Fifty

    

    

Two weeks ago, a letter arrived at our house addressed to my late husband, Darrell, from an insurance company. They evidently didn't get the memo that he passed away, as they were offering him life insurance. Cheerfully printed at the top, in oversized bright red letters, were the words, "Welcome to the Fifty Club!" I gave the letter a few exaggerated blink, blink, blinks, as it took several seconds for my brain to register the meaning behind the words I was reading. Fifty?!? It seems as though he were JUST a strapping twenty-six year old guy, sporting Army DCU's and a tentative smile. 

    But, it's true. Darrell would have turned fifty on his birthday this year. Yesterday was his birthday, in fact.

    While Luke and Jacob have been busy at the farm, this week, Ella and I have made the most of our time together by filling it with festively fun holiday magic, each night. Tonight's festivities were had in honor of her daddy. Darrell brought me to the Gaddy's in our first December as a married couple, in 2004. We have been visiting the Stanfield's for at least a decade, I believe. He loved our traditions and we typically visited these homes several times, each year, during the Christmas season. Therefore, Ella and I thought it would be fitting to celebrate what would have been his fiftieth birthday, by doing the things he loved every December for the past twenty years.

    With our bellies full of Zaxby's (his favorite!) we made a quick stop for coffee, like we do each year, and headed to the Gaddy's first! 

The Gaddy's were handing out sweet treats to their visitors tonight! 

     Many folks don't realize that the Stanfield's Giant Christmas Tree display is set up just a few miles away from The Gaddy's. The Stanfields invite you to drive thru and even park and walk around their yard to ogle their impressive light display. You can also tune into a radio station that they have synced to their massive tree, in the comfort of your heated vehicle. If you're brazen enough to endure the slight chill (my old Southern bones could barely stand the cold tonight), the music is played loud enough to listen as you walk thru the display and watch the lights dance about the tree. 

    While I know he would have LOVED every bit of tonight, I've zero doubt that his Heavenly home is far more extravagantly displayed than even the most precious traditions. Even still, Ella and I were happy to celebrate the day he was born and the fact that he was given forty-six years to leave the world his own little legacy. I feel so fortunately blessed to be a part of that legacy. 

With so much love to you from us, happy birthday, Darrell! 

Blessings of Grace

     Thanksgiving; a national holiday that we modern day Americans celebrate in recognition of God's blessings so generously lavished upon us in proliferated abundance. 

    Growing up, Thanksgiving was celebrated at my MawMaw's house. Pulling into the drive, we'd be thrilled to see my grandfather's vast display of outdoor Christmas lights and holiday displays placed perfectly on their house and around their yard. Inside, her tree stood impressively in front of the big bay window in her den. It's impossible, when thinking back on those days, not to have an instant smell memory of her turkey and dressing envelope my mind and that makes my heart ache as I miss her something awful. 

    While the holiday is celebrated with food in mass quantities, that's never been my favorite part. It's being fully immersed in the company of those I love most. This Thanksgiving, our family was doubly blessed with invites to two separate get-togethers, each fabulous in their own ways. 

   Thanksgiving at my moms consisted of our traditional family spread that included my grandmother's recipe for cornbread dressing cooked by my Mama. Mawmaw would have been proud! Thank you, MamaMeMeMarmeMo, for hosting such a lovely feast for us!

    My Mama heart was missing my adult kids terribly but I am incredibly thankful they were able to celebrate with their significant others and their families. Lindsey cooked the turkey for her fella's family, and I've no doubt it was delish! 

Our second celebration of the day took place at the home of Tara and Mitchell. Tara is Luke's cousin. Many thanks to Tara and Mitchell for hosting such a fabulous dinner. The company was just as wonderful as the feast! 

    We had a one day break before hosting a lil shindig at our farmhouse, with both of our families, that consisted of Christmas music, gingerbread house construction and decorating, so much food and Christmas punch, firepit "cousin time", bountiful laughter, storytelling...togetherness. We felt prolifically blessed having everyone in our home, filling it to the brim with their sweet presence. 

    There was a pang in my heart derived from the fact that my firstborn was not just absent from the week's festivities, with us, but also several states away. I can't praise God enough, though, for the ability to have many FaceTime calls with such a vast amount of miles in between us. That has been my saving grace since their move. Even still, I can't wait to have them at arms length again! Prayerfully soon!

    I want to conclude by extending a million thanks to my sweetheart. I was stretched pretty thin, this past week, and not feeling especially strong and well. He has been my strength and my comfort and, without a doubt, the better part of us. God blessed me well when he put Luke in my life. He is selfless, thoughtful, and true. I am in awe that God loves me so much that He'd gift me with such a precious soul, as my Luke.