Grandchildren Christmas Eve

Christmas Day is sort of a slowdown day. The children have had so much activity and so many blessings for two weeks that we all just set down to be with one another in the spirt of a family.

The weather continues to go from very cold to downright deep cold. I could handle that when I was younger but now, I must wear a closet of clothes to stay warm.

Our young people who live with us Tony, Quique, Michelle, Adela along with Orlando, Marlin, Estefani and Tatiana barbecued steaks for Dottie. They put their money together to give Dottie a special meal.

My most favorite word for this Christmas day is mercy. God says, Ï will have mercy and not sacrifice¨ which is found in Hosea 6:6. Mercy is found 339 times in the Bible with mercies 44 times and merciful 84 times for a total of 467 times. Mercy means we do not receive what we deserve which is His judgment.

One thing I have learned in 81 years is I want to be a man of mercy. I even want that on my tombstone, ¨He was a man of mercy¨.

My Christmas gift I received meaning the most to me is that Dottie is still recognizing me and she has such a perfect aura of happiness in spite of her critical condition. She laughs when she mixes up the names of the ones helping her to the bathroom, bathing her, bringing her food, dressing her and massaging her legs 7 days a week. The last few days her legs have been so painful.

Tuesday the children received their gifts although it was far less then years gone by. They were appreciative and filled with laughter. Dottie was brought out in her wheelchair and every child and every dorm wanted a photo with her.

Dottie with two of her grandchildren. Robbie and Auria.