Well, Christmas Day came and went.
The reality of Nick's absence rang in my ears constantly-sometimes like a clanging cymbal other times like the light ringing of a gentle chime.
This is a photo we took in my Aunt Earlene's back yard on Christmas Day.
Our first "family picture" without Nick.
I'm not sure that I'll ever get use to looking at a picture of our family without Nick's radiant smile.
I can't help but think that somewhere among the branches he is grinning and sharing this moment with us. I know he was in my heart.
So, what do you do on Christmas Day when you are grieving?
You embrace the day.
What else can you do when you have the hope the Heaven?
If Nick could have made the choice of spending the day with us climbing an old tree to say "cheese" or of spending the day in the presence of the One for whom we celebrate the holiday, Our Lord and Savior, I just have to believe he would have chosen praising Jesus.
So, as Nick's mom, I have to honor my son by choosing to spend God's Son's birthday praising Him as well! Nick would have wanted nothing less from me.
I have much to share about our wild trip across America.
I'll save stories for another time.
Just had to write in the wee hours of this morning to say, "We're home. We made it through Christmas. We are thankful. We love you all so much!"
God bless you as you walk into 2009.
May it be a year of many blessings, laughs, and love!
11 Comments:
Tammy,
I think when we are so sad & grieving for someone who has left us, we can not imagine the JOY that they are experiencing in the prescense of the Lord. You are right...Nick would choose to be with Jesus as would you or I also.
Your family picture although "missing" two of your children is lovely. I see the sadness in your familys eyes but yet a knowing that this is the new "normal" for you all. We must all keep going and living in honor of those who are no longer here.
blessings to you in the new year!
Kim
Tammy, taking the picture must have been hard. I am so proud of you.
As soon as I saw the picture I was trying to vision where Nick might have been. I saw him sitting on the big branch right next to your son with the khaki pants on...feet dangling- a big smile on his face,of course.
So glad you chose to embrace the day with your other children instead of letting satan rob you with total grief.
You amaze me. I am so blessed that you are my friend. :0)
Love and prayers to you, Cheri
Tammy-
Giving you your blessing right back to you.
God bless you as you walk into 2009.
May it be a year of many blessings, laughs, and love!
Tammy......
Can't wait to hear about your wild trip. So thankful that you arrived safely back home. Keep on hangin' in there. You are such an amazing family. Love ya lots, Char
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I am thankful you are home safely!! May God bless you in 2009!
TAMMY, YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE SHINES FORTH EVEN IN THE MIDST OF YOUR HEARTBREAK. YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN. YOUR FAMILY IS BEAUTIFUL. NICK WOULD BE SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU FOR CELEBRATING JESUS' BIRTH EVEN IN THE MIDST OF YOUR PERSONAL TRAGEDY. BLESSINGS, JOY, PEACE TO YOU IN 2009.
Only He can make us strong enough to endure the loss of a loved one!!!
{{Hugs and Prayers}}
Mimi
Tammy,
So great to hear from you. I cannot imagine what that must feel like to look at your new family picture. Nick must be so proud of all of you. The way you are honoring Jesus is inspriring to all of us. Still praying for ya!!
Love to you,
~sheryl
Tammy, So glad you all are safe and home.
May 2009 be a year of Happy memories and Love.
Blessings in 09,
Brenda
I can't help but look for Nick's big smile in that tree.
Love You,
Brenda
I like your blog
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