Sunday, December 27, 2009

For One More Day


Mike, Scott and I missed you a lot this Christmas. (You too, Denny.) We had a few conversations like the ones we had with you in Seattle, this time more holiday-oriented, but every bit as cathartic.
One of the things we said more than once was how nice it would be if we had had the foresight and the maturity to "dig deeper" with family members while we were still lucky enough to have them around. Somehow it feels like so many mysteries would be unlocked with just a little more information.
Along that theme, I just finished listening to an audio recording of Mitch Albom's for one more day. I've avoided his books because they appeared to hold emotional pitfalls, which I avoid religiously. But it wasn't so bad, and although a little maudlin, it did hold an important message for me. It's about a down-and-out man who is trying to end his miserable life when his dead mother appears and they spend one last day together. The end's predictable, but I like it. Maybe you will too.
Have a happy new year, you guys, and I love you all. Let's spend the year cherishing the happy moments.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to All


It's close to time for the after-Christmas quiet to descend. It's been a hectic day, full of noise, laughter, tears and food. We're all tired and each looking for a way to wind down after the day's excitement. Christmas stories have been read, at is hoped that little eyes will soon close for the night. And it's time to reflect on what kind of Christmas we had. At our house we had much to be grateful for: a bit of healing for Rosanne, some fun evenings with Scott, a couple of chuckling phone calls with Mike, a Christmas dinner like we haven't had in a few years.

The year past has not been an easy one, for more reasons than any of us want to recount. We've had Christmases in the past where we've had sorrow, disappointment, or worry to overcome, but this year has kind of topped them all. But we're strong and not a family to be brought down by life. I love you all, and am grateful for all you give us. Echoing Scott's New Year's wish, here's to 2010!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

A Crossroads

As most of you know, Matt is being released today and should be back in town tonight. Our plan is to let him stay with us for seven days, using that time to help him get back on his feet, as best as we are able.

Emotions are running pretty high, and they run the gamut: happiness to dread. It's so hard to hope when hopes have been dashed so many times. I was talking to someone yesterday, trying to explain how I felt. I miss the funny, playful Matt of about third or fourth grade. He has the capability to love, he showed it then. I'm so sorry for the turn his life has taken. We tried so hard to guide him in the right direction, but couldn't save him from his own decisions.

I guess it's safe to put my wish out there among you, those whom I love and who love me best: my Christmas wish for Matt is to find a peaceful, productive life, surrounded by his family. He says he's changed and I hope he has, especially for his sake. So the next few days are a crossroads for him and for us. He can do the work he needs to do to achieve the life he says he wants. Or he won't. Send prayers and good thoughts our way.