Sarah came home last night. Steve was out on a pastoral visit so she and I sat in the living room for a couple of hours and just talked. (Summer invited herself to the girl party.)
It was such a quiet island of peace in the middle of a hectic season.
This morning when I came downstairs, I saw a beloved pair of boots at the bottom of the stairs. Be still, my mama heart.
To make yesterday afternoon even better, I spent almost an hour on the phone with Meagan; I always enjoy my conversations with that wonderful gal. I also heard from Nathan last night, so it was an extra good day.
Tomorrow, Sarah and I will head out to Duke University Hospital together. Happily, the trip is not for any stressful medical reason; instead, we have been invited to participate in their Radiothon where we will be interviewed on the air.
The event is the largest annual fundraiser for Duke Children’s and this year is the 25th anniversary of the broadcast; we are honored to be a part of it. If you would like to make a donation during the Radiothon in honor of Sarah, here is the link.
We will be on the air sometime between 1 pm and 2 pm tomorrow on MIX 101.5. You can search for the event on FB by typing in Duke Children’s Radiothon.
I mentioned in my last post that I was getting ready to host a Women’s’ Christmas Party at our house. Unfortunately, for the three days leading up to the party, I had strep throat and spent a lot of time in bed–not a good place to be when you’re needing to do Christmas decorating and party prepping.
But Steve jumped in there as he always does, and helped me get things taken care of. Even though I had been a little nervous about it, we had the best time. Here are a few photos so you can see the merriment for yourself. (Please note the photographic evidence that the all-female party was crashed momentarily by a certain male. But he only stayed long enough to ham it up with the guests and grab some food so we let it go.)
I wanted to share with you an article about a local event that happens every year on Roanoke Island. It’s about the Candy Bomber.
It’s such a fascinating story and such an honor to have an amazing war hero pay our island a visit.
Speaking of older military gents, Steve’s dad, Ken, has had a few hospitalizations lately due to dehydration and low sodium levels. His doctors have decided that he will not be able to return home due to the level of care he now needs, so he has been moved to a skilled nursing facility. At this point, they are saying he probably won’t even be able to come back to the house at Christmas which is, of course, tough news for all of us especially since Nathan and Meagan and the four kids will be making the trip to North Carolina. But if he can’t come to us, we will definitely go to see him where he is staying.
Our family is just praying that Ken will be able to make it that long and that he will have the chance to meet his two newest great-grandchildren before the time comes for him to make his own final journey Home.
What about you? What are your memories or experiences of losing a parent, either at the holidays or at another time of the year?
Often times it helps to read other peoples’ stories.
Your party looks like it was so well done, organized with love, and a good time was had by all. You are such a gift to so many lives.
I am sorry to hear that Ken is moving towards his journey Home. We will pray along with you for God’s health and strength, and that he will have the joy of seeing his great grandkids this Christmas.
Love and hugs, Lorrie
Lorrie,
Wonderful to see your comment! Got your Christmas card today; you did such a great job designing it.
Thanks for your prayers for Ken and the family; such a comfort to know that his days are in God’s hands.
Thank you again, Steve, for being there for Becky. You are a man, after a woman’s heart. This is what my husband would do to. “Bless their hearts.” The women looked like they were having a joyful time in your beautifully decorated home. I’m so sorry to hear of Steve’s dad. It is always hard not to have your parents with you at Christmas time. We spent almost every Christmas with our parents, where they lived or they would come to our homes. Then it got to be difficult for them to travel, and so we had Christmas away from them when they couldn’t travel or were ill. My daughter prefers to have Christmas with only her family, so it is us and my sister and her husband and their daughter (who is unmarried). It is hard when there used to be about 20 of us gathering together, and now it is family, but on a smaller scale. So glad Sarah is not far away and is able to be with you. Interesting article about the candy bomber – forwarded to my husband.
Sharyn,
Yes, Christmas does have a way of changing from year to year, doesn’t it? Children move away, marry, come back, celebrate elsewhere, parents pass on, circumstances change
. . . you are blessed to have your core group still around you to celebrate, although it’s an adjustment from 20!
We did have a great time at the party and I was VERY helpful for Steve’s help!
So sorry to hear about Steve’s Dad. It’s difficult as it is, but worse at the Holidays. I will be praying for you all.
