This Christmas Season

As I approach this holiday season it has been hard.  I remember all the things we did last year with Ethne and Edward, and all the things I was looking forward to doing with her in the future.  

I remember finding things for Ethne last year and being so excited to see her open up her presents on Christmas day.  I remember finding her Christmas dress.  She looked like an angel.  I loved that it had sparkles all over it.  I remember Lawrence calling me after she wore it the first time and having sparkles all over him.  I thought it was fitting that she should share some of her sparkles with her Daddy.  She truly is his princess.  

As sad as I am this year not to get to spoil her I am so very thankful for the time I did get to spoil her and so many other things.

First off, I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for the comfort and love he has given our family always, but especially this past year.  

I am thankful for my husband and my children.  I am thankful for how close we have always been as a family but how much closer we have been this year.  I am so blessed not only to have a wonderful husband but for my older children to have chosen wonderful spouses whom I also consider my children.  

I am thankful for my extended family.  I am thankful for parents an in-laws who have been so supportive.  My brothers and sisters and my brothers and sisters-in-law along with uncles, aunts, and cousins.  I am so blessed.   

 I am so glad that Ethne has family with her.  I am thankful that I know where her spirit is and I will get to see her again.    I have often thought of her with my 2 Grandma Mary's.  I picture Grandma Higgins sitting next to her and explaining everything slowly, calmly, and patiently and Grandma Edwards waiting until she can wait no longer and taking Ethne and getting her started on the work she is in Heaven to do.  I picture her anxiously awaiting seeing Uncle Arthur so he can take her and swing her around and giving her loves from all of us here.   

 I want to thank Melissa and Lawrence for letting us share Ethne, for never being selfish with  their time with her.  Thank you for always focusing on the positive and reminding us to focus on Christ.  You are my heroes.  How did I get so blessed. 

 Posted by Shauna