The best gift anyone could ever give me is time (of course, there is always chocolate, too!) I love spending time with people, to connect heart to heart, to talk about things that really matter.
This Christmas Ann and I decided not to give a lot of gifts but rather do things for one another. We also spent a lot of time talking - about the past, present and future.
The last year was hard in many ways. The decision to move in with Mom & Ann (a few short weeks before Mom died) was a difficult one (the giving up of my independence) but it is one I will never regret. I treasure the memories of Mom and the last 2 weeks that we siblings got to spend around her bedside. It was an unexpected gift that may never come again.
Mom is gone but memories are not. Today I mentioned eating sprouts and couldn't help but add a quote of Mom's from the last year, "It must be hard to be a rabbit!" Ann & I erupted in laughter! Playing games with friends the last 2 days also reminded me of Mom who dearly loved to play games. I like doing puzzles because they are a good interaction point and also remind me of Mom.
A friend, from grade school days, and I have been wanting to get together. Finally I said that we need to go out and celebrate turning 50! We talked of different options and then she said, "Let's just plan to spend the day!" That connected with my heart - someone wants to spend the day with me!
The Father has been taking me to new levels of trust this past year. It has been hard, but good, at the same time. He is there walking with me on the journey and He loves spending time with me. Even in the pain He comes and quietly sits with me. This song Not Afraid is a current favorite of mine.
Thank you, Father, for the gift of time.
