he pulled the top off that box, and revealed a gorgeous diamond ring, glistening and twinkling from across the room. As soon as I saw the ring, I knew Therese was going to be so bowled over!
Back when these two went on their very first date, I knew he was a keeper. Therese was in 9th grade and had only gone on one other "date", which was to the homecoming dance with a boy from her class. I was slightly reluctant to allow her to go out with this boy, Spencer, who I didn't know. My eldest daughter, Maria, (suddenly in protective big sister mode) asked me if I thought "Reesie" was old enough to go out with a boy. John and I had a long discussion about it, and agreed that one date would not hurt.
When the day came for him to pick her up, he was super polite, shook my hand, telling me exactly where they were going, and what time he would bring her home. I was impressed! I can recall going on a date with a boy who didn't even acknowledge my parents. My dad never could get over the rudeness of that boy. (That didn't last at all, obviously, because he was not a winner by a long shot.)
From that point on, Spencer was welcomed into our home and into our family. He and Therese are two peas in a pod, both are energetic balls of fire! They are like two Tiggers on sugar, Mountain Dew, and caffeine! We have often marvelled at the way these two found each other--what are the chances, that two like minded kids just happened to live in the same small town, and attend the same school?
Spencer quickly fell into calling me and John "Mom" and "Dad". He has already been a part of our family, so for him to propose, well, it was not really a shocker. We love him and so do my other kids. Mom loved him, too, and I know she would have loved to see them on the day they became engaged.
Christmas morning, we gathered near the tree to open gifts. Therese didn't know what she was in store for. After she opened everything, Spencer said he had one more for her--and handed her the box. She seemed to think maybe he had bought her a watch.
As she peeled back the wrapping paper, and spotted the word "Kay", her eyes widened, and her face glowed with joy. At that point, Spencer asked her to stand, and he knelt down on one knee, asking her to marry him.
The purity of this moment had us all in tears, what an exquisite Christmas morning--one that I will never forget.
I am still celebrating this holy season, today being the third day of Christmas. Although Mom isn't here, and I miss her, God provided me with joy from every side.
A few days before Christmas, money was really tight, so Ian went shopping with me and John, and bought the ham and sides for our family dinner. I was able to spend the day with my dad, as well as Mom's youngest sister, Loretta. All of my kids were here, except for Tony and Miranda, who we visited later in the evening, for gift exchange and Jackbox games. (Fun, fun, fun!!!) Sharing laughter and joy with my loved ones is truly the greatest gift there is.
Sometimes Instagram and Facebook can make holidays seem so "picture perfect". My holidays, my every days, are not picture perfect. To those who feel down because they have lost loved ones, or never had a close family, or have a terrible job...those who struggle with personal problems, or don't have enough money to stretch from one pay to the next...you're not alone.
My Christmas and New Year's are different this year because for the first time in my life, my mother is not here. She had an essential role in all the things I have ever experienced, so I'm treading on unfamiliar territory. But, I also know that I should try to look at all the good things I have. I have a roof over my head, food in my kitchen, water to drink, clothing and shoes in my closet. My husband and best friend has survived cancer, and we have grown children that we love with all our hearts. I have friends, too!
Best of all, I have my faith. I know that if all my other blessings were never there, I have always had everything I truly need. HE will always be in me and with me.
Because Mom passed into Eternity this past March, I kept my holiday expectations muted, not wanting to feel overly stressed or let down. Surprisingly, as the season approached, I realized that my focus on Christ was the remedy for any negative or dour feelings. No music, lights, sounds, foods, or gifts are needed when we immerse ourselves in the beautiful mystery of the Christ child. All else pales in comparison. Thank you, God, for keeping my Savior, Emmanuel, at the core of my spirit.
The day that Spencer visited the local jewelry shop, he bounced into my living room with his hands behind his back. His smile was brighter and bigger than anything I'd seen in awhile. With unbridled joy, he pulled a gold box out from its "hiding place", and showed it to me. He then proceeded to lift the lid off, and show me a smaller ring box inside. Carefully, he pulled the top off that box, and revealed a gorgeous diamond ring, glistening and twinkling from across the room. As soon as I saw the ring, I knew Therese was going to be so bowled over!
Back when these two went on their very first date, I knew he was a keeper. Therese was in 9th grade and had only gone on one other "date", which was to the homecoming dance with a boy from her class. I was slightly reluctant to allow her to go out with this boy, Spencer, who I didn't know. My eldest daughter, Maria, (suddenly in protective big sister mode) asked me if I thought "Reesie" was old enough to go out with a boy. John and I had a long discussion about it, and agreed that one date would not hurt.
When the day came for him to pick her up, he was super polite, shook my hand, telling me exactly where they were going, and what time he would bring her home. I was impressed! I can recall going on a date with a boy who didn't even acknowledge my parents. My dad never could get over the rudeness of that boy. (That didn't last at all, obviously, because he was not a winner by a long shot.)
From that point on, Spencer was welcomed into our home and into our family. He and Therese are two peas in a pod, both are energetic balls of fire! They are like two Tiggers on sugar, Mountain Dew, and caffeine! We have often marvelled at the way these two found each other--what are the chances, that two like minded kids just happened to live in the same small town, and attend the same school?
Spencer quickly fell into calling me and John "Mom" and "Dad". He has already been a part of our family, so for him to propose, well, it was not really a shocker. We love him and so do my other kids. Mom loved him, too, and I know she would have loved to see them on the day they became engaged.
Christmas morning, we gathered near the tree to open gifts. Therese didn't know what she was in store for. After she opened everything, Spencer said he had one more for her--and handed her the box. She seemed to think maybe he had bought her a watch.
As she peeled back the wrapping paper, and spotted the word "Kay", her eyes widened, and her face glowed with joy. At that point, Spencer asked her to stand, and he knelt down on one knee, asking her to marry him.
The purity of this moment had us all in tears, what an exquisite Christmas morning--one that I will never forget.
I am still celebrating this holy season, today being the third day of Christmas. Although Mom isn't here, and I miss her, God provided me with joy from every side.
A few days before Christmas, money was really tight, so Ian went shopping with me and John, and bought the ham and sides for our family dinner. I was able to spend the day with my dad, as well as Mom's youngest sister, Loretta. All of my kids were here, except for Tony and Miranda, who we visited later in the evening, for gift exchange and Jackbox games. (Fun, fun, fun!!!) Sharing laughter and joy with my loved ones is truly the greatest gift there is.
Sometimes Instagram and Facebook can make holidays seem so "picture perfect". My holidays, my every days, are not picture perfect. To those who feel down because they have lost loved ones, or never had a close family, or have a terrible job...those who struggle with personal problems, or don't have enough money to stretch from one pay to the next...you're not alone.
My Christmas and New Year's are different this year because for the first time in my life, my mother is not here. She had an essential role in all the things I have ever experienced, so I'm treading on unfamiliar territory. But, I also know that I should try to look at all the good things I have. I have a roof over my head, food in my kitchen, water to drink, clothing and shoes in my closet. My husband and best friend has survived cancer, and we have grown children that we love with all our hearts. I have friends, too!
Best of all, I have my faith. I know that if all my other blessings were never there, I have always had everything I truly need. HE will always be in me and with me.
Beautiful 😢😢
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