I have been having a hard time this year getting into the spirit of Christmas. There has been a cloud hanging over us since December 8 when we heard that our beloved brother, Wayne passed away in Germany. I hadn't seen Wayne since mom's funeral 4 years ago. And I had the sneaky feeling that it might be the last time, especially since he didn't work at Delta Airline anymore with flying privileges. Many memories, tears, and virtual hugs have been given through the internet among the brothers and sisters. What a blessing to be from such a big and caring family.
This picture was taken last Christmas. Wayne is holding his little grandson, Utku. What an amazing blessing that he was able to be a grandpa, even though he never married.
Wayne's adopted son, Goeksel, and his wife, Funda, are awesome and wonderful. They have been the center of Wayne's life for many years, and have brought untold amounts of happiness to him. They have had to take care of all the preparations and it's been so hard for them.Christmas preparations for me were put on the back burner for a time. I have been dragging my feet getting the tree up, shopping done, presents wrapped, etc. But the last few days, I'm happy to announce that I found Christmas.
I found it while singing in the ward choir at sacrament meeting last Sunday. I found it at the school when I was asked to help with a service project there. (The high school students tied 8 quilts and did other projects for needy families.) I found it here at home when Roy and I tag-teamed some cooking projects for friends and neighbor gift giving. I found it each time I went to the mailbox to find a package from one of my sweet sisters. And I found it when I was sewing cute snugly gifts for some of the grand kids.
My heart is full of gratitude for all the good things Christmas reminds us of. And the greatest gift of all...the reason for the season.
