Christmas of 2007 was very special. In October of that year, my Mother and I planned a big surprise. We started working with Jason to arrange a surprise visit to Wendy and the girls for Christmas. We arrived about 7PM. J picked us up at the Airport after work, and drove us home. Jason went to the door first. The girls were screaming, Daddy. Then, J stepped to the side, and my Mom and I stepped up. When we did this all the screaming stopped. There was silence. Wendy and the girls just stared at us. Then I said, Merry Christmas. Addy screamed, Grandma, and Wendy dropped to the floor crying, Mama. It was wonderful.
We were only able to stay four days. We left to return to MD on December 24. However, those four days were jammed packed with activity. Wendy and family made sandwiches to feed the homeless, we went to Church, I wrapped gifts for Wendy, I met the girls pediatrician, we did last minute Christmas shopping, stopped by to see my brother and his family, went out to dinner, and froze to death looking at Christmas lights, and big sister Daryan arrived. I have never been so cold in all my life as that December evening in the AZ desert.
We had such fun! This year as Autumn came, I thought about doing the same. However, I was not able to pull it off. My mother who is 88 has reached the point where traveling is very difficult, even for a day car trip. Although, as I read about snowballs and Advent calendars on Candy Hearts, I realize that even though we are far apart, Wendy and I are close in heart. This is what matters. Even though the words I Will to be Home for Christmas, start my tears flowing, I feel so grateful for what I have. A wonderful daughter, a great son-in-law, and of course, genius grandchildren.
This year, Wendy sent me GF sugar cookies decorated by little Candy Hearts. What JOY a cookie can bring. I set each out on the cabinet one by one. Then I went back and found the post where Wendy and the girls were decorating Christmas cookies. I was able to identify who decorated the Christmas trees, the Santa, and the Snowman. For a few minutes, my heart was in AZ. I too, was decorating Christmas cookies with my daughter, and granddaughters.
This year I do not have a wreath on my door, or any special candles. My nativity remains in its box. But, after receiving my Christmas cookies, and after reading Candy Hearts post of today, I think I will make snowballs. Tonight, I will give thanks to our Newborn King. Perhaps just for a moment, I will also hear Wendy singing, O Holy Night.
I will not focus on far apart. I will focus on close in heart.
Merry Christmas, sweet family.
