Another Christmas without Dad

Hello Family & Friends,

Another Christmas gone!  I have been reflecting on the last Christmas I spent with my Dad.  It was 3 years ago.  He didn't feel well but he wanted so badly to come over to the States to visit us.  I am so glad he made that decision.  It was the last time Lance and my children saw him. 

I then reflected on Christmases past.  We never had a 'bad' Christmas.  Every Christmas was fabulous.  Looking back, I am in awe at how many presents we received every year. Money didn't flow in the SIMS household, but love, happiness and joy did.  I am just really glad Santa was so good to us WINK;)

I think my Dad was more excited than anyone.  The joy in his eyes as we would open our presents.  The anticipation of the looks on his children's faces was almost too much for him to bear.  He couldn't wait until we saw what was under the wrapping and see us smile, laugh and even jump up and down.   Every year, there would be an apple and a satsuma in our sacks.  Dad would tell us he put them there every year for us.  This was one thing from his childhood that he remembered.  He was always grateful for the smallest things.  You could literally give him a Snickers Bar, wrapped or unwrapped and he would be so very grateful for it. 

Dad would often tell us how he was always grateful for the coloring books his Mam and Dad used to give him for Christmas.  If he was lucky he got his own box of crayons.  Most of the time, there was one box to share between all the kids.  He never complained.  He was always so grateful.

I used to (and still do) love watching Mr Kruger's Christmas.  Seeing Mr Kruger smile for joy when the little girl asked him to 'come sing with us'.  I cannot watch that movie without thinking of Dad.  He taught me the real meaning of Christmas. 

I am looking forward to 2011.  How exciting for a new year to begin.  2010 brought lots of happiness, lots of trials and heartache.  What a blessing our Dad has been in our lives.  We wouldn't be the people we are without him........dread to think of what life would have been like without his love, his example, his kindness, his unselfishness.......etc!  (There are lots of etc's :)

Happy New Year to all of you!

We love you Dad ;)