I'm thankful for faith, family and friends because without these 3f's I'm not sure I would've made it through the holiday season. Sometimes you just go through the motions because it is what you do but sometimes you hit the wall and reality sinks in. The Christmas season was certainly a challenging time. You balance wanting to feel joyful and merry being surrounded by those you love, making it special for all the little children yet reality is that it's just damn hard! However, I'm starting to think that sometimes it's the down time, the quiet time, the nothing is really going on time that might just be the hardest. I love talking about Cindy, the things she would say, how she responded to situations, and wondering what she would be thinking right now. It always does my heart good!
There were many occasions this Christmas season to gather as family. We kicked it off with Roof Christmas at Kate's house. We've been holding this reunion since before I was born and the siblings (Daddy and his 6 older sisters) would bring their families to celebrate together. Well, all these years later we continue to gather. Just this past Thursday, January 10th, we celebrated Aunt Annie's life during her funeral. She was the last sibling and I'm thankful she went with a smile on her face having lived a thoughtful, giving and fun-loving life. There are many Roof family members in heaven rejoicing together now.
Christmas at Mammaw's was my most difficult time this year. We gathered on the 23rd to celebrate with Mammaw, our family and Uncle Phil's family. It's also a time to celebrate Mom's birthday (24th). I'm thankful for Chloe, Chelsea and Madisyn running around and performing for us to make it a cheerful time. Without them it would've just been too difficult! That day has always meant Christmas to me and feel so fortunate to have a 92 year old matriarch :) like Mammaw still with us. And then brunch at Mom's on Christmas day is just love, home and a treasure!
Then Mom, Sally and I head off to Edisto to celebrate New Year's and had one night with Mike but he had to head back to work. The Ingrams joined us for the weekend. Nothing like a 14 month old to make you smile and make your heart feel like it's going to explode with love. We had an oyster roast (I got to shuck some for Mom but sure did miss shucking them for you) and a crab boil. There is nothing like "underneath" at Shorty's Shack. Jacob and the girls went to the bowl game and then Disney World. We missed them but I'm so glad they got to experience the win over Michigan. Cindy, you would've been crowing loud and proud...but not sure you would have been watching because of your nerves. It was a nail-biter for sure!
