Christmas music plays gently and the cake batter for Wade's requested Cake balls is in the oven. The fire lighting in the stove offers percussion to the gentle hum of our home's heater. The boys are shopping for my Christmas present, and so I am left alone with the sounds of our house..
Echoes from last night's cookie decorating rise from the floor as gently wipe up green and red sprinkles smiling at the laughter Aldyn, Brynne, Aubrey, Carlie and Mack brought with them. The sounds of electronic bells pierce the holiday notes as my phone and computer offer social media notifications and text messages from friends who love us. Mandy and Mallory stopped by with golden smiles and a warm gift. If ever a mother's heart was split perfectly in two it was Wanda's when she brought those two babies into the world. They each carry her sweet spirit with them. The list continues.
Centuries ago Love came into this cold world with humility and purpose, and today I am the one who is humbled by the love that's pouring over this family. We don't miss Taylor more today than we did yesterday and today isn't harder than yesterday. Nonetheless, the hearts in our lives continue to pour over us and into us the love made manifest on Christmas Eve. I get it. What else can you do but tell us you love us, that you are thinking of us. How helpless you've been rendered! Yet how faithful you have been, how incredibly faithful! While I was always sure I did not deserve that beautiful creature, I am equally aware that I am not deserving of such love - but ever I am grateful for both. Ever.
"O Holy Night" is playing as I type. "Fall on your knees... oh hear the angels voices..." There are no words, simply the instruments playing homage, simply the love trying desperately to fill the void. Another social media notification and the song changes to "Emmanuel".
"O come, o come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel."
Emmanuel - means God with us. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for loving us and/or loving Taylor so.
Merry Christmas - It's His love that makes all things. May you and yours be wrapped in it, the light of the world.
All our love -
#golighttheworld