It’s hard to believe that Christmas only a couple of days away. I can’t help thinking how much it has changed over the years and this year especially. It will be very quiet for everyone, I’m sure. Tim certainly has kept the spirit alive. His house is decorated from top to bottom, inside and out. Earlier this week, we decorated the tree and added 2 new ornaments. One is for Belle and the other one is for Emmet. Emmet is recovering well from his accident. He loves balls and constantly bats one around with his paws while holding one in his mouth. If they had soccer for dogs, he would be MVP. Although Tim and I had thought we had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all planned, the latest weather forecast may be throwing a wrench in our plans. We’ll see and play it by ear.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the past and I’ve come to the conclusion that I am a very lucky person. God has been good to me and I’ve had a good life. There were some sad days but the happy days and the people I’ve known outnumber them. I guess when you get old, that’s what you do. You think about the old days and reminisce. When (Uncle) Frank died, I was sure that I would be dying soon after. I had no reason to live anymore. It took a long time for me to begin to snap out of my depression. Honestly, I am so grateful to Tim and Beth for putting their lives on hold not only to help with (Uncle) Frank but to support me before and after his death. I’ve mentioned before that the summer was horrible. There were so many major decisions to make and packing up that big house with 57 years of memories. They listened to me and put up with my many moods offering suggestions and supporting my decisions. I also have Carole to thank. She was always there when I needed someone else to vent about my sadness and overwhelming frustrations. She wiped away many a tear by long distance giving me the courage to face reality. I keep asking myself why God took (Uncle) Frank and left me here. I believe He has left me for a reason. You’ve all heard the expression”God’s not through with me, yet”. I firmly believe that God has something for me to do. I just have to figure out what it is. I do follow the guidelines for Covid and I don’t take any chances, but I’m not concerned about getting the virus because God is not finished with me. There is a reason I am here. I just have to figure it out.

I was supposed to pick out my appliances last week but nobody could find the cabinet door I wanted to take with me. I finally got it today so, Tim and I are going tomorrow. As I mentioned, I am not a fan of stainless steel. I’ll know tomorrow. I’m flexible!

I mentioned about the family with the young man buried next to (Uncle) Frank admiring our lights on the tree in the cemetery. They’ve done the same with the tree behind their stone. It looks very nice! We’re hoping more people do it next year. It really brightens up everything.

Belle and I went to Tim’s for dinner tonight. He made chicken Parmesan and salad. It was very good. Belle and Emmet still can’t play together until he gets his stitches out. I brought over Belle’s play yard. She stayed in that and she and Emmet sniffed each other through the openings. Belle is very good about being in the play yard. I’m sure Emmet would have liked to join her. By the way, when I said Tim made chicken Parmesan, he did. It was Rao’s chicken Parmesan. If you’ve never tried it, you should!

Have a wonderful Christmas! I still have to wrap presents.
Love, (Auntie) Beverly