Dec 24 10

Christmas Eve

It's hard to believe that this will be our 4th Christmas without Andrew running down the stairs.  Andrew loved Christmas so much...I think he would have run down the stairs even if he was 25 years old!  Unfortunately, we won't get to see that. 

The other night, I spoke at the New Candlelight Theatre as they presented us with a check for $550.  (Thank you very much!)  As I looked out at the packed house (with dozens of kids), it was obvious that they were so happy.  School was out, Christmas is around the corner for most of them, the excitement and anticipation was palpable.  I guess it was only fitting that I was standing on a stage as I tried to put on an Academy Award-winning performance of smiling.  Honestly, I was so sad standing there; I just wanted to cry.  The holidays, regardless of your religion, are a great time of year - for most people, at least.  I used to love the holidays.  They're not a fun time anymore.  I especially feel bad for all of the families who lost children in 2010 and have to endure the holidays without their precious children for the first time.

Christmas will be very empty.  The religious significance of the birth of Jesus is still very important to me.   The rest, I could do without.

Having said that, I do truly hope that you have a great holiday.  I am blessed to have such a great family and friends.  I am thankful.

Laugh, eat, drink, celebrate, worship - but please don't forget those less fortunate...whatever their particular situation may be.

I'd like to leave you with a brief passage from our "Featured Family of the Week".  This note comes from a single Dad of two children:

"My son and I appreciate the money and prayers.  It came on the same day they shut my water off, but thanks to all of you, we have water, lights, and our apartment.  You see, I've been a single father my whole life, and worked hard until my son got cancer.  We as a family have been through a lot since Sept. 16, 2007.  That's when I lost my oldest son and we are still dealing with that.  Then, we were hit with my son's cancer.  But, with the prayers and the love of people like you, we are making it.  We pray every day and once again, we thank you.  God bless you all."

Trying hard to Live Like Andrew.

"Ali's & Andrew's Dad"

www.BePositive.org