Happy Friday <3

I shared a little about our Christmas yesterday, but there are few things that stand out in the afterglow that will linger in my heart for a long time. 

First is the effort everyone who was healthy made to be present in whatever they could. There were the three that trekked down to join us for lunch, the three who sacrificed the well family for a few hours and trudged on getting their own tissues and water and finding the remote.

There was John who FaceTimed numerous times to be a part of whatever was going on as best he could. 

I treasure hearing the two sisters chatting in the entry way and laughing. I didn’t try to hear what the conversation was, I just relished seeing those two heads together so close. 

I loved the conversation that ensued as we were snacking on our “Manager’s Reception” offerings (Joel loves the Managers Reception at the Embassy Suites and once declared it was the best part of the trip to Disney, so of course it is recreated with flair for all family gatherings).

The adult kids shared favorite gifts from their childhood and compared notes with Jack on how Christmas morning went down as kids. I loved hearing what stuck out to them from over the years.

At one point, Sarah thanked me genuinely for the decorations and creating the atmosphere for our family to gather. It meant so much to me. 

There were thoughtful gifts that we could tell were not just purchased to have something to wrap. Things were deliberated over and were useful and practical and definitely suited to the recipient. 

There was love waiting on every side of the family tree and the desire to be together was felt in powerful ways. 

Some of the traditions I thought I was doing just for me and eliminated, were noticed and will be reinstated. 

And my heart is full. 

Blessings friends. I hope you know how much you matter to people who love you. You are unique and your life is woven into those around you in ways you may not be aware of. 

You are, of course, dearly loved <3