The Day After

Just finished lunch in the dining room alone.  It was not a sad time for me but a blessed time as I remember only yesterday, Christmas, it was filled with some of the people I love most.  As usually Mark was at this end of the table with me sitting on his left and our son, Luke, was at the other end of the table.  This tradition began years ago when he was just a small boy. Lillie Catherine was residing from her high chair between Luke and Sarah Beth having a great time eating but always delighting us with her smiles, laughter and of course lots of talk.  Big CHANGE from last year!  Uncle Charley joined us again this year from Lee's Summit, 87 years and still driving.  A true blessing having him join us.  Our Sarah Beth and David were here as always adding joy and love to the celebration.  We count ourselves blessed to have Kindel with us this year and are looking forward to many more years of celebration as a part of our clan.  NOW here's the added blessing to it all, if it could get any better, we will be having TWO new grandchildren in 2014! I can hardly wait.  Sarah Beth and David are expecting a girl, Rose Elizabeth (Rosie), on March 10th but she will probably be here the end of February according to her doctor.  Luke and Kindel are expecting a little boy on March 22nd.  As of now he doesn't have a name but Mark immediately started calling him "Little Dude".  We called Luke "Dude" when he was a boy and still do! So you see, "How can I look at the empty dining room and feel sad when God has blessed us with so much and He in His goodness continues to load us down everyday with gifts of love and blessing?"  Just can't be sad but instead look forward to many other times of celebrating as a family.  MY CUP TRULY DOES RUN OVER AND OVER AND OVER!  Merry Christmas and God bless.