This picture about sums it up: We're Crazy.
We are so very thankful for a blessed Christmas Eve at my parents' home. All 6 of their children along with their spouses, 20 of 23 grandchildren, 1 of 2 great-grandchildren, plus Daddy's mom, his brother Rick, and his sister Riesa, were there!! What a crowd!
As is always true at Waggoner gatherings, there was an abundance of feasting on fabulous fare and plenty of laughter to go around...Pam makes sure of that.
My parents don't do the whole gift giving thing every year, but this year, after we stuffed our bellies, we gathered around the tree (or more accurately, we filled up the room which housed the tree) and then Daddy had a heart-to-heart with us.
After expounding briefly on the blessings for both the giver and receiver of gifts, he began with Sherre, the eldest, and moved down to Jeffrey, the baby, verbalizing specific ways each of us has been a unique gift to him and Mom. It was beautiful and sweet.
Dad proceeded to explain why they had chosen a particular gift for each of their children this year. He reminded us that the strong and sometimes destructive stormy winds are the same winds that elicit beautiful music from a wind chime. Their desire is for each of us to remember that lesson when the inevitable storms arise, and their hope is that the chimes they gave each of us will serve as a reminder when the winds blow and we hear the melodic sounds. It was moving and meaningful.
Our whole family believes (though it's not really spoken yet) that unless something extraordinary takes place, we were spending our last Christmas with Jeffrey. Daddy and Mother found a way, without being morose, to make this evening special and memorable for all of us.
Nephew, Ryan, is a self-taught musical prodigy (like his mother Pam) and is also a consummate entertainer (like his mother Pam)! He led us in a few carols, then after displaying his vocal and guitar prowess, he performed "Police Never Die" a satirical rendition of "Felix Navidad." There's nothing like a little music and comedy to lighten the heart! (I make him sound like an arrogant, limelight-seeking, stage-hog, but he's actually a sweet, humble, servant of the Lord and we BEG him to entertain us!)
Jeffrey, in spite of being barely able to walk down the stairs, stayed with us for about 5 hours. That was a HUGE blessing and a definite answer to prayer.
Thanks be to God for an evening filled with good gifts, as tokens of his Great Gift, The Word Made Flesh.
Sherre's Family
(minus Jessica & Jocelyn)
Pam's Family
Lori's Family
Vicki's Family
Richard's Family
(minus Courtney, Lawrence and Tommy)
Jeffrey's Family
Grandma, Uncle Rick & Aunt Riesa
Maricia's Family
Police Never Die
The men modeling their new jammie pants
4 comments:
Thanks so much for taking time to post all the pictures and tell us about the night. It sounded beautiful. We're still praying for you all.
Oh Lori, what an extremely precious time with almost everyone in attendance. These are the special memories that we are so grateful for. Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures--and even Riesa and her gift opening. You have a wonderful family. Continue to pray for all of you, but especially Jeff and his family. So thankful to hear his confession of Jesus. Still is difficult. But we have that hope. . . Joanie
Hey Lori, what a wonderfully written page with photo's and you really captured all Daddy said that evening so perfectly in words.....from one who looks in at the blessings of such a close, incredible family....you all are almost breathtaking at times when I see you all moved emotionally. That is the WORD that comes to mind when I watch you all interact with each other....."BREATHTAKING", Thank You for your gift... Trina
Trina! 9:30 is too early in my day to shed my first tears...what were you thinkin'? ;) Seriously, though, I'm glad you enjoyed the recap and I'm even more glad that you've joined this crazy, breathtaking bunch! Love you, sis.
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