My Unusual Christmas Photos

After having a house full of company for the holidays, the last car pulled out of the driveway this afternoon.

As usual, I took photos of my mom and dad as they were leaving. My brother, Rusty, drove up from Pensacola today to take them back home. I already feel mom and dad’s absence and my heart hurts. I thoroughly enjoyed having them for 6 consecutive days - the chats we had, the coffee we shared, mom’s delicious dressing, chicken and dumplings and red velvet cake, going out to dinner - just being together. Each time they leave I take photos to capture the last few seconds of a wonderful new memory!

Dad is almost 89, mom just turned 87. Of course, Danny I go and see them, but I treasure the memories we’ve made with them in this home since moving to Alabama almost 7 years ago.

I’m so thankful to God that mom and dad were able to share Christmas with us, and that we got to go church together.

I don’t take our visits for granted. Each day I have with them is a precious gift!

After they left, I went back into our now quiet house and began my usual hunt for treasure.

As I carefully walked through each room I happily recalled the voices of our daughter, husband and our two granddaughters, ages 4 and 7, who had also come from Pensacola - and our youngest daughter, her husband and our 2 year old grandson, who drove 20 minutes each day to join us.

With my phone camera in hand, I smiled and took a commemorative photo each time I spotted a place my grands had left their mark.

These photos will give me joy until their next visit! Time with our children and grandchildren is another gift!! Thank you, Jesus!

I know that most people share holiday photos of their families taken in front of their Christmas tree, around the dinner table and as they’re opening gifts. I’ll share some of those photos, too.

But I guess you can say I’m not most people. These unusual Christmas photos… well, they’re just for me, because honestly, I’m missing my family tonight. I love them so very much and I thank God for the blessing each one them is in my life!