It's Christmas!

Feeling pretty good about Christmas this year. It's all a state of mind, after all. Sure, the holidays are different now. Kids and other family members are spread out all over the state and the country. No more big get-togethers at Mama's house. No Santa magic in a little child's eyes. But it's still Christmas. And I can count lots and lots of blessings.

My oldest daughter is happy and healthy and safe in North Carolina. My youngest daughter is on her way over to spend Christmas with us. I talked to my dad on the phone  yesterday and even  though he  doesn't come right out and say it -- you kind of have to read between the lines -- I  know after all these years that he is genuinely proud of me. One  of my stepsons is in Ohio with his  wife and  two boys, and he told me the other  day that he admires me and that  he'd like to start calling me, Dad. Another stepson is working halfway across the world.

So many people are suffering today, with health issues, heavy hearts. A few weeks ago, my 95-year-old uncle died and my aunt is lost without him. A classmate from high school just died. Another recently lost her husband. Another has an appointment pending with an  oncologist for his young daughter.

I forget to count my blessings, and to be grateful  for such  things as good health, for me and my loved ones. That's all that  matters, really. I'm  grateful for a good woman  who loves me, and knows how to fix plumbing! Healthy and happy children. A good job (with lots of holidays). A nice, warm, quiet little house with no noisy neighbors and tall trees all around. Wonderful friends, both here and abroad, who encourage and inspire me. Money in my pocket. A neurotic little dog who is not a yapper.

So it feels good today on Christmas. The fact that things have changed is not sad. Things always change. Good memories are a good thing.

Merry Christmas, y'all ....