This evening I heard the song by SheDaisy about the woman raising her children alone because her husband is over fighting in the military. They had broken up the song with interruptions of military personnel from overseas saying Holiday wishes and greetings to their friends and family here in Houston; I was balling my eyes out… Then this evening I go to check on the kids I follow and Hayley passed away today…

It really makes you reflect on things, I have my family with me during the holidays. Yes, I’m upset because my niece and nephew have the chicken pox and can’t spend it with us but we are only half an hour away from each other and I can see them whenever (in fact I took them their gifts tonight). I have Chuck here with me by my side raising our son together and I get to spend my holiday surrounded by my family. So many families aren’t getting to do that this year or don’t have that option the way that I do.

And then I think about those poor parents who today held their only child as she died from her struggle, only one and a half and taken away so soon. Her life was hard and she’s not hurting anymore but the pain those parents must feel tonight.

Tonight after decorating the Christmas tree with Brendan and Chuck we tucked our healthy little boy in bed and I hugged him extra tonight making sure he knew just how much I love him and how honored I am to be his mommy.

So in the hustle and bustle of the next week stop and think of all the things you have to be thankful for. I know I for one haven’t been in the Christmas spirit but tonight’s events made me realize that I have much to be thankful for and I should take this time of year (the holidays) to spend with those closest to me and be thankful that they are there.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,


Christy

By Kaye on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 08:35 am:

It has been a hard holiday season for many. I have really tried to stay focused on the reason for the season, and the blessings that my family has had. It hasn't been easy though. Instead of shopping yesterday, I spent the day with my father driving 3 hours to the grave of my SM. She passed away a year ago today. This holiday is better than last year, but just barely. My dad moved here in March, but isn't doing well, so he is moving away on Tuesday. I have spent a lot of time crying and dealing with irritable kids, who don't quit understand everything that is going on. Anyway, with all of our changes, we decided that today will be Christmas at our house. We are baking cookies, cooking Christmas dinner (chicken and dressing, etc) and opening gifts. I bought my hubby the coolest, nicest guitar, he will be so excited. So that is how we are trying to refocus on the merry of the holiday.

By Boxzgrl on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 10:34 am:

I live here everyday seeing others who will not have their loved ones home for the holidays, either for this year only or pemanently. Even though its just by luck that my DH is home this year, I feel so much admiration for those other women and how they do such an amazing job keeping the fort up at home while their military husbands (and even wives) are overseas fighting for the freedom in this country and their own lives. I take every opportunity to thank every person I can, including Kristie (insaneusmcwife) whos DH wont be home this year, but I also make sure to take that time and cherish all of it that I have with DH.

Christylee- my DH *is* home and that song makes me cry everytime I hear it, it just brings back all the emotions of last years deployment. It was a well written song!

I have A LOT to be thankful for so while I am extra grateful during this holiday season, there is never a day that goes by of the rest of the year that i'm not thinking of somebody with a deployed service member. After all, there is always somebody deployed somewhere in the world away from their family.

By My2cuties on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 11:10 am:

I am just so happy to have my family close to me and my dad coming in this Christmas is a REAL treat..he has not been able to come to Tennessee for 3 years..(oldest dd was 2 months old). It doesn't matter about money or anything else, just having family together.

Merry Christmas.. only 5 days away.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 11:12 am:

A great reminder to count our blessings!

By Babysitbarb on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 02:42 pm:

Thanks for reminding me to be thankful for what I have and not what we don't have or think we need.
I always gets so stressed out during the holiday and I need to relax more and enjoy it and count my blessings.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 01:34 am:

Counting blessings..

By Jewlz on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 02:25 am:

thank you for the reminder some times we do take alot for granted ... we are blessed in so many ways ... God bless each and everyone of you this holiday