The first day of the new year finds me on my hands and knees, scrubbing toilets, wiping down the damage done by a hard holiday week. Company came, we celebrated, and then, one after another, for six straight days, nine of them got sick. Even the dog threw up.
I wish I could say I had fun anyway, that it was a holy and happy Christmas in spite of the disgusting circumstances, but I can’t. At least not easily.
But I guess that’s where eucharisteo comes in, this practice of counting gifts. That even in the rankest of situations, joy is still possible – by giving thanks anyway.
And so, with sponge in hand, I thank Him for:
64. Airports and escalators, and waiting for Nana to arrive
65. Unexpected Christmas carolers
66. Sleepovers with Nana
67. Cousins together in jammies on Christmas Eve
68. Letters to Santa, still believing
69. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, read on an iBook
70. Late-night wrapping blitz, presents under the tree before midnight
71. Christmas morning smiles
72. Big toys for big boys
73. Re-gifting on the spot
74. Her handwritten letter to me and homemade coasters declaring this truth
75. A friend praying me through the madness…and delivering brown sugar on Christmas
76. In-laws, outlaws, and baby boys and girls
77. A dishwasher that works, a hot water heater that holds up, and a fridge full of food
78. Stealing an early morning hour with her, sharing headphones, the road, and our hearts
79. Finally getting that feather in her hair
80. Pierced ears!
81. Her courage, Nana’s hand so I could capture it on film
82. The hospitality of a friend – during naptime – welcoming us in anyway
83. Her willingness to take six kids to a matinee
84. Fresh air, fun times at the neighborhood park
85. Getting lost in those big, brown eyes
86. Long walks, turning away from old rutted paths, forging new ones
87. The three of us cruising our hometown “incognito”
88. Sock bun!
89. Ginger ale. Lots and lots of ginger ale.
90. New, yummy ways to pop popcorn for him
91. An ottoman’s new lease on life, thanks to her craftiness
92. A laundromat open on New Year’s Day and a husband willing to spend a few hours there
93. Clorox wipes
94. Hope rising
95. His work to rescue and transform me (read more here…)
96. Flowers delivered post-recovery (Thanks, guys!)
Thanks for checking out my blog! I’m sorry to hear about the sickness, but glad you had a nice Christmas. Great photos. Thank you for sharing your memories!
IINCOG…*Barf*….NITO!!!!!!!!!