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Christmas Letter to Barbara


A little over twenty five years ago my soon to be husband took me to meet his Dad and his Mom, Barb.   She had only been his Mom for about six years but was as Mom to him as if she had given him birth. 

 I knew right away how special she was to this man that I loved, so of course, I loved her.  

Christmas was her favorite time of year.  Making lists, organizing, coordinating parties and dinners made her giddy.  Decorating, planning and buying presents throughout the year for her family was her gift to us.

Each year she wrote a Christmas letter sent in beautiful cards with matching labels and stamps and stationary.   This year, I'm writing a Christmas letter to her.

Dear Barb,

Hoping this holiday season finds you filled with the joy of a Christmas that I can only imagine now. 

 As you pull up a chair to the table that God has prepared for you; I can imagine your delight. 

 For while you were with us preparing a table for your family, was your greatest joy as well.  You lavished us with your goldware, best decorations and special foods.  Knowing and serving individual favorite dishes just to make us feel treasured.

Later I learned you kept list of our favorite foods, colors, likes and dislikes, sizes and needs.  You knew us and made us feel... individually special.  I will never reach your level but will never quit trying!
 
 By the way, I have lists galore including Christmas menu with attached grocery list modeled after yours!

 I cannot imagine the gold, diamonds, and dazzling light filling your heavenly home this year.  How you loved your Christmas trees and meticulously placed ornaments and decorations.  

Your big tree stands decorated in my living room this year filling our house with light and warmth.
  
From the beginning, you gathered "on sale" ornaments for me.  The red and gold metallic bows that you bought from the drug store in Torrington were carefully stored and move over and over again.

Christmas with you was a gift of celebration!  Magical and alive.  Full of the gratefulness of the past and the hope of the future.

I wonder if you knew how much we loved you and needed you.  Did you know that your husband, sons, daughters and grandsons would be so lost without you?  You would know that we would go on and work hard.  You could never know how much we need you.

 Thank you for the impact and influence and inspiration that you are to us.  Thank you for loving selflessly and serving tirelessly.  

Sincerely,
Your Family

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