Dear Anne,
There are certain things I love a
lot about Christmas and certain things I like a lot less. On of the things that
really do not sit well with me is all the emphasis we all (including me) put on
gifts, and buying, and shopping and running around so much in preparation of
what is supposed to be a wonderful event.
So while I was shopping, I
realized that I need to focus more on what Christmas does mean to me versus
what it does not mean to me.
Christmas for me is a time to reflect
back on the year in many ways and really think about and take the time to remember
what I have learnt, what I am grateful for and what I have been blessed with.
And you and your family came to
mind. And I wanted to tell you why:
Over the last year I have learnt
5 very, very important lessons from you and I just wanted to share with you
what they are:
1-I have learnt the extreme
grace and incredible mothering skills a human being can possess even under the
most difficult of circumstances.. I can truly say I have never met a person
like you in my life yet who has impressed me to the level that you have. It
started that day at the funeral when you spoke…and continues on and on. I am so
happy to have met you Anne
2-You have taught me how the way
we choose to be as parents is directly related to how our kids turn out. The more
love and lessons we put into them..the more they become. From hearing your kids
talk about you and Jim….clearly all three of your kids have turned out exceptionally.
I am sure a good part of this is due to their amazing and devoted parents. It
has taught me to focus on this and remember this for my own family.
3-This year I really started to believe
in Heaven and I think a lot of that has to do with you all. What you shared with
all of us as a family, the music, the experience both at the church and
afterwards profoundly touched me. The way your kids talk about their Dad. I am
glad to be able to share the belief in heaven with my kids now.
4-And my Dear….you taught me how
critically important it is to keep my eyes open on really scary roller-coaster.
And to laugh..while being rreally, really scared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5-And I have learnt also that it
is never too late to make a new friend.xox
I am wishing you and your
beautiful three kids a relaxing holiday season Anne. I know it will be a tough
one, I cannot even imagine……but I am also sure that that time off together must
be very precious too.
I thought long and hard in terms
of what I would like to offer you and your family as a Christmas gift , as I am
not usually a gift giver , but I really want to show my support for you and the
kids this year and so wanted to think of something special.
A photo shoot is what came to mind.
I am pretty good with a camera and portrait photos. And have a few great
cameras In the spring when ski season is over I can offer to come over and take
some cool pics of you and the kid’s maybe? And we can frame some for your newly
painted walls? If you want that is…but my present to you is the offer .
Thank you for sharing so much Anne
and for teaching me lessons that will last a lifetime.
Stopping to write you your Christmas
letter meant so much more to me than buying the boys underwear for their stockings
(although I did get them some super cute boxers!)
With love,
Tarina
