Journal
Merry Christmas to all our friends and family! As I sit to write this update post, I can't help but reflect back to "last year this time." Last December, Carl had his first chemotherapy treatment on December 5th and his second on the 19th. Christmas time was extremely hard for Carl as he suffered hard from the awful side effects of chemo.
While the radical chemo. treatments, radiation and surgery took a huge toll on Carl's body and he's not "pre-cancer Carl", this year things are very different.. This year we're praising Jesus that Carl is here with us and doing well! This is our very best Christmas gift and we truly want to make sure that God gets all the praise.
One night recently when I was pulling into our driveway, I jumped out of the van and snapped this picture of our home. I knew I wanted to share this picture with Carl's Caring Bridge family. It's a simple picture with too much glare but I want you to look at the lit wreath. 😍
That wreath is Carl's handiwork! Made by him and hung by him! It's hung each year for the last several years (with the exception of last year). Ahem, usually hung when Mom's busy baking 😉 or otherwise I have a sneaky suspision this tradition would be halted.😆
When I pulled into the drive and saw it lit up for the first time this year, the tears rolled. You see, it's the "little things", simple traditions that are hitting me. And each time I'm struck with something as simple as seeing a lit wreath, I'm flooded with gratitude for the gift of more time with my beloved Dad. It's so not lost on any of us that this Christmas could look radically different. . So when I write, we're THANKING JESUS FOR THE GIFT OF CARL this year, I mean it with all of my heart.
Lord willing, on Christmas evening, Carl & Darlene and all 3 of their children and ALL of their children's families, will be celebrating Christmas together.
One of Mom's most beloved family traditions is gathering on Christmas evening as a big 'ole family and having a meal together followed by the traditional Christmas program. Some will volunteer to sing, others will volunteer to play an instrument or recite a poem or scriputure. Collectively together we'll sing Christmas carols as Mom (Mom-Mom) beautifully plays the piano, like only she can.
Much love and thanks to each of you for your love and prayers throughout 2019!
May the Christ of Christmas bring you peace and joy
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