January 13, 2016

I'm still putting away the final boxes of Christmas, each year at January 1 I breathe a sigh of relief as the holiday season closes. I love the holidays but the sense of loss coupled with the Joy of the season can be exhausting. After our accident, when the Girls were younger, I took on all the tasks that Kathie did during the holidays. She was very specific from our Halloween front door to Christmas lights on the tree. This year I was able to relax those standards a little as the Girls have grown up. I still wrap at least one package for them in the style that Kathie did, curl ribbon and a bow, it may not be recognized but I know it is there in honor of Kath.

Hannah will be returning to NAU next week and Madison will begin her final semester at SFSU the following week. I have enjoyed the college breaks with them and further enjoyed the young adults they have become. I still get the "Dad, can you make pancakes?" request and I very happy to oblige.

Last Monday, I gave Kathie a bath, the shower gel mixed with the hydo-tub made a bubble bath that covered her in bubbles up to her neck, she looked very content and relaxed with her eyes closed. After a while, I asked, "are you ready to get out?" she opened her eyes and turned her head toward me. We just looked at each other for a few minutes and I felt God's Peace with us as the tub hummed. I thank God for moments of peace like that and I take time to thank him. I also kissed Kathie's lips and told that she is beautiful.

Happy New Year,
Dave & Kathie


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