A Goose Bump Day

I love the second day after Thanksgiving. It's the day I can officially put on my Christmas carols and feel goose bumps all day. It is the day I start believing again that the world really is a good place.

Why do I feel this way? I feel this way because today is the beginning of a traditional celebration. The celebration of an innocent baby's birth in a manger over 2000 years ago. This traditional season celebrates a perfect baby who grew into a perfect man who taught us to Love one another, Forgive one another, Help one another, Feed one another, Clothe one another, and Comfort one another. It is a day that reminds me that no matter what my station is in life, the greatest man who ever lived loves me, Lana Kaye.

I must admit, my heart is heavy with the horrible acts that have occurred in India. I am sad that a mother and wife in VA is suffering the loss of her 13-year-old daughter and husband in this horrendous massacre. I am sad for every person who has a heavy heart or who is mourning. Even though I do not have the power to take away their pain, I can testify to what Jesus said in John 14:1-2, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in me. My Father's house has plenty of room; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" I can testify to this, because I too have lost a child. It is my belief that my son, Mark is in the place that was prepared for him, wating to be with me again.

The entire message of Christmas is one of hope. What greater gift can we have? We just have to believe in the Son of Man. The one who teaches that "Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres." These are the words of Jesus, the baby who was born in a manger.

Yes, I love the second day after Thanksgiving. Today, I can enjoy communion with the one who gives me the hope to face another day, another trial, or another burden. Jesus, has promised me that he is with me to give me courage, strength and hope.

Yes, this is one great goose bump day!

Past Thanksgiving's

I was not always a Grandma. Once upon time I was a Mama. I had my babies in the day when there were no such things as fetal monitors, ultra sounds, or epiderals. Every baby was born with pain and each was a "boy or girl" surprise. We had no idea if the baby was going to be born healthy. Our only hope was that our baby would be born "all right," because there was no such thing as a NICU. Our babies lived or they didn't. There was no in between. My babies were always born all right. I was greatly blessed.

Often when I think of my children, I picture them under the age of five. I guess in my heart, they will always just be my sweet babies.

Hush little baby don't you cry,
Mama's going to sing you a lullaby.

MARK
November 28, 1968:

I was 20 years old and super pregnant with my first child. Our baby was due December 28 and I was ready for it! Instead, Mark Richard was born on January 6, 1969. I was very happy.

WENDY
November 23, 1972:

I was 25 years old and had just given birth to my second child, Wendy Kaye on October 9, 1972. I was very happy.

STEVEN AND TODD
November 27, 1980:

I was 32 years old. We had adopted our third child, Steven Richard on August 10, the day of his birth and I was super pregnant with my fourth child, Todd Richard who was born 4 days later on December 1. I was very happy.

Of all of the Thanksgivings that I have enjoyed over 60 years, these four are the ones I am most grateful for.

On Ward

On ward and forward is my motto for the day. Courage is the word for the day. Whoever is reading this blog, please remember we all have down days. We do not have to stay there. Sometimes, picking yourself up and dusting off hurts and worry are difficult to do. However, what is your choice? My choice is to take courage with the power of Jesus and forge the river.