Christmases, Past and Present

My second Christmas without Dean...it just isn't the same, of course, without his jolly, fun-loving persona filling the house with holiday joy. I remember when we were in Montana, just three-years into our marriage, when he came home from logging one weekend with not one, but three trees he had cut down for us to decorate. He apologized for not having a tree the previous two years, so was making up for his negligence, he said. But I wondered where in the world he expected us to put up three trees in the tiny mobile home we had bought. Of course, he had our mobile home park neighbors in mind all along, I am sure. He was always thoughtful of others that way, and he quickly knew just who to deliver them to.

But that brings me to our first Christmas. I'm not sure how it was arranged, but he managed to be the "Santa" for a nursing home in Minnesota, where we were then living. He was such a hit with the seniors there, calling them little boys and girls, asking them if they'd been naughty or nice that year. One lady questioned his authenticity by pointing out his Southern accent (which he had acquired, I assumed, from his truck-driving days). Dean was quick to exonerate himself by announcing that he was from the SOUTH Pole, which got him another thunderous amount of laughter and applause from the crowd gathered there.

So, as you can see, I have ample memories to bolster me this holiday season. And, I'll never feel truly alone with so many friends, who still send Christmas cards every year. Besides, the greatest Friend of all is always present to fill in the emptiness that invades my heart ever so often. Jesus has promised to be with us to the end. That means I'll always have Him. He's the reason for all the joy I have and still experience in life. What a blessing the Lord has been to me!

Basking in Memories

How could a whole month slip through my fingers, as I see it is already December 1st on the calendar? I must confess, I have fought writing about anything too personal as we march closer and closer to the holidays. Just spent a lovely Thanksgiving with my daughter's in-laws, and am so grateful they include me in their gatherings. Would be a lonely time indeed without them. Stanleys, you are the best!

Then, there's Dean's birthday on December 4th. That will be a hard day for me. I always tried to make it as pleasant and happy a time for Dean as I could. Of course, that became harder each year toward the end, but he always got enjoyment out of anything I would plan. Anything that brought friends over was a hit. He just thrived on the company of others. His stories were legendary. And his jokes, even after hearing them multiple times, never ceased to bring a smile. Yes, people were always the best gift you could give this man of mine. The bigger the party, the better. I thank each and every one of you who made it out to our little "come and go's" each year.

Mulling over memories may not be the best way to increase faith. But I do feel my faith grow as I ponder these things. I don't have a choice really. I could sink lower and lower into the sadness of past times, or let my faith soar in the visions of what life will be like when Jesus comes. I choose the latter. Dean will have the party of his life, when the trump of God calls him from his resting place, and I join him in the air on our way to the Promised Land. In the meantime, I'll bask in the memories and plan for the future.

Times weren't perfect, but there were happy moments like this one...another Dec. birthday.