I’m the only person I know who can turn a four-hour drive into a twelve-hour adventure and spend less than twenty bucks! I left my cousin’s early yesterday and drove up to my uncle’s house. I took my aunt a sack of McDonald’s sausage biscuits…her favorite. I took my time and made a last-minute decision to drive up to Canaan Valley Lodge for the best chef salad I believe I have ever had. There were only two other people in the restaurant and the wait staff were most attentive and fun to talk with. I stopped in Elkins, Buchanan, and Weston. The Christmas Parade was about to take place but I scooted through town instead of stopping for some small town American fun. I had to drive slowly to keep from hitting the deer who were out in force. I made another last minute decision and stopped at the cemetery to pay my respects to my family for Thanksgiving. Two years ago, I placed a few strands of Mr. Virgo’s hair between a couple of the headstones so I can visit him there, too. I am so grateful that the pain of losing him has, for the most part, turned into gratitude for having had him and happiness for the memories he gave me. I got home and answered messages and called the neighbor to let her know I was home and to thank her for feeding the cats for me. It was a wonderful trip and a great Thanksgiving.

And now, the build up to Christmas begins with a vengeance. Driving home last night, there were lights everywhere…even way out in the country. That is one of the best things about the holidays….bringing light into the darkness. It is how I live my life…shining a light into the world. It gives me great joy to see the colors and lights and designs in the displays. I love to drive around town and see the neighborhoods dressed up. And snow will come soon. That’s icing on the cake as far as decorations go. I have lots of fun things planned for December. It wasn’t long ago that Christmas filled me with dread, fear, sadness, and anger at my loss. I am so relieved this year is different. This year is better. ❤️

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