Thanksgiving Miracle

Let me go back to last month and tell you about our Thanksgiving miracle in Jacksonville. My 92 year old Dad has been unable to walk due to spinal stenosis for the last two years. His wonderful caregiver, Richard, would pick him up and put him in his powered chair and then back to bed. Last summer, we were devastated when our much loved caregiver had to resign due to health issues. We were so worried, but found a very capable replacement in Linda. Unknown to us, she was on a mission to get Dad on his feet, a goal that Mom has prayed for for a long time. And, though we had faith, we would roll our eyes, and didn't think it was an answer that was possible.

At our family gathering for Thanksgiving, we witnessed an answer to Mom's prayer. Through Linda's efforts, Dad walked. The family cheered and some cried. It was our Thanksgiving miracle.

I tell this story to illustrate two important lessons. First, the power of prayer, and second, good things can come out of seemly bad things (Richard's leaving).

Now, whatever the obstacle, we can pray with confidence and wait for the silver lining. For this I am grateful.

Party Time

We don't have many opportunities to dress up and party, but this weekend we attended two parties within 24 hours! We were guests of my BFF, Rae, at the Elks Club on Friday night. Tony's Big Band was the feature and the menu was Prime Rib. It had to be the biggest Prime Rib I've ever seen and the best I ever tasted. Fortunately, Maurice and I shared it and the veggies and baked potato and I just ordered the soup and salad bar. It was fun to watch the dancing and to take a spin on the floor once ourselves, as Rae took pictures. We had a wonderful time.

The next day at 12:30 we were off to the the Golden 'ears Holiday Party. This is the Disney retiree's club. It was a dress up affair and yes, we wore the same outfits, even joked about just sleeping in them. The entertainer sounded like Kenny G and Jimmy Buffet alternately. The turkey was very moist and tasty. I thought I was completely turkey-ed out by now, but I really did enjoy it. It was fun seeing the people we only get together with twice a year. Of course, the usual health updates were not so good. Even Santa was out of commission for this party. But, we did take home a beautiful potted poinsettia. We were home in time for a nap and then to watch the fantastic Alabama/Florida game. Got all our partying off the list in one great weekend. Life's good!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

What ever possessed me to think I could run a blog? Here it is December and I didn't even cover the wonderful Thanksgiving we had at Jacksonville, and our house. Well, here are my Christmas table decorations. The tree is up and smelling wonderful and the mantle is trimmed with the manger scene. The front has icicle lights and the yard has poinsettias. Now, for the finishing touches of wrapping and finishing the presents. Our theme this year is an old-fashioned Christmas with home-made presents and ornaments from days of old on the tree. The motto is "Less is better" and I hope all will agree. Let's reflect on the true meaning of the Holiday and be thankful for God's wonderful gift. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."