Thanksgiving on Christmas Eve

With all of the tragedies this year, experienced by people near to us (Oregon) and farther away (Connecticut), I believe my daughter, Kendall, provided a perspective worth remembering. She said, "If I let fear overtake me, I wouldn't go out of the house, I wouldn't take Micah to daycare, and I wouldn't walk into my classroom. I believe we should focus on the heroes, the good deeds and the kindness that has been a result."

Kendall didn't say these things to discount the real emotional and physical  pain being experienced by the families and the victims, but to remind herself and me that what we need comes from our faith in God, not a focus on the negative.

I am so blessed and thankful to have two daughters who remind me daily what's important in life. We were able to spend Christmas Eve together again this year, along with Scott's daughter, Summer, and son, Steve, and all their families. My sister brought two of her sons, Danny and Michael, and a grandson, VJ. Scott's nephew, Benevan, also joined us from California. What a treat!