This morning I felt exhausted from the emotions of last night. Jayson had a doctor's appointment to make sure everything was okay early this morning. About 11:00 he called with good news. No, he hadn't seen the doctor yet, but he did just hear (while in the waiting room) that he got a new job he had just interviewed for. It was the exact position he was seeking: highly sought after with tremendous competition. Best of all, the job is right here in ST. LOUIS!!!!!!!

Only this past week Jayson had interviewed for the same position in several different states from Alaska to Maine. The thought of him being separated from Nichole, even for a short time, broke my heart. This was a true blessing. Yet another Christmas miracle! I was so happy I shouted the news to Gary all across the house. Only a week before this particular job in St. Louis wasn't even available. Suddenly Jayson heard of it, applied for it, interviewed for it, and was awarded the position; all in a matter of days. Typically unheard of!

Later this afternoon, we met Jayson and Nichole for lunch to celebrate the good news. His doctor gave him an all clear and he had a new job. How wonderful! How miraculous! Yes God does work in mysterious ways. God and (perhaps) my mother. Nichole is over the moon with joy. They can finally move from their cramped apartment and begin to look for a 'real' home to buy or rent: one with a fenced yard for their dog. And now, Nichole can finish up her Master's Degree and apply for her PHD right here in St. Louis. Lucky for everyone involved!

After celebrating over lunch, I felt in the mood to write a few Christmas cards out. Usually, I write a one page Christmas letter and send it together with a card to about fifty people every year. It's something I enjoy and keeps me in touch with friends and family who don't live nearby. In fact, none of my family and most of my friends don't live nearby. Most of them live out of state. Christmas cards are an important way for me to keep in touch with them at least once a year. But, with my mother's passing and all of the other recent turmoil I didn't feel up to doing them this year. Today, I feel lucky that I'm in the mood to even address a few. I think I have about ten cards written, addressed and ready to mail. Not many, but better than none.

My dad called today. I told him about Jayson's accident and how I thought Mother had something to do with 'our' miracle. So many things could have gone much, much worse. I don't take it lightly how very lucky we all are. Hearing the story, my dad was thrilled beyond measure that Jayson and everyone else (including his dog) were all right. Still, I could hear him choking up a bit when I mentioned Mother 'helping' to save him. Dad believes it too. He is happy of course, but he misses her so.

"Yes, I looked at your mother's picture just a minute ago," he said. "I always touch her face and give her a little kiss whenever I pass by," he added. I could tell he was crying. "I know how much you love her still, Daddy," I said to him. "She knows.....she loves you back."

"I have to go," my father choked back his words with tears. "I love you and I'll call you later."

The closer it gets to Christmas the harder it is on my father. aftr all, it is only a month since her passing. One month and five days when Christmas Day arrives. My parents spent nearly 57 years together. It will take much longer than a month for his pain to lesson. Every time I hear my father's choked words, my heart breaks for him. The thought of him being home alone in his house at this time of year is gut wrenching for me. How I wish I could do something more for him.

My dad reminds me of the fact that my mother is gone from this earth but never, ever forgotten. She's here for my father and she's here all of us

In miracles and in spirit.