Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas is a very special holiday for me, especially because to me it is not just about the tree, the decorations, or the holiday fun. It is a time to celebrate the fact that God loved me enough that Jesus humbled himself to come to earth as an insignificant baby.

This Christmas is harder though. My Papa is still in the hospital and he is declining rapidly. He will not be home tomorrow to join in the festivities and we all know that our smiles will be a little forced as we try to keep it as normal as possible for the children. I got to see my Papa yesterday, I sat by his side for a few hours. I’m not sure if he knew I was there or not, but I sang him some Christmas carols and I think he heard and enjoyed them. My Nana sat across from me and all I could think is that she is the strongest woman I know. As I’m getting closer to marrying my fiancé, I cannot and do not want to imagine what my life would be like without him. My Nana has had over 50years with my Papa and I know she is not ready to let go of him either.

I tell you all of this to remind you that tomorrow is not a guarantee. I pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families, reminding yourself how much you should treasure their companionship. I am blessed, I believe in God and I believe in life after death in Heaven with God. I pray for my Papa’s recovery, but I know that if he does not recover, I will see him, hug him, and speak with him again one day . . . all thanks to a baby who was born in a manager.

Be sure to tell your loved ones what they mean to you, because you never know if this will be your last Christmas with them.