'Tis the season to celebrate
Grateful for miracles and memories
Miracles First
My brother-in-law had thyroid surgery yesterday and preliminary biopsy indicates benign tumor. He is doing great and will go home today. We give thanks for God's healing power.
Our daughter-in-law's mother had surgery at MD Anderson yesterday. Doctors found less cancer than anticipated and were able to remove most of it. They feel confident they can kill the remaining cancer cells with chemo over the next several months.
Our family is relieved and thankful for all the prayers being said.
Family Traditions
We always look forward to decorating our tree because so many of the ornaments carry special memories of Christmases past - life events, special friendships, family traditions, and small photos. What a delight to recall all the stories!
Granddaughter Elizabeth helped us decorate our tree this year. She was fascinated by a wooden sled ornament that I had personalized with my mom's name years ago (American Cancer Society tree at mall). The name on the sled is "Helen", Elizabeth's middle name. She held it for the longest time before hanging it on the tree.
In a few days we will make sugar cookies, a family recipe dating back to my great-grandmother. Elizabeth keeps reminding me these are her favorite cookies. The kitchen will be a mess, with flour and sprinkles everywhere...a sweet picture of Christmas past and present.
Mindful of the miracle of Christ's birth
Realizing joy and hope
Merry Christmas from the Shapards!
