Waiting

While I am waiting for my girls to go to sleep so I can do the Santa thing I am thinking.

I wish I had asked Dad more questions

How did you figure out what to do those first Christmases after Mom died?  The first one we were at Grandma Polman's on the farm. I remember recording on a reel to reel tape machine to send to the uncles in Vietnam. I don't remember if it was Uncle  Jere or Uncle Steve,  but we sang Christmas songs to them. I remember going to midnight mass and worrying you would not make it to Marshall from the cities. I assume Joanne and Jerry drove us to Marshall and you came Christmas Day during a storm. You drove behind plows part of the way and I was so happy to see you.

Where did you hide the presents?  Some are in my closet and the big one is in the attic. I am not sure how I will get it down without making noise.  This year Santa isn't wrapping the gifts. My gift from Santa is in the garage.  So I'll freeze in the attic and then outside bringing in the Kurig. ;-)

How were you not outwardly sad those first Christmas masses without Mom?  I struggled with that at Xmas eve mass tonight. I was doing ok and then Elizabeth wiped her eyes because she was missing you. I am thankful that the priest brought a baby on the altar after Communion as the cuteness factor relaxed us all.

Where is the shutoff valve for the shower in the basement?  There is a slow drip and I will get that fixed but the drip drip drip is driving me batty. Kevin thinks it is above the shower head but I haven't found it yet.

We Miss you Dad and really are glad you are not in pain anymore. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad.