We always gathered as a family on Christmas and have not missed since 1973 when David joined our family just one week before Christmas (Dec 19). In November 2009, of course, he joined the Transapline Redemptorist community at Papa Stronsay Island, Scotland. (See the seperate blog davepapastronsay.blogspot.com for communications and news from him).
I an email, he told us he is more at peace now than ever before. We are thrilled and pleased that he has heeded God's calling and is a peace, but at the same time we are sad we were not able to share this most Holy Day with him in person.
Theresa, Bob, and Eileen did gather, however. Bob Sang in the choir at the 10:30 PM Christmas Eve mass. Theresa had practiced with the choir all along but that morning, Eileen had a series of seizures and Theresa decided to stay home with Eileen. On Christmas morning, Eileen was feeling good again. We picked up Eileen's roommate Paulette and attended Christmas day mass at 10 AM. After dropping Paulette at the apartment, we decided to stop at Sophia's House of Pancakes for brunch. Then we went to our house and exchanged gifts.
We decided the time was ripe to upgrade our TV, so Santa brought us a new Hi Def TV for the family room. Bob modified the Entertainment center to hold the new TV, so Santa just left a photo from the box to remind Bob of the new toy. We also negotiated a free upgrade to HD for the Dish satellite system (with a new two year agreement, of course). Bob built a set of shelves for above the bookcases to hold all our movies.
Bob was browsing Amazon and started reading about the new Canon SX20IS cmaera that has replaced his current S3IS. Theresa agreed that it was worth upgrading now so Bob can get used to the new camera prior to the Pilgrimage in May. Theresa mentioned that she'd kind of like to have a nice small camera to have with her, so Bob . . . er Santa found a nice Canon (what else) on Amazon for her. By Christmas morning, Theresa had forgotten about the whole thing so was pleasantly surprised by the Hot Pink camera + Pink Carrying case. Both are great cameras and we may set a new record for snapshots on the next pilgrimage!
Theresa has been working for weeks to connect a zillion of the yarn daisies Eileen has made into an Afghan. She chose the daisies colored to complement Eileen's sofa. We also bought a number of the calendars from the Redemptorists. Here, Theresa shows Eileen photos of some of the places at her her brother's new home in Scotland.
After we finished exchanging gifts, we drove to Greensburg to celebrate with Bob's sister Carol, her husband Denny and Denny's three daughters (Sonya, Anne, and Barbara) and their families. The food was fabulous as was the company.
Here, Eileen hams it up with Sonya while Barb displays a caricature of her children done by her son. Much Euchre was played (which was neat since we got the opportunity to get to know some of Carol & Denny's nieces and nephews).
At the end of the day, we drove home, pleasantly stuffed and recalling a wonderful day of celebration and of family.
While we missed David, we know he is at peace and had many opportunities to celebrate Christmas with his brothers.
