Here it is almost Christmas and then our wedding anniversary.  Since I posted just after John passed, I have managed to keep fairly busy, trying to catch up on visits with good friends and to see my grandchildren in their various activities.  With eight of them, all doing their own thing, this could be a full time job, but I am not complaining.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at Patti's house with most of our families and extended families present.  John loved a shot of Johnny Walker Black, so before we ate, we went outside, made a huge circle and each of us (almost each of us!) had a toast to John.  My throat still burns when I think of it.

After our prayer of thanksgiving, each of us told the group what we are thankful for, ending with our niece's boyfriend, who proposed while the entire family watched.  We cried and laughed and are so looking forward to their wedding.  Good job, Trent and Paige!

Many of you know that New Year's Eve is the anniversary of our wedding and this may be the most difficult time for me thus far.  Last year marked our 32nd anniversary, and I cherish every day we had together.

John's legacy will live on because we all mention him often, sometimes recalling the hard work he put into his coaching, sometimes remembering the spiritual influence he had on each of us, sometimes just laughing at silly things he did, and on special occasions, we will always toast my sweet John with his favorite drink.

Merry Christmas to each of you and thank you for your prayers and thoughts for our family during these past months.  We are blessed.

Hugs, 
Linda