Christmas Countdown...11 Days Until Christmas

This weekend was a busy and fabulous weekend. Friday evening I had the opportunity to be Mom as I helped out at the Oswego Children's Theater performance of The Velveteen Rabbit. This might be our daughter's last Christmas show as an actress with the children's theater yet it isn't the end of her theatrical performances. An exciting time in her life and in ours.

In addition to spending a couple days helping at the show, I practiced for a little Advent reading/skit at church for yesterday. The reading I was asked to do was Tamar, the innkeepers wife. Our church typically has asked one family to do the Advent reading and light the candle, this year, our pastor's wife, Terri, shared a new idea and invited volunteers to "act" out Advent from different perspectives. It has been a wonderful journey to Christmas.

​My favorite line in my part, "all the minions". I tried not to laugh but I still did, Terri didn't even realize it. Only God knew how reading that one line would brighten my spirit. Of course the monologue was talking about people traveling to Bethlehem for the census but I envisioned little yellow Minions on camels making the trek. Too funny. 

---

The cherry on top of a great weekend was ending it with my Dad and his famous crock pot roast. A delicious dinner, kitchen table talk, and triggering memories as we went through some of Mom's clothes. Everything in time. I wasn't ready for this process yet yesterday's time brought me joy and peace.

​The sweater I'm wearing today is one I remember my Mom wearing when I was in college. Mags is preparing for college next year and this bright colored sweater brought an array of memories swirling in my mind. Memories shared at the kitchen table, one of the first Sunday evenings that felt "normal" since my Mom passed. 

Tears and loss flood my heart and soul still yet something clicked this weekend. I don't know if it was the special time at the theater as Mom, the rocking worship at church, the kitchen table talk, helping Dad sort Mom's clothes, or our pastor's message but I do know Who ignited it.

​The Holy Spirit, the very same I practiced reading about all week for yesterday's Advent reading. For the first time since September 14th, 2015, I feel like I can do this. I don't like this change or new reality or journey BUT I do love my family and choose to celebrate life and make memories while "living". As I sat in the living room with my Bible on my lap late last night I could almost hear my Gram telling me, "If you are dying then go to the 'living' room." Choosing to live life to the fullest.

---

Merry Christmas...The countdown continues tomorrow, see you then!
​What piece of clothing triggers a memory and why?