I thought about what to write for sometime now. And for a minute I was stuck. All of a sudden reveries of Christmas 50 years ago floated on the edges of my mind. 1968! I was just 13 years old and in the eighth grade. My mom was a single parent now for 5 years but she managed miracles and raised 4 kids by herself. Lee Esther Simien was an amazing woman and even though we were poor she didn’t let us know it! This is the time for decorating, cooking and family. I really miss those days but some memories are not forgotten. These memories never turn to mist and dissolve! I can close my eyes and actually smell and feel this place… this time of year… this… togetherness…this love! I am proud to be a part of this family! We are all so very close because we grew up as brothers and sisters! My cousins are spending their first Christmas without their own mom! My Aunt Velma is sorely missed! My heart and prayers go out to them for strength! The loss of anybody’s mother is hard, this I know! We have a group of powerful angels watching over us! Even though those happy times are gone, my memories of them makes me smile! I am so very grateful to experience my fourth Christmas since my diagnosis! Some never expected me to see one! I will not fool myself to think I have nothing to say. My each and every breath is filled with beauty and thankfulness to the Almighty! To all my family and friends have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Peace and blessings!