2012 is going in the Ackman record books as the worst year in history. It seems there has been very little happiness in our lives the past 12 months much less anything positive to look forward to. The burdens that have been placed upon us have been almost too much to bear...yet, we have endured them and are still here, hearts full and so grateful for all that we do have.
I wanted to take my last post before Christmas and tell you about three special people who have become Angels in my life. Without their love and support this year I never would have made it through. Their genuine concern for my family and I has been none other than miraculous in my eyes. And to top it off...each of these sweet souls has made my Christmas a bit more Merry.
This is one of my best friends and family members in the world....Missy.
Missy is married to my first cousin Dale. We call each other sisters...I love her!!!!
Anyway...so Missy and I LOVE to scrapbook together and have been on many retreats. Last October we were together for our family Girls Weekend in Illinois and she invited me to a retreat this March. At first I said YeS...but then I remembered...we don't live in the same world we used to and luxeries like that aren't possible. After swallowing my pride I told her that it probably wouldn't work out this year...but thanks for asking.
Now I haven't been able to get this out of my mind. I mean spending nearly 3 days, surrounded with artsy women and my sweet Missy and yummy food and just time to BE...well that sounds like exactly what I need!!! But deep down I KNEW this wasn't possible....but then, one day I received a facebook message...from Missy....saying something like this...
"Les, Dale and I want to give the retreat weekend to you as a gift. We will pay for everything but your gas to get here. We love you!!"
I was stunned. I blinked back tears and immediately responded..."No, I can't let you do that. Thank you but I will find another way to go."
Missy got right back with me and said..."Please let us do this for you after all you have done for us."
Gulp.
I just sat there, starting at my phone...my dear, sweet family had just offered me such a gift. I couldn't believe it!! I talked it over with Dave then messaged her..."Thank you so much. I love you guys!!!"
So THANK YOU MISSY!! I can't wait to see you in March and stay up all night long laughing and creating. you are the BEST!!!!!:)
So this year our Christmas will be very small. Not a lot under the tree this year or in our stockings. Dave and I aren't giving each other anything this year...and while I am okay with that...I am a little disappointed, too. I am human, you know!! LOL.
Imagine my surprise and delight when I recieved a package in the mail the other day!!! My heart was skipping a beat and I was doing the happy dance. Oh how I ADORE packages!!! And when I saw who it was from I was even more excited!! My dear blog friend LEANNE!!!
Do you know Leanne?? She writes one of my FAVORITE blogs on the Web..."From Chaos Comes Happiness". We have been reading each others blogs for years now and hope to meet face to face soon!!!!
She has sent me several messages this year and left the kindness comments that have helped fill my heart this year!! She is darling and I love her! Leanne is also an AMAZING artist and if you want to see for yourself go here!!!
Anyway, this wonderful friend sent me a necklace I had been admiring but couldn't afford along with other artsy goodies!!! Her kindness came EXACTLY when I needed it!!! Thank you Leanne!!!!!
My third Angel this Christmas is a family that we love just like they are our family. I know they will want to remain anonomyous but I MUST tell you that without their gift this year I don't know what we would have done or where we would be. My family and I are so, so grateful for you all and love you with all our hearts!!!!
There have been so many more Angels that have touched my heart this year and so many of them have been YOU. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough...but it's all I have right now:)
Speaking of Thanks...WOW, what fun we had with my 600th Blog post!! Many of you entered and I know have TWO winners!! Your prizes will be sent in January...think of it as a late Christmas gift:)
Winner of my Brave Art is...Andria from Drawing Near!!
Winner of the Collage box of goodies is...Ashton Elaine!!!
Girls, send me your addresses...either message me on facebook or email me at les262@embarqmail.com
One more thing, girls...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I will see you after the Holidays!!!!!!
Hi Les...first, really love that quote. :)
ReplyDeleteSecond, I have completely enjoyed your blog, your art and your words. I have told you this before, but will say again, that alot of what you write I can just say "ditto" to. I can relate. I can understand.
Third. I love that through all the trials this year has brought, that you still endure with faith, with strength and with service. You, my friend are awesome.
Fourth.I'm learning (as you are) to accept gifts that the angels in my life have given me. It is very hard to do, as I want to do everything on my own, but am also thankful for those who see through my pride and still give through all my protests.
Last. I so hope to meet you IRL and hope that things work out and you are still able to come out to Ut this coming year. It would be wonderful to officially meet!
Love ya Les and Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family
<3 Sharla
I am so happy I've won your giveaway!! thanks Leslie!! :) I love how despite the rough year your family has had, you always remain hankful for all the people you have in your life. I hope 2013 is a fantastic year for you.. time to turn over a new leaf!
ReplyDeleteWow, Leslie...I am THRILLED!! I can't wait to have a piece of your artwork on the art wall in my craft room. It is going to look so awesome and be such an inspiration when I am in there working and playing. Thank you SO much! This is such a beautiful post, and I hope that others (including me!) will follow your lead in making sure that the angels in our lives know how much they are valued and appreciated. I am sorry that 2012 has been such a tough year for your family, and I just really hope that your burdens are eased in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteHi, Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI just want to say thank you so much for your blog, it is so inspiring and thank you for also taking the time to drop by my blog. This year was a first for me entering the Blog-World, but I'm quite enjoying it.
My wish for you and your family is that the Lord will bless you abundantly in 2013, and may He be your constant guide. Have a wonderful, blessed festive season,
Kind regards,
Charri
What a wonderful way to honor the angels in our lives. I love Leanne! She has such a loving heart!
ReplyDelete