Christmas 2011 will most likely never be forgotten in our family’s memory.

I have sat here staring at the screen in a mess of emotions trying to figure out how to share it…

the fun of having my girlfriends gather around to meet Joshua…

the joy of having all your children and grandchildren wake up together on Christmas morning…

the life that little boys infuse into our family…

the joyful anticipation of Baby Girl’s soon arrival…

the birthday celebration of one amazing woman and the emotions that we all felt as we read through 80 memories from family and friends that were tucked inside a treasure box…

how do you share your gratitude for the gift God gave us on Christmas…

But how do I express the joy and at the same time express the deep sadness in my heart. We have had two and a half years to prepare ourselves for such a time as this. There have been plenty of talks with God about why the delay, why the suffering. But now… it’s so hard to let go. Dad is sleeping all the time now and has not taken food or fluids for at least 5 days.

He slept through meeting his great-grandson Joshua for the first time. But I have to believe that as Mom held Joshua up to Dad, he knew.

 And as Jaxson sat on his lap… he knew.

And as each of us expressed our love and respect for him… he knew.

And so it seems that Dad will soon be stepping on shore and finding it heaven. He will touch a hand and find it Jesus’. He will breathe new air and find it celestial. It won’t be long now and he will wake up in glory and find it home.

Our sweet little friend Kate’s dance class performed for Dad and the residents at the nursing home on Dec 12th. From what I can remember this is the last time that Dad and I made a connection. I will treasure this photo.

I don’t need to ask you to pray because I know you are. You know what to pray for and when to pray and how to pray. Your love, concern and prayers poured out on us over the past two and a half years means more to us than I could ever begin to express. May God be glorified.