Mailing our annual Christmas card to friends and family is a challenging project this year. Today is a week from Christmas. Cathy, Patrick, and I started the job this afternoon.
Cathy competes with Hallmark from her private hobby room (Patrick's and then Aaron's former bedroom). The room is stacked with clever and cute card making stamps and tools; a favorite place for the nieces when they visit. We've got the tools. For several years, Cathy has made our Christmas cards and she usually includes a photo of the boys. Before digital, we'd take 24 or more pictures to hopefully get one. Aaron's patience was good for about 2 or 3 flashes and then he would begin to object. Patrick would do whatever his Mom asked...until Aaron went overboard. At that point, Patrick would side with Aaron and begin to show his displeasure with the process--just like big brother, but with the same degree of commitment.
Weeks ago we talked about a card idea. Now we better get busy on the creation or the cards won't go out in time for delivery by Friday. The effort is bound to be stop and go. The happy/funny memories are interrupted by sad realities. In this first year of mourning, we are not experienced enough to know or in shape enough to go too long. I read an insightful account from a man who lost his fiance to a car crash: We're new at this grieving thing, we'll learn as we go.
In our card, which I expect to post, I hope people sense our gratitude and recognize some spiritual growth. We had a life changing choice presented to us this year. The choice was to grow or regress; Good or evil. I know we each accepted growth.
The three of us are missing Aaron. We've never depended on eachother more. We've never been closer, we've never searched deeper into our souls or further into heaven.
Living the Spirit of Christmas in Memory of Aaron -
Tom, Cathy, and Patrick
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment