"The Night After Christmas"

As I write this it is Christmas night. All the packages have been unwrapped and too much food has been eaten. It has been a good day as Christmases go, most of my family was with us and everyone was in a pretty good mood. The grandkids got most of the toys they wanted and the adults were just happy with the kids being happy.

This Christmas had the potential for being gloomy, as it was the first Christmas since my father in law died. My wife was putting up a brave front but in her heart I knew she was still grieving. Her mother was also having a hard time. We went to St Petersburg, Florida where she lives and brought her back up to Georgia to be with us. I think it helped both my wife and my mother in law to be sharing this holiday.

This was also the first year my oldest son JJ was not with us. He and his wife have a month old baby girl so traveling from North Carolina to Georgia was out of the question. As much fun as I had today there was always that empty spot with JJ missing. He promised they would be here next year.

The best thing about this Christmas was it gave me a chance to reflect on my life. I mentally made a list of how blessed I am. I don't know many people who are happier than I am. My family is a constant source of happiness to me. Both of my sons are people I would want to be friends with even if we were not related. My daughters in law are both amazingly loving and intelligent women. And my grandchildren, well they are nearly perfect.

My wife is the only person I know who totally understands me. I would rather watch a movie with her than anyone I know. She and I are on the same wavelength in just about everything. I love her sense of humor, her warmth, her parenting skills, and a million other things about her. She is my soul mate pure and simple.

Then there are my friends. I have the best friends possible and we have been friends for ages. We have shared experiences and have stayed friends throughout the years. We have cared for each other's children and now we are involved in the excitement of grandchildren. We share the same basic morals, goals, and faith. We like each other and we like to be with each other.

My faith is still strong. I like attending my church. I like my pastor, and I like the congregation. I like being in a family of faith. There is a comfort in being with people of like faith and this faith and comfort have eased the pain of certain life experiences.

On this Christmas night of 2007 I am a happy and contented man. Life is good and I appreciate it. I am a blessed man.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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