Special Day

by Kay Heitsch

Today is Bill's birthday. I got up early this morning and baked a birthday pie with the help of Marie Callender. So later today we will have a birthday apple pie and ice cream.

Joe, Shannon, Noah, and Eli called Bill this morning. When they heard about our birthday pie and ice cream, they decided to take a trip to Kroger and buy a pie and ice cream too. Later today, we will celebrate together, long-distance by eating pie and ice cream.

Eli said he's going to try learning the song Happy Birthday on his violin and plans to send a video later today.

Our Bible verse says, "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

This Bible verse goes well with the quote for today. You're older today than yesterday but younger than tomorrow. This is true for all of us. Let's rejoice and be glad every day.

Christmas Traditions

by Kay Heitsch

Traditions are kept alive only by something being added to it. ~ Keeping Traditions Alive

I like to keep Christmas traditions alive. I enjoy making the same things and using some of the same decorations. We even have a memory tree where I hang old ornaments from Christmas pasts.

A few years back, we added buying funny gifts. Our kids have kept that tradition going. These gag gifts bring a lot of laughs.

We usually go to church on Christmas Eve and watch Eli in the Christmas program. However, because of the pandemic, the church recorded the children performing the program outside, with masks on. On Christmas Eve, we watched the program on TV. This was different, but we all clapped after Eli did his number, as if we were sitting in church.

One of our traditions is to eat at Bob Evan's on Christmas Eve. Eli always orders the Little Piggy Pancakes. A few years ago, the waitress came to take his order. Without missing a beat, Eli told the waitress he would be having his usual. The waitress smiled and replied, "Oh, that would be the Little Piggy Pancakes?" Eli nodded, yes. We all laughed and still talk about it.

This year Eli had his usual Little Piggy Pancakes. However, the guys decided to all order the Whole Hog Breakfast. I'm not so sure this will be an added Christmas Eve tradition, but you never know.

The snow was falling fast and furious this year while we ate at Bob Evan's. Since it was very treacherous driving, Brandon left his sports car at Joe and Shannon's and drove their SUV home. We're hoping this won't be a new tradition.

Christmas day, we all opened gifts, and Joe and Shannon made their traditional breakfast with Wisconsin Kringle. Wisconsin Kringle has become an added tradition to our Christmas celebration after their vacation to Wisconsin a few years back.

A wonderful new addition was to have Veronica to our Christmas celebration. We were happy that she was able to be with us this year. We are looking forward to having her with us for years to come.

To keep everything in perspective, Noah wanted to know why Papa didn't have any fat on him as Ooma did. Looks like a diet will be starting soon for me.

Christmas traditions are only kept alive by something being added to them.

Merry Christmas, Todd

by Kay Heitsch

Well, Todd, it's Christmastime again. It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone for so many years.

I'll admit, Christmas has not been the same since you have been gone. When we all get together, I often look around and wonder what it would be like if you were still here. I can see you laughing and joking. I know Noah and Eli would love you.

Every year, I still hang your Christmas stocking up that Aunt Kathy made you. I put your stocking, with your name on it, right in the middle of all of ours.

We don't have the old Christmas tree anymore. However, I did make night lights out of the bubble lights. I've given many away as gifts. I made a little memory tree using some of the ornaments we had on the old tree.

Keeping with our Christmas tradition, I still make most of the same things I made when you were here. I make the peanut butter chocolate candy. Joe has given this candy a name now. Crack! The Kiss and Snowball cookies are still a hit. Of course, you won't forget the party mix! If you can believe it, I still use the same bowl to make the dip and crackers we enjoy on Christmas Eve.

So much has changed since you've been gone. But I try to keep some of our Christmas traditions going.

Your grave is decorated for Christmas. It's not much, but I hope you know how much you are loved.

Merry Christmas in Heaven, Todd.

I will love you forever, Mom.

Christmas Carol Sing Along

by Kay Heitsch

It was the week before Christmas at the Memory Care Center. Since it was close to Christmas, a Christmas Carol sing-along was the planned activity.

Bob, one of the residents, was in his joy. He was busy handing out the song sheets to everyone. Before each song, Bob would announce the name of the carol. When the people finished singing, he was quick to praise everyone for their participation. I smiled to see Bob so actively involved. The music was on a CD player, and after each song, Bob would say, "Now this is our last song, I've lost my voice." However, when the next song began, he sang out loud and strong.

When the sing-along was finally over, Bob thanked everyone for coming, then he started to cry. He shared how he missed his brothers and sisters, who I assumed had passed on. I hugged Bob and reminded him that we all cared for him. He stopped crying and said, "Yes, you all are my family now." An announcement was made that the activity was over. Bob went around and shook everyone's hand and thanked them for coming.

You never know what Memory Care people might say, and today was no exception. In a loud voice Mary, one of the residents, spoke to the lady sitting next to her, "Well, when I was the Sunday School Superintendent, I at least served refreshments when it was over!"

Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy Life

by Kay Heitsch

A couple of years ago, I was given an antibiotic that almost did me in. One of the many side effects was I could not take a deep breath. Several times a day, I would go outside and try to fill my lungs with fresh air. However, for numerous days I could only take shallow breaths that hurt.

One day, I had this thought, "I will never take being able to take a deep breathe for granted again!" It's interesting what we take for granted. Taking a deep breath doesn't seem like a big deal until you can't do it.

I read a quote that said, "What we take for granted someone else is praying for." How true that is.

Let's think about what we take for granted, even taking a deep breath, for example. If you can take a deep breath, enjoy your life to the fullest!

Take a deep breath and enjoy life!

Special Christmas Memory

by Kay Heitsch

As we slowly drove down the street on that cold December evening, we spotted the porch light. "This must be the house." I told our "Positive Teens In Action" group.

We pulled up in front of an older home with the porch light glowing. We gathered up our songbooks, walked up the steps, and knocked on the door. We heard a faint voice from inside say, “Come on in. The door is open." We opened the door.

Sitting in a rocking chair, sat an elderly woman with a big smile on her face. "I've been expecting you," she said weakly. Ruth was one of our Meals On Wheels stops I had arranged, along with the usual church members who enjoyed carolers.

We handed Ruth the basket of goodies the teens had assembled earlier that evening. Then I asked Ruth what carols she would like to hear. Ruth's face was beaming as she joined in, singing each song.

As we hugged Ruth good-bye, she said to me with tears glistening in her eyes, “The day you called, I was still in bed. I had just finished praying. I asked God if it would be possible to have some Christmas Carolers come to my home and sing this year. Thank you for being the answer to my Christmas prayer."

Wow, what an incredible experience to have the opportunity to be the answer to someone's Christmas prayer.

Bible Text: When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

I Have So Much to Do

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago, our family welcomed 11 children into our home. There was a time when we had 2 teenagers, 4 grade-schoolers, and one infant in our home. Needless to say, I was swamped cooking, cleaning, doing a lot of laundries, etc., etc., etc. There was so much to do that I didn't know how I would get it all done.

During this time, I read something that Martin Luther said, "I have so much to do I must spend the first 3 hours in prayer." Now I didn't spend 3 hours in prayer, but I did spend quiet, alone time with the Lord!

Every morning when I got up before everyone else and spent quiet time with the LORD, the day seemed to run smoothly. I was able to get more accomplished than I thought possible.

Our Bible verse says, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

This Bible verse was true for me. When I spent time with the LORD, I renewed my strength. I was able to accomplish more than I thought possible.

Sometimes you must stand still to get moving to where God wants you to go.

Joy & Happiness

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago, I started to give a small gift of homemade cookies and candy to our mail carrier and the men who picked up our trash at Christmastime.

One week before Christmas, I was at church when a lady walked up to me that I didn't know. I was surprised to find out that she was actually our mail carrier. She expressed to me how much she appreciated being remembered at Christmastime. I felt happy that I was able to give her some joy.

Today, I put some homemade candy and cookies out for the recycle and trash guys. When I heard the trucks coming down the street, I watched from our upstairs window while they got out of the trucks to pick up their treats. After putting the goodies in their trucks, they brought our cans back up the driveway and honked the horn. I smiled and felt joy at their kindness. I knew they were happy with their Christmas treats.

Giving an unexpected gift to someone is a way to show God's love. When we show God's love, we find joy and happiness ourselves.

Under His Wings

by Kay Heitsch

A couple of months before Todd died in a car accident, my Aunt Carmelita sent me a Christian cassette tape. I found it odd because I was not a Christian, nor did I like Christian music. However, since I loved Aunt Carmel, I thought I'd listen to it.

There was a song on this cassette tape that got my attention. It was called "Under His Wings." When I was asked if I wanted any music played at Todd's funeral, I chose this song and one other one.

Later I found a Bible verse that says, "He will cover you with His wings; you will be safe in His care; His faithfulness will protect and defend you." Psalm 91:4 GNT

When I saw this Bible verse, I thought about this song, Under His Wings.

I cannot count the times I have run to God for His protection. I have felt His love, comfort, and presence surrounding me like wings each time I have.

Who's Laughing Now

by Kay Heitsch

As most people know, our son Todd was killed instantly as a result of a car accident. Todd's death has had a profound impact on my life.

Since Todd's death, I've experienced many emotions. One day, in particular, I was alone in the house. I felt intense anger! I remember screaming and swearing in frustration about something.

Immediately, I had a flash of insight. It was odd, but I somehow knew my enemy was laughing. Now I was really ticked off but in a good way. I thought of a plan.

Today I found a Bible verse I had never read before. "Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light." Micah 7:8 NLT

When I realized my enemies were laughing at my anger and depression, I decided to rise out of my darkness. I asked the LORD to help me to bring good out of Todd's death. I'm happy to report that the LORD certainly has.

Who's laughing now!