Simple White Envelope

Just wanted to share this. What a wonderful way to honor the true meaning of Christmas. I am making an effort this year to honor Christ and not "get all caught up." The little shopping I am doing has been mostly online. Instead of getting wrapped up in Christmas cards, I am going to enjoy every moment with my family and friends. I am going to take my time, and do New Year's cards. What would you do with your white envelope? Not sure yet, but I am going to start praying about it. I would like to do this in memory of my Dad........ You are going to love this.

Alicia

SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas --oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended.

Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, 'I wish just one of them could have won,' he said. 'They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.' Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition --one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.

May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always. God Bless! -- pass this along to those friends and loved ones who you know are the givers who understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Back from the beach

We are just getting back from a trip to Gulf Shores. What a relaxing trip just south of my to do list! The weather could not have been better! I enjoyed the beach, a few good books, and some retail therapy at the Tanger Outlet in Foley. I got some GREAT deals! Not to mention, the great seafood at DeSoto's, the Original Oyster House, and (my new favorite) LuLu's. If you have not been to LuLu's, you simply MUST GO! It is owned by Lucy Buffett (Jimmy Buffett's sister) This is how she describes her restaurant,

"LuLu’s is a state of mind, really. It’s a great escape, a great family spot. We’re all about good food, good folks, good music, and good times. A place to confirm that "life is good……."

I must say I agree. We went twice. It was Kohen's favorite place also. Just ask him, he will tell you that he loves "Lu Hoo's". I have included some pictures from our trip. I could have stayed for a month. It was a much needed getaway. It has been a little over a month that my Dad died. I want to thank all of you who have expressed your sympathy and kindness. It has really meant a lot to me and brought me such comfort over the past few weeks. I have learned and observed others over the years respond to painful experiences in many ways. I want to share this passage from one of the books I read at the beach,

"think about the times in your life when you have grown the most. Were they during the mountaintop experiences or in the lows of the valley? Most of us grow during valley experiences, those difficult times in our lives when we can turn one of two ways-towards a more intimate relationship with God or away from Him. And when we chose God, we grow and mature." Stephan Arterburn, M.Ed. What a powerful statement. I have seen many people (including myself) deal with pain in many destructive ways. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, food, shopping, seclusion, sex, gambling, pornography, I could go on, but you get the idea. I am going to miss my Dad. However, I know that he is finally well, and resting in heaven. He would want me to grow and mature from his death, and I plan to. I also want to encourage anyone that is going through something difficult by sharing my favorite verse, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Notice that is says ALL things, not some things or most things but ALL things. I have to remind myself of that from time to time. Thanks for being such a wonderful circle of friends to share life's joys and sorrows. I hope that you are enjoying this gorgeous fall weather. I know it is my favorite time of year! Hope to see you soon at some of ours area's fun filled fall festivities.

Love,
Alicia

Beach Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aliciahjames/Beach

For My Dad

As most of you know, I lost my father last week. He was a gifted educator, proud father, and loyal friend, as well as one of THE most avid Auburn fans I know. I am sure he is heaven front and center in the Auburn cheering section. He carried some burdens and issues that many of us had not had to bear. It comforts me to remember him as the wonderful teacher, and unique character that was the Dad I remember.

I am attaching a link to a site I created in memory of him. If you knew Dad, my wish is for you to share any funny stories or memories that you may have. Thanks so much for your kindness and prayers. It has meant so much to me, more than you will ever know. I look forward to hearing from you.

http://www.molecularbiologist.blogspot.com/

I am thankful.....

I am thankful..... for being here at home this Thanksgiving instead of rushing off after dinner to begin a twelve hour shift, to have so much family so nearby, great friends some of which I have known since grade school and some for only a for few short weeks, my new job that allows me to be off on weekends and holidays to spend more time with those that mean the most, to be able to work part time, for my husband that makes it all possible, for my son's smile and laughter that is so contagious, the health of my family, (if you don't have your health the rest doesn't matter so much), for my health, for my new ENT Dr. McFeely and no he is not on Grey's Anatomy even thought it sounds like he should be, that my surgery and healing process has gone so well thus far and hopefully the return of my hearing and feeling in my left ear, "a safe home and a warm bed on a quiet little street", freedom to be who I am and live the way I choose in a country that was founded on freedom, to God for making it all possible and for you!

Fall is in the air!

I just love fall. It is by far my favorite season. The color of the leaves, the crisp cool air, a warm fire, hot chocolate. This fall I have so much to be grateful for. I got a call today from a friend that lives out of town. She is coming home for Thanksgiving. She is having a party for her son and planning on getting together with all the gang. After I listened to her message, I realized that I am off for all the holidays this year and what a blessing that truly is to me!

Normally, I would have had to think about when I working, when I am sleeping and can get up to enjoy the festivities (and feel awful) This year all my weekends and holidays are free to spend with the people that mean the most to me. I just had a moment after I talked to Carrie that I was very thankful. I am excited that I am going to get to see her over the holidays. I digress.

Anyway, we have had a lot of fun this fall. Halloween we trick or treated with Shannon and Alyssa. We cruised the neighborhood and then went the the Trunk or Treat at Andrew Jackson which was great! I saw a lot of people from school and their children. We also paid our third annual visit to the pumpkin patch. Kohen had a blast. It just seems that since I have taken this new job that I have more time for fun things with my family and friends. Yeah, I took a HUGE paycut, but for me that is not what it about. I love that I get to spend so much time with my son! I would not trade it for anything. He is only going to be small for such a short time. I will never get this time back. I am so thankful!

About Me

About Me:
I am a nurse, wife, and mother. (not necessarily in that order) I suppose caregiver covers all three. They are the hardest yet most rewarding job ever though. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Zack. We have a son, Kohen, who is our angel. He is ALL BOY and keeps us on our toes.

I am very outgoing, I enjoy being around people and can talk to just about everyone. I also cherish my time alone. I LOVE music! I am clumsy. I can laugh at myself. I am very easy going and pretty down to earth. I try to give others the benefit of the doubt. I am pretty open minded and realize everyone has a different point of view even if it greatly differs from my own. I love my friends and family. I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I thank God for them. I do not know what I would do without them and pray I never have to find out!

My pregnancy was a turning point in my life. You can read the rest of the story under my note, All things work together". That I truly believe. That was a difficult time for me, but God used that to bring me to a place where I needed Him. I started attending church when Kohen was a few months old and rededicated my life to God. It has really changed my life. I am FAR from perfect, just forgiven.

Fall

I just love fall. It is by far my favorite season. The color of the leaves, the crisp cool air, a warm fire, hot chocolate. This fall I have so much to be grateful for. I got a call today from a friend that lives out of ton. She is coming home for Thanksgiving. She is having a party for her son and planning on getting together with all the gang. After I listened to her message, I realized that I am off for all the holidays this year and what a blessing that truly is to me! Normally, I would have had to think OK I work this night and can get up at lunch (and feel awful) and go hang out. This year all my weekends and holidays are free to spend with the people that mean the most to me. I just had a moment after I talked to Carrie that I was very thankful. I am excited that I am going to get to see her over the holidays. I digress. Anyway, we have had a lot of fun lately. Halloween we trick or treated and stopped at a Trunk or Treat, which was great! We also paid a visit to the pumpkin patch. Kohen had a blast. It just seems that since I have taken this new job and gotten adjusted that I have more free time for fun things with my family and friends. Yeah, I took a HUGE paycut, but for me that is not what it about. I love that I get to spend so much time with my son! I would not trade it for anything. He is only going to be small for such a short time. I will never get this time back. I am so thankful!