| Dad's 2010 Christmas Update |
| Today, there will not be two little sets of eyes peering above the sides of our bed at 4 a.m.; there will be no tiny voices at 6 a.m. imploring us to “get up mommy and daddy, Santa Claus came;” there will not be a couple of anxious toddlers begrudgingly kneeling before the manger to sing “Happy Birthday” to the baby Jesus in the nativity scene while their minds impatiently try to guess what might be wrapped in the beautifully arranged presents under the tree. No, there will just be Debra and I (and NeNe, of course) rising early as usual to leisurely open a few presents we have picked out for each other as our children make new Christmas traditions for themselves – away from us, and in their own new and exciting ways. This is not a time of sadness for Debra and I. Instead, it is a time of great satisfaction and joy. These changes denote a triumph for us as parents, and an overcoming of great obstacles for our children. It is a time when we can count the many blessings we have received in our lives – blessings that continue today. This past year, we have faced many obstacles and challenges that have brought us closer as a family. There has been extended unemployment, challenging medical issues for those close to us. We have lost friends whose time on this earth was woefully too short. But through it all – the adversity and the pain, there have been many triumphs and great joy and simple pleasure. We have been blessed. So today, I count my blessings. And they are many… 1. Christena and Kevin, healthy and making a new life for themselves as husband and wife 2. George and Michelle, embarking on new adventures and challenges on a seemingly daily basis 3. The many family and friends who have been with us to offer encouragement and support 4. A new job and a great set of coworkers who make it fun to venture into work every day 5. And, of course, my beautiful wife, who is my best friend, confidante…and pretty sexy, too. I have said many times that I am the luckiest man alive. And some people look questioningly when they consider the illness and the challenges and the uncertainty we have faced. But I prefer to look fondly on all the things that my family and I have been blessed with, and it’s very easy to understand that LIFE IS GOOD! I am blessed. Because when we take the time to really see those things that are important – those that hold true meaning – there are many more blessings than challenges, and we continue to be blessed everyday. Today, as we celebrate this beautiful holiday, its special meaning and the incredible times and memories we make with those around us, I hope each of you take the time to count your blessings, as well. Take the time to look for the positives, the special moments and occurrences, and hold these close and dear to your hearts. One of Christena’s favorite sayings and a mantra by which she lives her life is: “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” I hope that each of you takes the opportunity to find those moments and hold them dear. And I hope that each of you has a wonderful holiday season, a great new year and that you truly take the time that is afforded each of us to stop and count your blessings and marvel at each little thing that makes life so special. Merry Christmas, and my hopes for a truly blessed New Year. Daddy George |
