My sister and I started out our Christmas eve by taking care packages to the families of patients at the ICU or surgery at St. Marks. We have spent Christmas in the hospital and we know just how depressing it can be. It felt so nice to let those people who are so worried about their family members know that there are people thinking about them. We handed a treat bag an older lady who was in the waiting room and she started to cry. It touched me so much, but also made my heart break for her because I knew how bad she was hurting. I held back my tears until we walked into the actual ICU and saw the room my mom was in. That was so hard and brought back so many memories - some happy and some not so happy- but it was good for me to go back there. I still remember all of the things people did for us and all of the miracles that happened during the time my mom was so sick. I think visiting the hospital on Christmas Eve is a tradition that I would like to continue for years to come to help others and remind myself where I have been.
After going to the hospital I was happy to go hang out with my Aunt Karen and Uncle Terry and my cousins for dinner. I feel so blessed and appreciate so much my Aunt Karen, Uncle Terry and my cousins Matt, Jess and Tyson taking us in as there children and sisters. I consider them my second parents and my brothers and sister. We had so much fun just hanging out together. I slept over on Christmas Eve and was so excited to get up on Christmas morning and open stockings. Karen put together stockings for all of her kids and their significant others. I think she was up to 8 or so stockings this year!
We went down to my cousin's house for Christmas lunch. It was so scary driving down there because it was one of the worst snow storms I have seen in a while! Once we all got down there safely it was so nice to hang out with the rest of my fam!
Later in the afternoon we went and visited Derek's dad and then his mom. It was nice and calm with them. I was excited because I got to see his cute nephews and niece and see his sister's new house. I am also happy that I am getting to know his family more! We had an amazing dinner at his mom's house as we always do! We even got eclair cake , so needless to say we were happy and full!
After visiting all of the family Holly , Derek and I came back to my apartment and opened our presents for each other. It was nice to hang out with each other. I got some good stuff too! My life is complete with a Magic Bullet and Guitar Hero. Derek also got me a Dooney and Bourke purse! I love it so much, but I think I love the effort he put into getting it more! I saw this purse online and I liked the black and the brown, but both colors were back ordered. Derek searched all over online to find the purse I wanted to surprise me!
I had a great Christmas. As Derek and I talk more about wedding plans and who we want involved it feels so good to realize how many people know and love us!
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