Very, very relaxing holiday for the two of us and with the weather so cold and all the rain.  At least we aren't getting snow like everywhere else.

Now for the month of January!  

Reflections:

As sad as I felt that Mom was alone on Christmas Day, her heart was warmed by calls and cards from unlikely people.

Her youngest son's oldest son has reentered her life at a very important time in his life.  He just became a father and he is sharing baby Ava with her great grandmother.

And my other brother's daughter called her and she hasn't stopped beaming about that.

Today she said that she hasn't left the house in four days because of the snow.  The roads are clear but wet and she's afraid of ice.  I can only hope that she doesn't try to drive.

I am almost always sad for her.  At 79, did she ever think her life would be like this?  Things could be so much worse than they are.  I keep telling her that.  Her younger sister is sick with Parkinson's disease in Japan and no one there to take care of her.  Neither one is able to go live with the other.  Her youngest son in prison and dying of liver cancer who she will never see again.  Her middle child has proven that he does not care about her.  It's easier for him to care about a stranger than to show tenderness to her.  And then there's me.  The oldest.  I call her every day.  Sometimes more when I know that she is feeling low.  I can tell in her voice that she's missing us.  I am thankful that she has her walking friends and church group ladies that give her lots of entertainment.  As soon as we can leave here for the east coast, I will feel better.  She can come and visit.  She can cook for people again and take care of someone besides herself again.  She really does enjoy that but as of late, she has enjoyed her solitude.  I'm still tempted to get her a dog.