Mele Kalikimaka! Fröhliche Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noël, Merry Christmas!
It's been an emotional past few days as we reflect on all that has happened over the past year. The contrast between NomiAnn and Papa Kay's beautifully decorated home and the Cardiac ICU is stark.
.jpg)
We are so very grateful to be celebrating as an entire family this year. Strangely enough, though, the holiday doesn't feel quite as light-hearted as before. We are whole, but changed. There is still a sense of loss. A year ago we marveled at our family's good fortune of physical and mental health. Much has changed since then, both for Annika and others. We feel more deeply the sorrow of others who have experienced loss. We still sing "Joy to the World," but the joy is different--deeper and weightier--tempered by trial.
Blogging may not be the most typical Christmas activity, but I like it because it fills my heart with feelings of family and gratitude. Blogging about our Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii is extra special because this week was so tender. Not only was Oahu wonderful, but the entire week was flavored by a deep awareness of the goodness of humanity. Everywhere we went, we felt gratitude for the kindness of strangers who made this tender week as a family possible. It was a week of healing, togetherness, and joy.
*********
Interrupting this blog post to make a most unexpected and SPECIAL announcement! Around 7:30 pm on Christmas Day, there was a knock at the door. Outside on the porch, we found five hooligans waiting with big noses.
Interrupting this blog post to make a most unexpected and SPECIAL announcement! Around 7:30 pm on Christmas Day, there was a knock at the door. Outside on the porch, we found five hooligans waiting with big noses.
There are no words to describe the joy we felt at seeing the Wells Family! Best surprise EVER! (Well, right up there with their surprise last decade.)
The amount of love that is wrapped up in this surprise visit is immense. Their flight got cancelled, so they turned around and DROVE through the night all the way from Long Island! I want to tell more about it, but I want to be part of this magical moment even more. Blogging can wait. Jeanette, Janet, Katelyn, Alesia, and Gregory, thank you! We love you! Mele Kalikimaka, world! Wishing all the joy that comes from being with family.
1 comment:
FUN!! Great photos and memories! So glad, and impressed, the Wells family drove 1300 miles (one way) from Northport N.Y. to Omaha NE. It brought back fond memories of another visit ten years ago. We are having such a great time! Thanks to ALL!!
Post a Comment