As the Christmas surprises keep arriving and touching us so, we're co-mingling with normal life as well. The call comes at 3 yesterday afternoon. Mom has filled with fluid in her abdomen, just 1 day after I've taken her to see her liver specialist. She is in pain, running a fever and needs to get checked.
But music from a group of performers I've grown up listening to, has already helped me capture the Christmas Spirit.
But music from a group of performers I've grown up listening to, has already helped me capture the Christmas Spirit.
Its also the day that the cross found its way to my mailbox. Believe… I take in a big dose of that. The angel card is made by a child at MD Anderson through their children's cancer art center. I love how they strike through the word cancer on the back of their card- and love the inspirational messages I am given on the inside!
Then there is the beautiful embroidered hand towel and dishcloth- just like what my mother-in-law would have made some time ago. I smile in reminiscent thoughts of how Christmas used to be. The Grandma's German Cookbook is a treasure to me in that way as well! I am sure there is some kuchen in there and a few other faves. Thank you everyone!
Mom had a good weekend and was able to go to my cousin's house, for our annual party. Here she is with her two sisters, Marlene and Carol in the middle then mom. She had a great night-as did we all.
Here are some of the cousins- there are 19 of us all together. 8 of us could make it this year.
But the growing group is the "second" cousins. Our kids, now bond and have fun together, like we used to as cousins.
And Eddy, takes us all in stride as we invade his house.
After a long night last night in the ER, mom was admitted to the hospital once again. She has an infection they will treat, and the CT scan showed an inflamed colon as well. They will also try to remove some of the fluid surrounding her abdomen.
But we're determined to give her the best Christmas possible. My brother will arrive later today with his wife and two girls. We'll be together, in good cheer, despite being at the hospital.
We covet your prayers as we head into preparing for the Christmas miracle of the birth of baby Jesus.
Oh my dear sweet friend,Vicky...
ReplyDeleteOn a borrowed computer...on Christmas eve day...in a Maui coffee shop...
I open up your blog and there it is...that one precious word...BELIEVE!
And the reminder that Christmas isn't a season, it's a state of mind. It's a
reminder about peace and joy and simplicity and a gift of a baby in a manger.
I love all the family pictures and feel you surrounded with love! Praying for your
Mom in the latest challenge knowing that our loving God is right there with her....
and with you and with me and with all of us.Right there.No matter what!
Sending you love and hope and prayers, dear friend.
Always prayers!
To the moon and back again.
Linda
Prayers are ongoing. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful family, Vicky.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for your sweet Mama.
Hugs and love to you and yours.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love,
Jackie
praying for your mom and for you. Believing that this Christmas season will speak peace and joy to your soul.
ReplyDelete* * * * *
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS
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Wishing you a beautiful, merry Christmas :-) And prayers for a healthy, happy New Year xxx
ReplyDeleteP.S. prayers for your mom, too - for peace, strength and wholeness.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you a Merry Christmas! !
ReplyDeleteI pray a lot of "happiness".
And for the children of the world. . . .
Ryoma
Thinking of you and your family and praying that the joy of the Lord will be present with you as you celebrate His birth. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Vicky! I hope you enjoy your day. You look great!
ReplyDeletePoor Mom. What a time of year to be sick in.
ReplyDeleteHope she gets well soon.
Wish you all a meaningful Christmas.
It is a gift to all mankind and we must never forget this.
xoxoxoxoxox
A belated Merry Christmas to you and your family. I so admire your attitude in the face of many problems. I moved two weeks ago to be near my one daughter and two young granddaughters. That part is great, but moving from a condo that was in pristine condition to a patio home that is in need of lots of loving care has been depressing. I pray for the attitude and strength that will help me get through this process . I pray that you will feel the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in your life in a powerful way in the coming year. May this be the year of healing for you. I know all things are possible through the Lord. May your Mom also experience healing in her life.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love your word "Believe" and the Christmas quote!
ReplyDeleteAnd your perseverance in making your mom's Christmas so special.
And how you reminisce about what matters most.
~~So much LOVE in this post~~~
And I hope coming to you through my comment!
Merry Christmas Vicky. You look beautiful!!! I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and her struggles. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteCommented on this twice on my (stupid) iPhone last week, Vicky, and couldn't get it to post either time. I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your mom got to have time with her sisters and you ALL got family time before she got sick again. I have a friend who has a liver disease and deals with ascites a lot and has to be drained every week or two. Very difficult and I'm sorry your mom is facing this but glad it's something they can treat and that she has family to help.
Hope your Christmas was a truly blessed one.