A Message From Grandma

As you know, Christmas is different this year. It's gonna be a tough one, I'm not gonna lie. I know that Noah is going to keep me very busy and entertained but I no longer have 3 stops to make on Christmas day - just 2. It's sad. There is family that I have seen every Christmas for the last 28 years and I won't see them this year. I often wonder what I would have done different last year had I known that it was Grandma's last Christmas with us. My first thought is that I would have spent more time there instead of feeling rushed. I would have taken in every minute. I tried to take in every minute because it was Noah's first Christmas but I was so overwhelmed. He had really mastered crawling so we were watching his every move.

I remember all of us gathering in the living room -- which was a very tight fit! We all watched as Grandma opened her presents. Tammy wrote down all that she got, so that we could help her remember who gave what, and I helped her with the boxes. She was pretty good at opening the presents herself. I loved watching her open each box - she was like a child, so excited to see what was inside.

So, this year will be different. I will make my stop to see Grandma and at least tell her Merry Christmas.

I have been following a Caring Bridge site for a sweet 9 year old girl with cancer. She made her transition to Heaven on Halloween day, the day that we "tucked Grandma in" for the last time. Her mom is no longer updating her Caring Bridge site but she has since created a blog and I am now a faithful follower. She posted this on her blog a couple of weeks ago and it brought tears to my eyes. I felt like this was from Grandma and she was comforting us for this upcoming Christmas holiday. So to my family -- this is the message Grandma has sent me and I want to pass it along to you. I love you all so dearly!!!  

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees

around the world below

With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,

reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,

please wipe away the tear

For I am spending Christmas with

Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs

that people hold so dear

But the sounds of music can't compare

with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,

the joy their voices bring,

For it is beyond description,

to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,

I see the pain inside your heart.

But I am not so far away,

We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,

You know I hold you dear.

And be glad I'm spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,

from my heavenly home above.

I sent you each a memory

of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious

than pure gold.

It was always most important

in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,

as my Father said to do.

I can't count the blessing or love

he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and

Wipe away that tear

Remember, I am spending Christmas with

Jesus Christ this year

~Randi

By the way --- this is the first Christmas that Grandma and Grandpa have spent together in 30 something years. How amazing is that thought! Puts a smile on my face!!