My Two Sons

The highlight of my Christmas this year was the visit by my two sons and their families. I so enjoyed seeing them and the grands. My grandchildren were astonished with the Sandhill Cranes, birds they'd never before seen. They loved their visit to Disney's Magic Kingdom, the flea markets, putt putting, and riding in a race cart. The only problem was the precious time flew away just as quickly as my feathered friends. My sons headed home, and I woke up missing them for coffee the next morning. I found myself thinking this morning at 7 AM, that this time last week, they were just arriving, and we headed for breakfast at the Golden Corral. As I perked my French Vanilla Dunkin Donut coffee this morning, I couldn't help but look at the two coffee cups that were used along with mine last week, coffee cups that'll not be used for a long time, since no one drinks coffee but me. I touched the red bird on the coffee cup Scotty used and thought of how he stood in the door of the RV and watched me feed my feathered friends. Like me, he had to get pictures of them. And, like me, he said he likes to watch animals. I guess he gets it honestly. The cup Rodney used had a wild duck on it. Christmas is over and with it, all the joy and anticipation of knowing I'd soon see part of my family again, but I thank God for the opportunity I had even if it was a short visit. I felt lonely and relived our time together in my mind. I didn't get to see my two daughters, only my two sons. Now, I pray the Lord works a way for me to see them all this summer, and I thank God for sweet, precious memories. I looked at the Merry Christmas 2009 book my son, Scotty, made for me. He was so smart and crafty to make it. I have pictures of our time together in it and pictures of their trip to Disney. It's one of the best Christmas gifts I received.

My daughter-in-law, Becky, and my son, Rodney, supplied me with facial creams and lotions to last me until next Christmas. I love them, too. Scotty and Melissa gave me a gift card, and I used it to purchase a set of stainless steel Farberware pots. But, it's not the things I received that made Christmas special. It's the people I got to see and enjoy. Rodney and I cooked dinner one night together in the kitchen, and I'll always remember. I also received a scar on my right hand from a burn when he fried turkey that always be a reminder.

Most of all, I remember the reason for the season and thank God for His precious son, Jesus Christ, whom he gave to save us all, so we could enjoy eternal life with Him. I'd hoped to visit the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, but we didn't get to. My daughter wants to go when she makes it down, and it'll be a great mother/daughter experience together. I look forward to her visit. Don't forget to take the time to remember and treasure sweet memories. Most of all, make many more. You'll live on through memories. How do I know? I carry my father, mother, and youngest sister with me in my heart, though they make their home in heaven and spent Christmas with Jesus.

Blessings and sweet, precious memories.