All I’ve ever known for Christmas is a family

Three years ago, I got one of the greatest gifts of my life—a call on my life. A love that gives where I think it cannot possible give anymore, a lot of fun, joy, and more adventure than I could have thought up in my imagination!

                It has been awhile since I’ve driven slowly enough down main street Blue Springs to recognize if it’s still there. Stately and strong stands the tree that ushered in the Christmas of my youth. For a child, the tree took on a life of its own. I couldn’t wait to see this beautiful evergreen tree in front of the Blue Springs Bank Annex lit up with colorful Christmas Lights. And the whole month would be a celebration of family—a continuous spinning of love and life ending with a grand finale in Nebraska City with my Grandma, her amazing homemade cooking, and the joy that we grandkids always felt in her home. I literally have no memories of disappointments other than hiding under the bed when I would have to leave my winter wonderland to return home to our regular schedule.

                Every Christmas since Grandma passed has been bittersweet, but three years ago, a miracle happened. During a haircut, I got a phone call. I answered the call. I said yes. I became a foster parent. Even at Christmas with each Cabbage Patch Doll and accessory I got from Santa and lovingly cared for throughout my childhood, He was prepping me for motherhood. I want to be the mother with a heart like his.

                And now, I can see my heart is bursting like the Grinch when his heart grows “two sizes that day”.  I understand more completely my Savior and the love for me! I hope my Grandma is looking down and is proud of me and my children.

Merry Christmas!