I love my family.

Such a simple statement. My mom just bailed me out of a sticky situation. She did it without preaching or scolding, just did it. She said "this isn't your strong suit but I love you anyway". I love knowing I have family that loves and supports me, faults and all. I hope I am that kind of mom.

On a darker note, what is UP with all the cancer? Cancer GO AWAY. A well-loved mama online lost her battle a few months ago. Another mama is home with her family now with the help of hospice and hoping to make it through Christmas just this one last time. We are all praying for a miracle for Tawnya but it occurred to me that her miracle may have already happened. The ripples across the country (really the world) felt by the inevitability of Tawnya's situation have resulted in mini miracles all over the place. Mom's are hugging children tighter, embracing the lives they have with the knowledge that things can change in an instant. Decisions are being made to live healthier lives in all aspects of life. I, myself, have made changes in the past few days that I know will stick because they HAVE TO. I snuggled my children into bed rather than the exhausted "just go to sleep" that they had been hearing. I'm snuggling with Winnie under covers on the couch right now. I've been praying whenever I find a moment that is quiet. Yes, these are good changes. So simple yet so profound, all inspired by a struggle happening half way across the united states by a family I've never met in person. The miracle of Tawnya's battle and it's reach beyond imagination are real. She's made her mark, and it's miraculous.

Jo, I pray that your scans come back with good news. You, too, have reached further than you've realized. Your presence here (may it last a long, long time) is cherished and means something to people you didn't even know were rooting for you.

Now, on to mundane things. I'm in overhaul mode. The boxes for the family we adopted for the holidays are going to their destination tonight. I sort of prayed/meditated as I packed them up. I hope the family feels all of the energy and strength and hope put into them. I had a really good time wrapping and organizing. The kids enjoyed finding special things for each of the children. I am thrilled to be on the giving end this year instead of the receiving end. I have no shame in having needed help in years past, but it sure feels good to be on the other side. I was unsure of how to convey my positivity to this family so I opted for a short note, an offer of assistance if there is anything missing (we gave them an x-box that was donated to us and if they need anything else to get it working I want to provide that to them) and a whole bunch of gift cards so they can get what they want and need. Everyone deserves to have a "want", especially during the holidays! I didn't buy much food for them, opting for gift cards instead. I know the food pantry would frown on that but it's my money, I can spend it how I want ;). I was in this family's shoes so recently that I know what it was like to hope for something and not see it. I had so much boxed stuffing and really would have rather had a box of clementines, for example. Plus, we had family to have dinner with so I didn't need holiday food. I needed everyday food! I was greatful for everything given to us but decided that it was more suitable for me to just let them get what they want and need rather than shop from a general list. Besides, what if they need Tylenol or vitamins or toilet paper more than food at the moment. I know from experience that if the food pantry is going to have food it's going to be this time of year when everyone does food drives. What the food pantries need is shampoo and toilet paper, lol.

Anyway, where IS that folder??? It's got to be in the car. Do you ever misplace something and have no possible explanation for where it could be? Grrrrr! I need to find it since it has dh's prescription in it. His surgery is scheduled for the 27th of December, Thursday night. Merry Christmas to dh. He says this is going to be the "best Christmas ever". Even better than when he got his Lego pirate ship. Ha! Goof ball husband.