Christmas was so special this year! Funds have been low due to so much traveling for funerals and such that we were going to have a very small Christmas. But someone in our ward family found out and got a number of presents for our children and even some for Richard and I. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude! I cried off and on most of Christmas! We have been so blessed this year!! I hope in the upcoming years we can do the same for others! We were so so grateful!!
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(Richard got me a puzzle for Christmas this year. It was fun to put together!)
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Well, a couple days after Christmas, one of my friends from high school lost her father to pancreatic cancer. My heart aches for her and her family! I am so thankful they got to spend one last Christmas together! What a blessing! I remember my friend often telling me throughout high school all the things her father used to teach her and the things they would do together as a family. She knew the scriptures inside and out. I always thought it was so neat that her father taught her so much about the gospel and that they had such a close relationship! I hope she is feeling peace at this time! I wonder if my father got to be there to help Brother Wright transition!

I talked with my mom a couple days ago and she wondered if my father was happy. I haven't felt anything but happiness from him since his passing. He is out of pain and has so many less limitations. I still miss him like crazy, though. My sister said this morning "I didn't know crying could go on for so long". Boy, no kidding!! I got one of his books in the mail today - a signed copy - and I just held it and cried. And my brother made a memorial video of my father that was really beautiful! I cried through that too! I miss him so much. I know the pain will fade in time, but for now, it's still hurts!

I have decided to make some changes for the new year and set myself some really good goals! I have lots to work on! I'm looking forward to a new year!