Christmas Joy

Okay I made it through Christmas. I didn’t send out any cards or photos. I was behind schedule. I set my alarm on Christmas Eve and went shopping before the kids woke up. Why I wait until the last minute I will never know. But I did enjoy the season.

My family and I had a memorable Christmas time together. We saw The Scrooge play. We went to a couple wonderful parties. I’m so glad my friends have the gift of hospitality. We drove around to see the Christmas lights one night. We attended a beautiful candlelight service Christmas Eve. We ate too much. Grandma spoiled us again with great cooking and gifts. We stayed in a hotel for a few nights just for fun(gotta love FREE reward nights). My husband Derek taught my kids and me how to play Texas Hold Em Poker. That was a big hit. I can’t believe my kids enjoy betting. And the funny part is, they actually win too. We saw the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia. Loved it!

My favorite time of the season was the night when we went to a nursing home with five other families to sing carols and deliver 60 individual gifts.

Below is an excerpt from an email from Rodel, one of Derek’s buddies, about the people we visited.
“The stories and experiences were endless…
*Jack, the Internal Medicine doctor who hadn’t practiced in 28 years
* the USA Volleyball gal who was awaken by the nurse knowing that she would appreciate our visit
*the gal who was alone and had outlived everyone in her family including her kids
*the local schoolteacher whose husband served at the Air Force Academy
*the Chief Inspector for the USAFA Cadet Chapel
*Elena from Poland who was thrilled with all the kids and sharing her husband’s artistic works
*The guy who actually sung a song for us
*Bill who actually traced his lineage back to the 1700’s and shared his work
*the gal on the 2nd floor (special needs floor of Alzheimer’s residents). She didn’t respond to anyone talking to her until we sung songs did she respond by mouthing the lyrics with us
*Or the gal who hasn’t been outside for a year
*The black and white photos of the residents’ families that were in each of the rooms demonstrated a history of life
*The unique personalities of each of the nurses on all the floors
*Probably the one who touched everyone’s heart the most was Matelyn Cooper, who lost her husband this past Valentine’s Day. She was a Sunday school teacher who thoroughly loved all the kids that came. We dimmed the lights, opened the blinds and admired the view of city lights as we prayed with her. When we would sing, she would clasp her hands, close her eyes and worship. Her gift to everyone was a pack of gum to be shared with everyone that came. She loves the Lord and she brought many in our group to tears in her own heartfelt way.”

Thanks Rodel for writing the details. 🙂

About Mrs. Cooper, I remember her looking at each of our children and saying they all look like “sunbeams—shining for Jesus.” She asked for prayer for recovery from her stroke, especially her leg. Yet she said she trusts God knows best. She said “It is finished” over and over again about how Christ already paid the price for her.

I hope if I live to see the older years I will shine brightly with the love of the Lord like Matelyn does. She inspired me.

More and more, I’m realizing the best part of life is found when I give myself away. God always gives me back more than I could ever imagine. There is such satisfaction and joy knowing– in some small way–I along with others made the elderly feel not so alone. Their smiles were like gifts to me. Watching them mouth the carols with us was precious. Their heartfelt gratitude impressed me. They are sweet and often forgotten people. I feel privileged to have this memory as part of my Christmas.

**If you have time, please share with me about your most memorable part of Christmas. I appreciate hearing from you all. **

HAPPY NEW YEAR!