Last evening I was in our beautiful church surrounded by white lit candles, beautiful Christmas decorations, and lovely, colorful Poinsettias.  Glenn and I had both of my grandson's on each side of us, my daughter was playing bells and singing in the church choir, and my son, daughter in law and son in law were joining us in the pew.  The only thing that could have made it more perfect, would have been having Alyssa and Emma there too, but their parents felt it was better they stayed in the nursery.

The music was so family oriented and personal.  I loved a change in the style.  Amber and two other women got up to sing a trio.  It was a joyful song and it blessed me tremendously.  As I clapped when they were finished, a freight train of emotion raced over me.  Tears spilled down my face.  Glenn had unknowingly reached for my hand, and my other hand had been laying on Drew, asleep next to me.  In an unguarded moment, I was overcome with emotion....wishing I could look over and exchange that smile with Mike, as we always did after Amber sang or performed.  And as I tried to be inconspicuous with my emotion, it hit me hard that the little boy lying beside me, was not only his Papaw's name sake, but the little buddy he adored so deeply.  Life was going on when I was sure it wasn't possible.

An unexpected burst of appreciation and emotion, under the ceiling of such beautiful music with a loving family.  The memory of a loving husband, father, Papaw and friend. 

We were so blessed to have Mike those 53 years on earth and we all look to the future of heaven to hear his laughter again.  To see his huge smile.  And to feel those tight, loving arms wrapped around us once again!