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Last night, she and my sister flew in and did not arrive at our house until after midnight. We had a quick opportunity to throw on some shoes and give her a hug and a kiss and wish her "Merry Christmas" while she waited in my brother's car on the driveway. He was dropping off my sis before taking Mom home to his place. The snow was gently falling and the lights from the house bounced off the snow creating a glow with the incredible full moon shining down on us. How wonderful to see her first thing on Christmas Day! While we will not get any time with her today, she is coming to spend Boxing Day with us tomorrow.
Despite not having her with us, Christmas morning unfolded in the customary way for us; stockings first with an orange in the toe and then gifts followed by the traditional Skirten Christmas family breakfast. She would have approved and appreciated it all had she been with us today.
I asked reader's to honor their Mother's last night and specifically thank them for all the traditions they introduced for your family and carried out year after year without thanks expected ... just made with a huge dose of Motherly love.
My Christmas wish for all of you today is to enjoy each moment as a family - whatever that looks like for you. May you find peace and joy amongst your loved ones today and for each day of the year ahead.
Thank you to all 403 people who have supported my book thus far! I hope it brings you joy each Christmas and becomes a family tradition to read together while we mark the advent of Christ's birth. Thanks also to the 600 or so folks that like and follow the dedicated Facebook page for "The Shining Star Collection!" You have all helped make a dream come true for me!
Here is my beautiful new painting that I unwrapped this morning by an artist I met this fall, John Burrow. It is entitled, "Oh Christmas Star" and to me it invokes every emotion I have about this wonderful two year adventure with "The Shining Star Collection." How wonderful it would be for all children to embrace the loving light of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Shine On!
- K