Christmas is upon us! It has been a bit challenging to get ready but all seemed to go smoothly.
Things were a little different this year. Such as – – mixing my cookie dough on the washing machine in the basement so the noise wouldn’t bother Chuck, not shopping in any mall and deciding to give all the kids cash, missing a large family gathering which was too far away to attend, getting the timers on the window lights to go on at the same time (Chuck was good at this) . . . But all in all, it has been fine and I feel very blessed having such good friends and family who come and give their time to us.
After the kids bought the tree and set it in the stand, decorating it was a breeze. (Except for lugging those big tubs of decorations in from the garage! Heavy. That was Chuck’s job, too.) One afternoon when Chuck was having a bit of clarity, I pushed his wheelchair to the bottom of the living room stairs and, since there are only five steps, he could see the Christmas tree all decorated and lit up. He seemed to smile just a teeny-tiny bit. It was a very touching moment.
So to you I say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a great life!”
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given . . .and He will be call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Day By Day with the Big Terrible A (Alzheimer's, of course.) 
The changes in ones life are ongoing but they seem more pronounced when occasions, such as the Holidays, come upon us. I am sorry that this Christmas is so different from those in the past. I know you knew that would be the case, but the reality of it has far more impact than the thought of it. I will take time out today to pray for you, and all those who are experiencing the ambiguous loss that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia brings about.
Thank you for your prayers.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May the peace and beauty of Christmas be with you all. You and Chuck remain in my prayers and thoughts. I am glad that you saw a bit of a glimmer in Chuck’s eye when he saw your tree. Every day we make new memories but sometimes the older memories seem a bit sweeter.