Family

Welcoming in Christmas Eve which my two boys, Michael and Jack. We are beginning to get settled in this new town, Evans CIty. I met some new people and crossed paths with an incredible woman who invited me to church with her and her family this evening. We spent the morning decorating Main Street with Christmas Luminaries. I met her daughter and a few other people from the town. It was an incredible effort of team work putting out over 1100 of these milk jugs containing sand and a white candle.

Church was pretty incredible. The pastor spoke about what it meant to give a gift. He said giving a gift was a talent as you gave something which the receiver would view as valuable and needed in their life. I thought about how often I have received a gift and wondered why in the world would you think I would want this? These are the instances in life when the giver truly has not put much thought in to finding the perfect gift. Rather, a random item was given with no thought. Often times we fill our lives with unnecessary possessions, people, pleasures, and things we do not truly need. Living a life where we surround ourselves with the most important people who truly love us and accept us as we are is a true blessing. This years my boys and I have been extremely selective with whom we spend our time. We choose to surround ourselves with people who share our values, dreams, goals, and challenge us to rise. I love my two boys! These boys have been by my side through the most challenging times. We are family and we choose each other.

While we may not have lots of things, my boys and I have created a strong bond. We love each other and really work to stay together. We have incredible communication and connection. The family we went to church with tonight was unique. They lived in the moment and shared their Christmas Eve with us. We were strangers and yet they made us feel welcomed in their presence. After church, we drove around looking at the beautiful Christmas lights in the upscale neighborhoods. Then, we entered Evans City and drove past all the luminaries lit up along Main Street. It was beautiful! While my boys and I are alone in this new town, we are learning to create new traditions. We are learning a valuable lesson on the importance of staying happy, healthy, and joyful at a time when some are caught up in the chaos of the holidays.

This year, I am giving my boys a present I didn't have to buy. I am giving them the gift of my time, my attention, my love, and my presence. While they don't necessarily love spending time with their mom, I know these boys love me! And they know I love them so much! Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you realize how much little time we truly have to show those we care about how much we truly love them and value them.