A very pleasant Christmas.

Thank you for allowing us to share our lives with you.

What wonders to behold us next year. 

I'll be keeping the tree and decorations up until the New Year. 2021ad. When I was younger, all I could think about was, how old I'd be at the turn of the century, what I was to do, and all the wonders that would be waiting us. That concept wore off some 19 years ago. Now, what I was hoping for, and kinda of planning on, is no more. Life goes on living its way and if I'm lucky enough, I can find the current that will get me to where I want to be. Then I have to remember, that same current that gets me there, is also the same current that will push me past that point in life. 

Life never stops, it keeps moving. Every time I think I've found that sweet spot, its gone. Yesterday was a great example of that. Christmas is a sweet spot in life, the fun, the sharing, the food and, oh yea, the family. 

This was the smallest Christmas we had ever had. The family here with us, is splintering. With one daughter going with her husband to visit his family, the other is MIA, that leaves just the son, his family and us. 

A small gathering, and I've learned to find the joy is what is there, not what I was hoping for. There was just us, and that was perfect for us. Giving gifts was wonderful. All were excited by what Santa had given them. Hit bulls eyes with all of them. From the youngest to the oldest. It tickled my heart to watch and see, and hear the expression of surprise and joy.

After the gifts, we stayed and talked, let the grandkids, come and share there joy with us. The son and wife sat and talked, and talked and talked. There wasn't a dinner, just a banquet of conversation. I would say, a new Christmas tradition has begun to create itself. I believe that Sweetie was the center of keeping her family together during the seasons, and now with the matriarch no longer able to keep it together, they are searching for a new center, a way they will find for themselves, and as long as they will have us, we will be there. 

We've had our rise of family gatherings, and the crescendo. Now it is time to allowing the children to pick up and take it their way. Our time as family leaders to step aside, and enjoy what they will build, because it will be theirs. 

Sweetie and I had a very pleasant Christmas. I'm sure it was our last. We maybe together through the year, and even make another Christmas. It won't be the same, so I'm cherishing this one. Encouraging the kids to come and gather any Christmas decoration they would like, for I'm thinning the stock. 

Driver knows what I'm doing and He will help, will strengthen me as I do what I think is necessary. The coming miles may get long, twisted and bumpy. But as long as I'm in the passenger seat, and Driver is behind the wheel, all of us will make it to our destination as we travel down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv ya, and God Bless.