Tuesday, December 23, 2008

So much to be thankful for


Last year I got Josh Groban's new Christmas Album and it is amazing, there is a wonderful song that makes you think, and yes we all have so much to be thankful for.

For as long as I can remember, my mother has taken care of children in our home. We have formed amazing bonds with some of the children. Sadly for some of them they don't come from the most stable of situations, and we create some sense of stability in their lives. Last night we were informed that one of the children we used to watch a long time ago was killed in a car accident over the weekend. It is a really sad situation because his father didn't want anything to do with him and his mother was left to raise him on her own. She tried her hardest, but it was still really hard for him to fit in and get over the problems he had. He at times would cause major frustrations, but we had to just keep going and make him feel welcomed and accepted. He finally had found a place were he found his nitch, and was on his way home from playing with I think his jazz band when the accident happened.

When things like this happen I am reminded of how fragile life is. My mother is amazing and has done so much for so many. She does so much for others, and often time gets taken advantage of by others, yet she just keeps on going. I love her so much and am so thankful she is mine. Christmas is always crazy with all her many projects, but I don't think I would have it any other way.

Christmas is going to be different this year. The Ridings always have a Christmas Eve Dinner, Program and Party. We eat, do the nativity, family talent and eat dessert. This year my grandpa is in a rehab center because he broke his leg 6 weeks ago and isn't strong enough to come home yet, so christmas eve is going to be different. We are just going to gather at the rehab center for about an hour, not the 4 or 5 we normally do. I hope it will be ok, but it will be, and we will all still be together. We are very thankful for his progress so far and can't wait till he comes home.

Another thing I am thankful for are my nieces. Cali is adorable and I love to play with her. She has so much energy. Little Abby is doing great and keeps improving. They are hoping to take her off C-pap on Christmas, and just be on high flow oxygen. It is amazing how much she is growing and the progress she is making.

Merry Christmas!

4 comments:

3in3mom said...

Wendi,

I love your thoughts--we sure are blessed. Thanks for sharing your dear Mom with us over these years. She is a great friend and a dear neighbor. I am in awe of her example. In turn you all have such giving hearts and are so willing to do whatever is needed. That is a true gift.

I hope your Grandpa gets better soon--it's hard to have ones we love not well and hard to have traditions change.

We keep praying for dear little Abby and her parents--we're glad to hear she's making such great progress.

Love, CL.

Rootbeer Floats said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rootbeer Floats said...

Great Song! I think of it a little more often right now. Seeing Little Abby reminds me even more that I have so much to be grateful for.... Mom definitely is amazing! I am glad that she is ours. :)

Valerie said...

It's been a while since you updated your blog....how's it going?