I am blessed

That says it all about my Christmas. The people, the food, the gifts...this was one of the best Christmases ever. And the very best part was going to church with my daughter. We began Christmas morning together, at midnight mass. We walked in and immediately saw my former coworker and very wonderful friend playing and leading the choir. And when we sat down I realized who was behind me. I whispered to my daughter "It's him...right behind me...the young man who came up to me at Father's day...it's him..."

She looked into my eyes and knowing what it all meant to me said "I'm going to start crying..." This moment was my most precious Christmas gift.

He was the one who said the words that inspired me to write and finally share my words. These words so moved me, I put them at the top of my blog under the title and at the bottom of my blog under the posts. I remember coming home and immediately going on the computer to write an email to a handful of friends. I couldn't just keep these words to myself. And every week I began to share an email with a growing list of people. They would be the amazing moments and people that I encounter in my very ordinary life. Moments like the bird that touched me as it flew past, the people like Mrs Twist who will turn 100 years old in 2008. I got to see her on Christmas Day too!

Mrs Twist's laugh just cracks me up! She looked great, sounded great, and is doing just fine. I wish I could show you the pictures...but I want to respect everyone's privacy. Believe me when I say the pics are great! I bought myself a digital camera!

I have so much to be grateful for...family, friends, eating gluten free...yes I had GF pumpkin pie, cookies, butter tart squares and pizza shells from My Baker. I had cheese, butter and ice cream! For years my stomach would be so sore from dairy but now the gluten is gone...I can eat dairy. So I tasted all the wonderful GF food at my very wonderful friends' on Christmas Day AND AT A WEDDING!! We went to a very large and lovely wedding celebration on December 22 and I had a special gluten free dinner. It was delicious. But unlike many of my fellow bloggers I forgot to take pictures of my GF food...I forgot I had a new camera...so I took pictures of my drinks: gluten free martini, gluten free cappuccino, and gluten free wine. Not sure how I ended up with all 3 all at once...

And yet...at this time of year I remember being the one who listened to a litany of what other people "got for Christmas" and being the one who didn't get much. This Christmas is so wonderful because I remember the sad Christmases, when we couldn't get home, when we lost loved ones, when the money barely stretched to pay bills let alone buy gifts. So if you read this and feel your blessings come up short...have hope for brighter days, have faith in your future and always be grateful for what you do have...that is what kept me going....God is good.

What were your blessings? What are you grateful for this Christmas?