Hello~
Once
again, it's Christmas. Outside, the earth is frozen, glittering with snow or
hard frosts as cold winter winds blow. The birds fluff their feathers to stay
warm, making them look twice as big as normal, while the chickens and ducks eat
more feed to conserve their warmth. Water needs to be toted daily, as any
liquid is soon frozen solid. Tex stays warm in the doghouse with his heated
blanket. Inside, the two fat cats stretch and snooze before the fire with lazy
abandonment, without a care in the world. Ashes are raked, and wood is carried
in each day to keep the woodstove fire crackling with heat. It is the time of
year for hearty soups, homemade bread/rolls, and baked goods.
Stores
are packed with decorations and merchandise to tempt the shopper playing
holiday music while houses are decorated with colored lights, greenery, and red
bows. Inside, trees in all sizes are covered with an array of dazzling lights
and decorations as wrapped presents appear underneath. At the front of my tree,
in its place of honor, stands the old manger with Nativity figures my children
and grandchildren have played with throughout the years. In the kitchen, the
tempo speeds up as homemade recipes of cookies, candies, cakes, pies, and
special desserts are prepared. The air is filled with excitement as carols are
sung, Christmas plays are rehearsed, and the familiar scriptures are read about
the birth of Jesus, once more retold around the world. It's an ancient story
that becomes new each year and more precious. For without His birth, thousands
of years ago, of a prophesied Savior, there would be no Christmas, no joy to
the world, and no peace on earth.
I'm
overwhelmed with a grateful heart this Christmas season, so very thankful to
still be up on my feet and able to get about instead of being confined to the
recliner. Next week will mark three months. I want to dance, sing, and kick up
my heels, but I will restrain myself. Each week, I am slowly gaining strength.
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly one's body can go down, while it takes
weeks and months to inch one's way back. At least I'm finally headed in the
right direction. Dwight still keeps an eagle eye on me, walking behind me when
I go outside, ready to stop my fingers from picking or fixing something that my
fingers automatically reach out to, or keeping me in the designated path I'm
supposed to be walking instead of wandering off to something that catches my
eye. Each week, as I make my schedule, Dwight oversees and permits what I am
allowed to do. There have been some lively discussions as I try to push my
boundaries, convinced I am stronger. Dwight usually ends up being right- much
as I hate to admit it- but true to my PA Dutch stubbornness, I will sneak
around and try to do a few things, hoping not to get caught. Sometimes I get
away with it, while other times Dwight's wrath pours out around my head. These
past endless months, when the littlest thing set me back and put me in agony,
have been traumatic not only for me but for Dwight as well. Needless to say,
life isn't dull around my house. I am cherishing every task, no matter how
simple, that I can do as I strive for more independence. I'm now able to get
all my snacks and drinks, breakfast and supper, and fill & carry my plate
at lunch. I couldn't resist asking Dwight last week, when I was filling out my
daily schedules, "And what are you going to do with all your free
time?" I feel like a "Jack in the Box" getting up every hour
throughout the day to walk or do some tasks. My life revolves around moving.
What joy! I can’t wait to be able to cook and bake again. I’ve caught myself
poking my nose over Dwight’s shoulder, more than once recently, to give a
suggestion or two when he is at the stove. Hopefully, next year I will be in
the kitchen for Thanksgiving and Christmas- not to mention giving my house a
much-needed cleaning and sorting out, and of course catching up outside, etc.,
etc.
Meanwhile,
Dwight is able to spend more time in the back bedroom working on his knives
that have gotten way behind, and doing things that he used to before being tied
down with me.
Dawn
and Katie are still here in PA with Annette, who was supposed to have a
Thanksgiving baby, but the little fellow may have decided to be a Christmas
baby instead or to come on his grandfather’s (Randy’s) birthday this Thursday.
Poor Annette is wondering if she will ever have this boy. From the very
beginning, children do have a mind of their own, as any parent can testify to.
So, we will have to wait until next month to announce our great-grandson’s
birth. Dawn and Katie are scheduled to fly back to the Philippines on the 16th.
I’d really appreciate a prayer for their traveling safety. This time back, the
overseas flight was very rough, and they couldn’t get any sleep. Halfway across
the ocean, the turbulence got so bad that the huge jet was dropping and bucking
like a horse until Dawn began praying, wondering if they were going to make it.
This flight was the worst one yet. I’m so glad that God is in control!!! Then,
when they got to PA, a 24- hour stomach flu/virus was going around. Being in
another country for almost four years, they don’t have any immunity. Katie
ended up sick for almost three days, while Dawn was down for almost a week.
Nothing like having jetlag and being sick as a dog at the same time!
Thankfully, Dawn got her appetite back in time for Thanksgiving. Katie is overjoyed and excited to see snow
again after four years. Their bodies are having a time adjusting from hot,
humid weather to freezing, winter days.
From
our house to yours, we send lots of wishes for a blessed Christmas.
Jesus
truly is the Reason for the Season!!!
Dorcas
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