Tuesday, December 25, 2018

12/25/2018 Caring Bridge

Journal entry by Al Negstad — 18 minutes ago
     Last night at L's for dinner one of the guests was J, whose sons live in Georgia and California, respectively.  M, another guest lives in Georgia and her sons in Minneapolis and Houston.  Where do my children live?  South Minneapolis, about a mile apart, and 15 minutes from me!  Yes, I'm blessed!
     Dinner last night at L's, brunch and gift opening today and L's & M's, and tomorrow, Joanne's family invited to L's & M's...see why I'm grateful?  In fact, I've never been more grateful that I am this year, even though the presence of absence is profound.  It's a sad fact that it has taken a major blow for me to open my eyes to the grace that surrounds me.  Late smart, I guess. 
     When the family came to help decorate the condo for Christmas it was a game changer.  Until then I'd been fearing Christmas.  L suggested the family's help in decorating.  I wouldn't have thought of it, but their doing it that turned my attitude 180 degrees, from dread to anticipation.  Of course the presence of absence has been real, yet I find myself more engaged in the season than I've ever been and much less likely to take my blessings for granted.  Yes. I'm profoundly grateful!


Blessings,

al 

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