A VERY Merry Christmas...

Oh. My. Gosh.

I don't even WANT to look at my bloggy stats.  I know they're gonna tell me that I've been a neglectful blogger.  Things have been weird and sort of complicated-rough around the DHU lately, and my creative juices dried up as a result.  Mom's Alzheimer's has been rockin' our world, and the holidays plus a nasty head cold turned a crappy situation into a downright struggle for us all.

But. BUt. BUT... I have the most ridiculously awesome support group of family and friends, who have once again, risen to the occasion, and carried me through.  My life is right side up because of them.  You know who you are, and you KNOW that I love you with every single molecule of my heart and soul. 

So Christmas, which could have turned weird and ugly, was yet again, a total success.  We managed to come together on Christmas Eve night, a tradition celebrated since before I was born forty years ago, to celebrate, fellowship, and feel the love. 

Mom, Tom, Uncle Dave, Aunt Joyce, Robin, Gil, CJ, Joshua, Lori, Carl, Andrew, Kristine, Teddy, Alex, Tommy, Matthew, Big Dave, Lizzy and me.  My family.

There was PLENTY of soup, chili, sandwiches, and LAUGHTER...

It's true, laughter is the best medicine.  I let myself relax and watched Mom enjoy her evening... even if she opened the same present three times.  That's the beauty of Alzheimer's...you get to enjoy the good stuff over and over and OVER again! And seeing Mom have a good time allowed me to calm down, take a look around, and know that no matter what, my people will NOT let me go through this alone.

I left Mom's that evening and felt better than I had in days.  Of course, the next day was Christmas, and we continued our tradition of dining at my Aunt and Uncle's house.  And of course, there were the obligatory photos...

LOVE my Mommy. Isn't she beautiful? 

And my little fam...

Every year I say it... 'This was the best Christmas EVER'...

This year, it was truer than ever.  I am SO blessed.

 

Comments

[Marilyn C.]

Happy New Year to you and yours. Will keep your mom in my prayers. I am also struggling a bit with my 91 year old mom. Definite memory loss but not quite the Alzheimer's type either. Mom still lives on her own for now. I understand your position. Not sure if you have siblings or not, but a good family support is most helpful. I do have three brother's and three pretty good sister in laws, but being the only girl in the family, a lot of responsibility does fall my way. Love your family pictures, thanks for sharing. May God continue to bless you and your family in the new year.

Marilyn C.

[Rhonda]

Thanks for sharing your sense of humor all year long! I wish you a blessed 2013 filled with love and laughter.

Rhonda :)