Thank you for all the e-mails, phone calls, and cards encouraging us through Thanksgiving. We had a nice steak dinner at my parents' house and then went to the cemetery together. When we arrived at the cemetery, we each randomly selected a scripture to read that was typed-out on a slip of paper. The scriptures were perfect for us and very uplifting for our broken hearts. Daddy led us in family prayer and then we went our separate ways for the evening. My heart felt so much lighter when we drove away. I miss Mom every second of every day but God is helping me get through this time. He has helped me to realize that Mom wouldn't want any of us to cry and be sad, she would want us to enjoy life to the fullest.
We've gotten 2 of the Christmas trees up at Mom's house, so we're making progress in getting ready for Christmas. Now, we are trying to locate gifts that we know Mom had already purchased. She was great at stashing gifts...so great in fact that it wasn't uncommon for her to locate a gift AFTER Christmas because she would forget where she hid it. On Thanksgiving, we never did locate the giant wooden acorn that contained praises for the year. Mom would write on a slip of paper what she was thankful for throughout the year and place it inside the acorn container to be shared with the family at Thanksgiving. Most of us never thought to write down our praises but she did....when we find the acorn it will be interesting to read her praises.
On Friday morning, we went to Georgia to visit Nanny (Mom's mother). While we were there, Nanny let me read a note from a close friend. The note stated that although Mother is not in our present, she shared in our past and will share again in our future...I found that statement so comforting. We put-up Nanny's Christmas tree and just enjoyed one another's company. We had a really good time together.
When we got back home on Saturday afternoon, we put-up our Christmas tree. Last year, Nanny, Mom and I had went shopping after Christmas for some new ornaments, so it was fun getting to use the new items. Also, it helped me to feel a little bit closer to Mom because I could recall the stores and the fun we had last year.
One thing that we ask of friends and family - don't be afraid to talk about Mom around us and don't become antsy when we mention her. Even though Mom has passed, she is still very much a part of our memories, hearts, and family. For us, talking about her isn't sad, in all actuality it is very therapeutic. We like talking about Mom. She was a hoot to be around!
Now, let's get ready for Christmas!
