Sadness ...and joy

   Sadness first...today was the day I was supposed to be traveling to my son's house, where my daughter and her family would join us, and we would celebrate Christmas together, then travel to celebrate again,  with my mom, my siblings and their families. My plans changed on Friday; in an early morning phone call i learned that my nephew's 25 year old wife had died during the night. They live where i do. We had been expecting a call that her dad had died, so at first i was confused, but no it was not the dad, but the daughter...most likely a seizure. They  had just closed on a house the day before.  Yesterday, her dad died. There is comfort in the thought that they are together. Later this week, I will be going to a father/daughter funeral. 

  Joy...Last Friday when i returned home after a long emotionally and physically exhausting day, i sat to call my daughter and son. We had been in contact during the day, but they wanted me to call when i got home, and i did need to hear their voices. My daughter first, i tell her that obviously our plans for the holiday have been canceled...she tells they have changed. She and her hubby decided to bring some Christmas joy to 'grandma'...they will be here coming here. I then called my son, and He told me he and his wife had been working on changing their work schedules, they will be leaving for a long drive on Wednesday, to bring Christmas to 'grandma'. I asked if he had spoken to his sister..he had not yet, was going to call her after he talked to me.  
I told him looks like we will be all be together and this lucky 'grandma' will have 4 beautiful little faces with her to remind me of the joy, love, and hope of this holiday..

I won't be around for the next week,
but i wish all of you that same joy, love and hope.
hugs abby