Treasures

It was like the first day that we went to the Magic Kingdom back in February. We wandered around like mindless people. Where was our fearless leader?  Jim had not figured out in those few days that he would have to step up and keep us on task.

I'm not entirely sure any of us actually realized what a challenging job that actually was - keeping us all on task. Possibly only Roger was actually up to the challenge!

When I look back, it was hilarious. All of us standing at the circle in front of the castle and finally making eye contact with each other, each with that puzzled look ...why are we here and where were we going?   Not something a photo of any kind could give justice to...visual memory...that's all.

It was like deja vu when we began to share gifts on Christmas Day.

First package unwrapped, bow passed to Juci....WAIT.....where does the paper go?  Who has the bag?
Roro, always the one to think "safety first" always had the bag so that no paper would drift near a candle or fireplace, to start a fire.

Well,  Jacob to the rescue!  Of course he had to keep his hands free to handle the gifts that came his way, so he put his clever mind to work to quickly solve the problem.  Ro-ro's chair and Ro-ro's other chair.  Backs of chairs equals hands. Big bag is held open in a form similar to a basketball hoop.  Paper goes to Jacob. Jacob compresses it into a ball and proceeds to slam dunk, free throw, or whatever else you do with a 'basketball."

Perfect.  I am sure Roger was having a ball watching it all!

Actually, I am pretty sure he was worshiping at the feet of Jesus and not so interested in paper.
But one can imagine.

And the fun lasted all day.  We had a "Progressive Christmas" where we started at Kristin's then moved to Karin's and then to Juci's.   And we ate along the way, and laughed, and enjoyed each other.  We finished up the evening with a crazy game, and no, I don't think any of us got out of our jammies all day.

And that was ok.

We had each other, and we have had and still do have so many blessings.  And the overwhelming sadness that began our 2014 has diminished only because of the great joy that God has shown us and allowed us in bits and pieces throughout this year.

Roger's Lesson:  Treasure each other more each and every day. Don't take anything for granted. Plan for tomorrow, but live each day as if it will be your last on earth - but not your last for eternity.  That's the best way to celebrate Christmas.

And I do think that we do treasure each other and each moment even more - every day.

Whatever this new year holds, I know that God has shown Himself strong and able to help us through anything.