Christmas and a New Year

 This post may be a little lengthy today..  I apologize in advance.  

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt hopes that all my blogging friends had a truly beautiful Christmas.  It is my sincere wish that joy, peace, and the warmth of the season filled your homes and your families hearts.  As we look toward the New Year, I do pray that it will bring much happiness, GOOD HEALTH, and abundant Blessings to each of you.  

The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for me, marked by sickness and the profound loss of my youngest Brother.  Despite the hardships, I am deeply thankful for Jesus Christ and the strength HE has given me.  I am also so very grateful for each of your prayers.  I have felt them!!   God's Power and HIS love have been my anchor during these trying times, reminding me of the hope and peace that only HE can provide me and my family. 

Although I've been dealing with an upper respiratory infection and the sorrow of losing my brother, I've also witnessed moments of Grace and beauty.  

Although I felt terrible, my grandson's Officer graduation was a particularly touching milestone for our family.  We were all so proud of him as he embarked on this new chapter of his life.  He and his family left for Colorado Springs on December 22, where they will begin their journey in a new home......a huge Blessing and an exciting adventure for each of them.  

Christmas Eve brought additional Blessings, as we were able to spend time with our kids.  We certainly cherished the joy of family togetherness.  We played games, had more food than you can imagine (thanks to my daughters and granddaughter, Tori) and opened some funny gifts while we played the white elephant gift game.  Sam and I gave each of them a puzzle cube that had cash inside.  They spent a good bit of time trying to open the puzzles. The puzzles were very difficult to maneuver through, and the reason I know this is because I tried opening one myself.  These puzzles   Reminded me of some of the puzzles on the show "Survivor!" as each one was trying to be the first to open theirs.  After all, there was a cash prize for the person who opened theirs first.    They had a fun time opening them and of course, they loved the CASH.

Christmas Morning:   Sam and I woke up early and he helped me get our food for dinner in the crockpots and cooking.  All of the kids were coming back over to have Christmas Dinner.   

            

                                                                 My Brother Joe...

My youngest brother Calls me Every single day.....but Christmas morning he did not call.   I tried several times to call him, with no answer.  Finally, around 9:40, I decided to drive out to his house and check on him.  As I entered his home, I saw him on the floor near the eating bar of his kitchen.  I immediately knew he was gone.  He had suffered a massive heart  attack and had passed away.  The rest of Christmas Day was and still is, a huge Blur for me.  We were very close and my heart was just shattered to pieces.  

Amid my families grief, there was a huge outpouring of love and support from our community, which has been a huge source of great comfort.  So has the many messages I have received from some of you.  

Over 275 people attended my brother's service, which is a moving tribute to the incredible friendships and connections he nurtured throughout his life. 

While it may take me some time to catch up on reading about your Christmas celebrations, please know that I do want to hear about the Blessings of your Christmas and your family time.   

As we move into the New Year, I send you all my love and warmest wishes for a Wonderful year of 2025.  Thank you all for being a part of my journey.....your friendships are a true Blessing.  

Much Love and gratitude,

Shug