12.25.12

Happy Birthday, Jesus... Merry Christmas to all.  This morning was bitter sweet.  I am so grateful to have the opportunity to wake up with my children. After I dropped my children off for their first Christmas without both their parents in the same room,  I thought a lot about the CT families along, with those families affected by Sandy, the service men and women, their families  and my own friend who spent the last two days in the hospital instead of home with her children.  Selfless acts are a perfect reminder of what each and every one of us can do, not just this time of year, but throughout.
I am a bit emotional now and after I dropped them off, the more people asked where the children were, I couldn't control it... I kept trying to hide the feelings and the tears.  I put on the robe and got the courage I needed... I read two prayers and said the dismissal... (I know a lot for me especially in a week... but there were only 21 people including us).  The focus on Jesus and this service was exactly what I needed.  I am grateful to not only Pastor Mary for asking me, to Grace for doing all the difficult parts and to Pastor Arnie for his very sweet email telling me how he thought I did.... it was a really great feeling to be there... although I was nervous, I never looked up and yes, I did have a red face..lol.... Going to see Les Miserables was an amazing movie... brought me back to HS and seeing the play...
To conclude my  gratitude for the day...to the Urbans for welcoming me to their Holiday table  and always making me feel part of the family.  You are all amazing and I am so grateful for you all.
May we all find peace in the coming days....and share the joy with someone new..