Merry CHRISTmas!

Hmmm.. Where to start...

Merry Christmas!  I know it's not Thanksgiving, but at this time of year, there are so many things for which we should be thankful.

Thank God for our military, past, present and future without whom we might be speaking Japanese or German.  And not of our own choice, either.  I hope that our military people who are away from their loved ones at Christmas will return safely and make up that time and more.

Personally, I thank God for so many things... for letting me be born in THIS country, for giving me the family I was born into.  My brothers and I had the greatest, most wonderful Dad, who is spending his 9th Christmas in Heaven.  We are blessed with a wonderful, independent and strong Mom, who continues to be advisor and friend to all of us.  I have two brothers who I know are there for her, me, and each other at ALL times, every time.  I was lucky to find a good man to marry, and a great family to marry into.  Loud, boisterous, partying and loving.

I have many wonderful friends.  And my "faves".  They know who they are.  I love each and every one.  They have been 'adopted' into our home, and into our lives, and they know I would do anything for them.  And I know they're there for us.  Always.

I retired young (55) from a wonderful, fulfilling 37 year career with the U.S. Marshals Service.  They sent me many places (good and bad) for many reasons (good and bad) to transport people (good and bad) and to work for many people (yep, good and bad!).

So, Please...  if you can HELP someone less fortunate than you... do it.  If you have had good fortune this year, pay it forward.  And for heaven's sake... tell your loved ones TODAY that you love them.  We don't know the hour or minute that circumstances can change lives forever.  Don't wait.  DO IT NOW.  SAY it, MEAN it, SHOW it.

REMEMBER what CHRISTmas is all about... A Holy night, the Holy Virgin birth to a King in a stable, surrounded by the barest of circumstances... but heralded by Angels... adored by shepherds and the Magi.  Follow the star in your own soul.  It's there.  Let it shine!

I hope that each and every one of you, friends and family, have a wonderful, blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

I love you all.  <3