This will be the 2nd Christmas without my Mom. She made Christmas so magical…even in my adult years. It’s tough to muster up the energy to shop, cook, etc, but I do it for my 4 year old. I enjoy watching it through his eyes.
God Bless you!
Krista,
Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child is the very best way to experience it. I know you will both have a wonderful time together.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers about Steve’s dad. We are looking forward to seeing him next week.
So sorry that Steve’s father is going through this especially at this time of year. I will pray for him and for your family. It is a difficult time, but look for God moments now. It is amazing the special events that happen during this time of life. You have a keeper in your husband, Steve. He was your hero in helping you get ready for your party. I havea husband much like that. So glad Sarah is home and Nathan’s family will follow suit. Enjoy your time with everyone.
Catherine,
A helping husband is a good kind to have, isn’t it? I never could have made it through that party without him.
Yes, we are definitely looking forward to all the family being gathered!
It looks like your women’s Christmas get-together was such fun! I’m so glad you and Sarah get to go to Duke for a fun visit instead of doctors. I’m sorry to hear about Steve’s dad…I hope getting to meet the new great-grands is just what he needs to hand on a little longer. You and your family continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Ellen,
Sarah and I really did have a fun time on our Duke trip. I’ll post some pictures soon.
So sorry to hear about Steve’s dad. Prayers that he is able to meet Nathan’s two youngest sons. I thank God every year that I still have my parents with me – at 93 and 88, I know there can’t be many more left.
Phyllis,
That is amazing that both of your parents have lived to the ages they are. What a blessing for you to have them in your life for so long!
Prayers of comfort for Ken and all of you. My own grandmother moved into a skilled nursing facility with hospice services in early November of this year and we didn’t know if she would make it to Christmas. Thankfully she is still holding her own, but we don’t know how much time she has left. I will pray that Ken has the chance to meet the youngest Smiths and celebrate the Christmas season with all of you.
Linnae,
Well, it’s a good sign she has made it this far! Hopefully, she will have one more Christmas to spend with all those who love her so well.
So sorry to hear about Ken, especially during this time of year. I pray Nathan’s family will be able to spend some time with Ken. My husband passed away December 11, 2010. It is still difficult even after nine years. The sadness of what our families are missing out on can be overwhelming for many. I will admit it was sad/odd to receive Christmas cards and Sympathy cards during that time. Have a safe trip, a good checkup and safe travels for your families..
Lynne,
I’d never thought of how it would be to receive Christmas and sympathy cards at the same time. Such a sad/sweet mixture of saying goodbye to someone beloved and celebrating a beautiful season, all within the same time frame.
I see you have just marked the 9th anniversary of your husband’s passing. Many hugs to you today.
I, too, am so sorry to hear about Ken, it’s tough to lose a parent anytime of the year, but especially around the holidays. My Dad died the day before Thanksgiving back in 1992 and it’s still a hard holiday for me, that day had always been one of my favorites, my Mom always held an open house on that day and I remember old high school friends coming back from college and stopping in, my brother in law died 3 years ago on Christmas Eve and I know it’s been hard for my sister in law…..my car radio is actually set here in Raleigh to 101.5 and I am doing errands today between 1 and 2 so I will listen for you!
Dale,
Oh sorry–the radiothon is tomorrow, not today! Maybe you’ll be able to tune in a little tomorrow, too. Thanks for trying! 🙂
How tough to lose two family members on two different holidays; that means each of those days will always have some sadness woven in, along with the celebrations.I hope the good memories will continue to carry you and your family through those seasons.
So sorry to hear about Ken. Prayers for all of you especially during this holiday season. May you have precious memories together. My maternal granddaddy passed away December 14, 1962, and his birthday was the 19th. Years later my grandmother, his wife, passed away December 17, 1990, and was buried on his birthday. God got us through both times. Glad your ladies fellowship was a success. My checkup at Duke is Wednesday. Have a safe trip tomorrow. Prayers you are feeling better.
Ann,
So we are going to miss you by just one day? Oh, shoot! We will be looking to hear your report from Duke.
Those are certainly a lot of significant dates for your grandparents in December! I know you have many memories of all the years you had to be with them.