Christmas without the kids.

As posted in earlier blog, we have moved over 600 miles from my daughter and my grandchildren. We are so happy to be in the south and I especially am happy to be back in the south again! We lived in Erie, PA and they had their first snow blizzard this year while I was enjoying 65 degree weather! Yes, I called my daughter and asked how the weather was and she was rather rude to me. (all in fun!) I can't imagine why? (stated with a bit of sarcasm)

Unfortunately we will not be able to see them for the Christmas season. We will be able to go for 2 days the day after Thanksgiving and spend some time with them. I will miss watching the grandchildren open their gifts and miss the joy in their little faces, and my daughter's face and embraces. We always have great times during Christmas, because it is the one time of year, (and it should be all year long!) that we embrace each other and ignore the differences! My parents are gone, and my daughter and son are all I have left of a family, (except my sister who has her own family). My son is in Iraq this year and my prayers go out to him and his wife in TN. (please keep him in your prayers this season!) My daughter and I have never been apart during Christmas and this will be the hardest thing for both of us.

All we have ever had has been each other. She has been with me through everything in my life and shared in everything and I in hers, it is hard to imagine Christmas without her. We have been each other's strength and support and laughter. She is so much more than my daughter, she is my best friend! I was there with her during the births of both boys and watched life begin from the little girl God gave me. I just pray and hope that she knows how much she means to me and how very sorry I am that I can't be there for Christmas due to job obligations.

I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with her when my mother died and when I delivered her, she became the reason for my life at that moment. I was so lost when my mother died, it was the life I carried and then delivered that God gave me that kept me from doing anything stupid. Thank you God for her and my son! They are truly God given gifts!

Laqueta, know that you have and always will be the light of my life!