MERRY CHRISTMAS!
First, I am doing well. I had to have a surgical procedure on my back this week. All in all everything is going well. I have a CT scan and another round of major testing over the next couple of weeks, as I know the results, I will update in one e-mail and on the blog in January.
As we approach this holiest time of year, and reflect on the meaning of Jesus birth.
For me, it is the sometimes overlooked meaning to his life is he was a teacher. He was a teacher of life, a teacher of good, a teacher of love, to oneself and others, a teacher of many things.
Remember your teacher, Mother, Father, husband, wife, educator, friend, mentor, brother, sister, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, boss, co-workers, sons and daughters; whoever taught you your greatest gifts.
I would have to thank everyone above; especially this past year. The lessons learned of those who truly listen or did some of you pull words from my updates and chose to look at the negative instead of the positive message it was meant to bring or did you sit back and read my message and see the strength you provided me to endure and to reach out. In some respect we all saw both sides. It did for me, even as I wrote the words.
This past year brought out the best and worst in my Faith. One of the most profound differences in my life were the positive changes in relationships with Don’s sisters; my sisters-in-law that have become my ‘sisters’ (Monkey – no need to elaborate). My good buddies; the ‘Circle of Trust’ of women that I can relate to the sister hood with the Army contract we all shared. My best friend, Ethel, we became even closer, as if that were possible. And they are others that played a significant role of making my caps to wear, or making soaps, or taking Don and I to a movie to get away from reality. Others sent e-mails of support from far away or close by of support. Or perhaps a lunch meeting with a very good friend from whom I met in Graduate school and can’t help but think we are kindred spirits of sorts. Or perhaps, a phone call, cards, weekly envelopes, flowers, or PJ grams were sent, oh how I love those as well. Please know however you reached out to me, I shall never forget. Your love is truly remembered in my heart.
Other relationships changed to, some did not know what to do, not a visit, not even a call, not a note, not a…I know it was there way of dealing with what life was throwing at them and that is Okay.
My Faith challenged me to be upbeat on days I could not get up to be upbeat. And on those days, my love, my husband, Don, and my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan and my sons –in law and of course my grandchildren, were there to help me through it all. They were my Faith, when I needed it most, providing me with love, patience, compassion and support. Most of all, they were my teachers.
You don’t have to look far for Jesus gifts, it is right here in front of all of us.
With Love,
Margie