Finding Peace in the Process: Merry Christmas Grandma Rhea

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Merry Christmas Grandma Rhea

I was so excited to be able to spend my first holiday family Christmas Party today with my new grand-baby Ireland. She has been such a light in our family at this time. This party was the Parry Family Santa Party which we have done every year for Grandma Rhea (who just recently passed away). It was a bittersweet party today. We did this party in honor of her. My mom made her favorite cookie and soup recipes.

Each year the kids would all sit on Santa's lap and then on Great Grandma's lap for her to give them each a special present. These presents were small and simple but very meaningful. Even in her elderly years she would always bake us pumpkin or banana bread as her gift to us. I really missed her physical presence at the party, but we all felt her special spirit there today. Knowing we were carrying on her traditions would really tickle her.

My sweet mom also found cute ornaments that she gave to all her grandkids to remember Grandma Rhea today. It was such a special party. We all enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap and laughing at the antlers and red nose he place upon my son J'Dee's girlfriend, Camree. She is such a sweetheart and such a good sport! We all enjoyed each other and really missed not having my hubby with us today. He had to work at the LDS Conference Center tonight for security at the Christmas Concert. He will be with us tomorrow at the other family party.

No tears were shed until the end of the night when my daughter and I went to deliver the 12 days of Christmas. For the past several years, my family, and my two brothers families' have split up the 12 days of Christmas and have delivered them to both of our Grandma's and our parents. Tonight there was one less house to go to, my Grandma Rhea's. My heart ached and tears flowed as we drove around delivering the gifts to the two others. Knowing how she looked forward to what would be left at her doorstep each night really made me miss her. I do know she is our guardian angel and is watching over us and will definitely be in our hearts this holiday season.

Family is everything and time on this earth is too short to waste. I hope each day I will remember to cherish each day with my family and each moment I have with them. Because we never know when this moment will be our last with them.

Merry Christmas Grandma Rhea!