Categories: uncategorized
Date: 25 December 2006 22:58:25
than watching the Vicar of Dibley? Now that was funny! :D
It's been a lovely Christmas Day. It was hard to wake early and I was worried that I wouldn't have the energy (or get rid of the headache) to make it a good day, but I forced myself out of bed to play with my little one who I guessed would be missing his brother as well as his grandad. It was lovely to snuggle in bed with him and see his presents, though he was a little put out at the single walkie-talkie in his stocking - not much use without its partner.
Presents were squeezed in before and after church, the before ones being a necessity as the instructions were to take something with us to show. Church had been a dilemma - more than anything I just had to go. I arranged with my minister that we'd arrive late and leave early... the first part of the plan worked to perfection and the service was the celebration I'd hoped for - chance to thank God for my blessings and to sing with all my heart the amazing truth held in the carols: "born that man no more may die". Chance to laugh and praise with my church family. I felt warm and loved, and was lulled into moving out too slowly - oooh, bad move. Not because I'm afraid to cry in front of these people who love me, and loved Dad, so much but because I didn't want the service to be overwhelmed for them or for me or for Smudgelet by opening the floodgate of tears and indeed driving home was rather dangerous as I am sure my vision was slightly impaired. But mainly throughout the day I was aware of Dad's freedom - I could feel his strength instead of being aware of his weakness - and we could celebrate fully in that knowledge. I was concerned only in that I found I did not miss the presence of my eldest - it was nice to focus on my little one without the extra tension which I realised had become a constant companion in my eldest son's company - I thought of him constantly through the day, but with a sense of relief and secure in the knowledge he's in a good place rather than longing that he was home. I pray God will help me through this part of things.
Presents there were many, and wonderful ones at that. Lots of surprises... including three penguins, a fun game called HummBug, and the most amazing coil pot made by Smudgelet in his pottery class. Oooooooh, and some hand-made chocolates. Thanks Big Sister! :D We talked with my brother (out walking at the tip-top of Scotland) and my other sister (she and the family are all laid low with sickness and diarrhoea); we played games; we ate and drank and laughed together and watched TV and videos and had just the most amazing day. On the agenda for tomorrow - testing out my Strictly Come Dancing instruction DVD and setting up Smudgelet's new "grown up" train set. Woohoo!
As the day draws to an end, I wish you all the remains of a happy Christmas, the message of which lasts all year and fills your lives with Peace, Love, and Good will to all.... but with only a limited number of mince pies.