Christmas - the gift of time.

I don't remember Christmas last year... I had to really, really rack my brain trying to remember what on earth we did to celebrate.  With the help of my husband, sister, and parents I slowly pieced together what we did to celebrate Christmas.  It is no surprise to me that I don't remember much of the fall last year, I hibernated in my house with my kids and tried to make sense of what was happening.

This Christmas is much different.  Life is different.  As I witness other I-cell families and Canuck Place families try to cope with the loss of their child at this time of year, I try to make as many memories as a family as I can.  I get so inspired by Gabrielle so many times during the day.  I hold her and realize that one day these will be but a memory so I make sure to hug and kiss her as many times as I can.  I don't know if she will physically be with us next Christmas, it could be her last here with us.

When you have a little girl like Gabrielle things like lots of presents and toys don't seem important.  I don't want to spend my time running around like crazy buying toys and presents for my kids when soon they just end up as clutter and junk in the landfills.  What I do want is to spend time with the people I love the most.  That is what Christmas is all about to me.  Making memories, laughing, loving and sharing time with those you love.

The gift of time. Giving.