CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY EIGHTEEN

The nativity.  A new experience? The challenge for today, is to write about it.   But I can tell you from the get-go, it's not going to be easy for me.

For the 33rd time in my life,
I sat in a room full to the brim
People young and old
Babies,  each one looked like my own


I never noticed that much before.  How much we all resemble one another.
Maybe it was because Laura wasn't there
(In body, anyway).

Searching for her in every embrace, in every smile,
I found, she was there.  Her presence was all over the place, in body and in spirit.
My sister, from behind, heard her laugh.
I saw her smiling, happy eyes over and over and over again.

I told her daughters that this silly little Christmas challenge was really inspired by their mother. 
And I wanted to write about it, about her,  but I just can't.
How can I write about my regrets for not showing my love and appreciation for her.
How much I will miss her.
How much I love her girls and how her home felt like home, always.
How she seemed to be ever youthful, soft skin, fresh faced.
Determined to make sure I felt loved and more than adequate.

My beautiful aunt Laura

 I can't do it, because I'd want to write something as beautiful as I think she is.
But it just comes out as fumbling.

Maybe someday.

Today,  in that room of lookalikes, big and small -
My daughter was the donkey.
She asked to be
She said she should because she's strong enough


I was the donkey several times.
That happens when you are one of the oldest grandchildren.  You have the strongest back.
I never wanted to be the donkey
I wanted to drape a soft blue cloth over my head
And sit on the donkey, as Mary, the beautiful star of the show
Who carried the glorious babe.

Surely, Ada would feel the same.
Knowing how much she likes to be center stage,
decked out and sparkling.

Little did I know
Ada had it right
"It's an important job" she said.
Mary and Joseph,
"They needed that donkey to get there."
And she was strong enough.  


Ada.
Have I mentioned before how she's like sunshine?  (Oh, I have?)
Can you see what I mean?
She's a smart little girl. And good.  And sweet.
I can see her face in the photo below

Dan & Barbara:  They are crazy for each other.   And they are my grandparents.

 I look so much like my grandpa.  I even have his hands.  I never noticed before.
I love my family.


That's all.  Now I'm going to bed.  I think I've overdone it the last few days.  :(