Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Merry Christmas from Heaven

Last week I went on a much needed "mini vacation" to Texas without the girls.  I made a quick trip to Killeen to check on my house (which was in pretty good shape except for some cobwebs and nasty toilets!) then it was off to Dallas for the rest of the weekend.  I was able to do some golfing and shopping.  I got back last night to a very cranky little girl ( I think she had too much fun with her grandpas and grandmas!) and another girl who wanted to start decorating for Christmas NOW.  I have always loved Christmas and tend to have a weakness for Christmas decorations.  So, as you can imagine, I was a little overwhelmed with my 6 TUBS of Christmas decorations and 3 Christmas trees!!!!  Of course no decorating can be done while Eva's awake because that would just be pointless!  So, I told Julia that today I would decorate as much as I could while she was at school and Eva was at daycare and have the Christmas tree ready for her to decorate when Eva goes to bed.  This year is definitely going to be interesting with Eva.  I have no idea what she's going to do with all these decorations.  I'm just hoping not too many get broken!!  Anyways, as I was going through our decorations, I came across things that I knew were in the boxes but really didn't want to see them: our christmas stockings with Rob's name on his, ornaments from our first Christmas together, and a Christmas picture frame with a picture of Rob, Julia and me in it.  I had completely forgotten about that.  It's sad to know that the last time these decorations were put up, Rob was with us (I obviously didn't put any decorations out last year).  I do have to chuckle about the last Christmas we had together, I had finally convinced Rob to put up Christmas lights on the house (which mind you I had bought 3 years before and were still in the box).  So, he's up on the ladder when all of a sudden the ladder gives way and he crashed onto concrete!  It scared me to death.  But, besides a sore knee and bruised pride, he was fine.  I just assumed that was the last of our Christmas light decorations so I started tearing the clips off the roof.  Rob came out and said "What are you doing?!  Heck no.  I about killed myself putting those stupid things on and I'm going to finish the job."  So, up the ladder he went again.  Determined that man was!!!  And the lights looked great. :)  As I continue to go through ornaments, I also come across one that I received from a friend after Rob died.  I couldn't have found it at a better time.  As hard as Christmas is going to be for us, I know that Rob will be right here.  With the ornament, came a poem.  It reads:
"Merry Christmas from Heaven"
I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be 
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a a new special place

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year
--John Wm. Mooney, Jr

Here's another story for you to prove that Rob is with us:  Last week I put Eva down for a nap.  She has a stuffed baby doll she sleeps with.  When she woke up from her nap, I went in to get her and that doll was sitting on the edge of her cribrail against the wall.  I asked her if she did that and she just giggled.  I asked her to do it again, and she couldn't.  She tried several times.  I have no doubt that daddy was showing us that he is with us at all times....

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dena,

What a great poem. your strengths never ceases to amaze me. Julia and Eva are so cute. Thanks again for sharing all your wonderful stories and keeping Rob's memory alive. We think of you often and will keep you in our prayers this holiday season.

Love,
Beth and Beau

Unknown said...

We sill pray for you and your girls every night. Someone gave me that same ornament the first Christmas after my mom passed away.

Shani Ginani

The Bender's said...

How beautiful, Dena. Thank you for continuing to inspire and touch us with your amazing ability to touch our hearts through your words. Yes, I too, believe Rob has and will always be with you. We love you, Rob. Please tell Happy Birthday to Jesus us from us too....you are at the ultimate birthday party. And as for your girls, we know you are proud of them also. They are amazing. We love you all!

God Bless,
The Bender's

Michael said...

please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you as you approach december. i know that rob wants you to have a merry christmas with your sweet girls (even if you have to put the christmas trees in a playpen!) i'm a multiple-christmas-tree kind of gal myself with my own 11-month-old, so i feel the same way! - jessica

Nancy said...

I'm so glad you are decorating- even with hurricane Eva in the house! lol... She sure does provide humor during a difficult month. Can't wait to hear what kind of trouble she gets into. Thinkin' about you...

Julie said...

So glad you were able to have a little mini vacation Dena. That self care for you is important and no doubt will re energize you for the busy days ahead. Lots of love, prayers and support coming your way for the holidays and beyond. Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem and your memories of Rob. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and your family during this holiday season.

Sunny said...

Happy Holidays to you and yours. You continue to amaze me and move me to tears!!!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and your girls today especially. I thank God for the peace he gives us knowing our loved ones are safe with him now. We have the assurance of knowing we will meet again in a place much better than this. God Bless

Erika said...

You are in our thoughts today. I pray you continue to find comfort and peace as you watch your girls grow knowing Rob is with you in spirit.