The sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas conjure memories of Christmases past. Never has that been more true than this year. The last few Christmases have been bittersweet times tinged with some fear but quite sweet nonetheless. This year has been a little strange for some reason. Maybe some survivor's guilt; maybe a sense that I don't take it all in with the intensity of the last few years. Maybe some disappointment that there are no children and being keenly aware of Bonnie and Chris's disappointment in that arena.
So much to be grateful for. I'm healthy, against all odds, and pretty much past the time period of watching and waiting. But something about facing serious illness erases the illusion that I will live forever, and frankly it's a relief to let that illusion go. It's a strange "club" I belong to. You can tell when others have faced that moment and they get it but others really don't.
My kids are great. Strong, committed marriages for 2 of them; the other living a life that will prepare her well for the same but content where she is. Susanna is finished with college for now - having accomplished her Associates degree in addition to her chef certification. We'll see what the job market holds for her, but for now she's enjoying working at The Pearl Cup in Dallas. They've added a tiny kitchen to the shop so she can bake some of their treats, and the rest of the time she serves as a barista. It's great experience for her dream to open a bakery one day.
Abbey and Dane spend their lives investing in others, keeping friends' kids, always very family oriented. Abbey's ministry with Feed My Starving Children continues, although she's seeking and evaluating ways to make the best impact. They traveled to Cambodia for the dedication of a new church last summer and they plan for more international travel in 2011 with a trip to South Africa in the spring and Romania next summer where Dane will lead worship at a youth camp. They are walking through brain cancer with a close friend and it's impressive to see how they give and love without fear or shying away from any aspect of Brandon's trial.
Bonnie and Chris are enjoying Allen now that they've adjusted to leaving Dallas. Bonnie comes over a lot of Saturdays to shop the local Farmer's Market and have breakfast with us. She's still working from home and has quite a sweet setup with her computers and her "coworkers" (i.e. poodles). She started a ministry at church for women starting families, where those with children can encourage those wanting children in a surprisingly healthy way.
All three girls are active in our church and it's such an unexpected joy to worship and serve together. Susanna also frequents other churches where the local singles gather. We especially love their friends and the opportunity we have through church to know them too.
A fourth "daughter" joined the family this past fall. Ji Min is a 15-year-old student from South Korea who came to live with us to attend Carrollton Christian Academy, the school at our church. Ji Min is a delight, and has so much in common with our 3 that she fits right in. So we're back to carpooling and homecoming and all the fun that comes with teenagers. We also enjoy introducing her to all things Texan and American. We sampled all the fried foods at the State Fair and took her to a large family reunion in South Texas over Thanksgiving with Lindsey's cousins and aunts and uncle. Christmas traditions are all new for her and it's been fun experiencing all the "firsts" with her and helping her understand what it's all about.
Lindsey is working at Southwest and enjoying the family as always. With all the girls around, he is one content man.
I still work at the church and do some Bible teaching and enjoy the convertible (but not in the summer heat...). Thinking about another high-capacity vehicle trade, though, as we often have more passengers. Our "empty nest" is not exactly empty and we wouldn't have it any other way.
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