Mama Update: (Day 15) Christmas at Shepherd

Christmas Eve/Day update for Bonnie Spencer Kitchens:

Yesterday, Christmas Eve, we were able to spend some time as a family together. Shepherd Center is so accommodating. I can’t say enough good things about the whole organization. We snagged one of the Therapeutic Recreation rooms and Waynewheeled mama down for the celebration.

She looked soooo good. Upright and in her tailor-made wheelchair. Dressed and hair done nicely. (We aren’t quite ready to post pics yet, I hope you’ll understand.) But Jay & Beth were there with their boys Miles & Griffin. And Alonda and our whole crew were there, Anna, Kaitlyn & Kristen.

We exchanged some gifts. We aimed at “normal.” She was so engaged and expressive. Jay, Beth and the boys gave her a picture framed of Miles & Griffin with Santa, and mama was moved. It’s was too sweet. Words here don’t do the moment justice.

We all cried happy tears.
We all hugged and said our “I love yous.”
We all appreciated the gift this moment was for all of us.
There is no tangible temporal present that could ever replace these precious moments.

Now, a day later, we all celebrate with our individual families, yet we feel more connected than ever before.

Hug your family tight today, even the ones you don’t like..hahahaha..just don’t tell them that.

And as you open gifts and eat good food, remember those who aren’t present. Talk and tell stories. Laugh and cry. Enjoy the moments together.

Lastly, remember today is the day we celebrate God becoming flesh, to live a perfect life, to die in our place, and to reign now and forever.
Trust him.
Believe in him.
Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.
And he can change your forever.
The greatest gift to mankind is the birth of a Savior.

Merry Christmas!!!

[I’ll be taking a break from updates this next week to focus on family and making some more special memories. See you New Year’s Eve.]