Reflections of Christmas...

On this Christmas Eve 2012, I sit in reflection.  The year has been full of ups and downs for my family...many of them on the lower side of the roller coaster ride.  However, there have been a few constants for me and mine that I am at once proud and a bit embarrassed of.  I sit in abject horror as watch the elemental acts of God, mentally ill people, age and disease take the lives of the loved ones of my loved ones and the barely begun lives of little angels for no apparent reason.  At this same time I watch my family prosper; not in the monetary ways, much like the rest of the World we have had our deep struggles on that end, but in the ways that count and boy how!  We have never been healthier nor felt more love.  We are reminded of God, His power and the inherent good just when our faith is being tested or challenged.  We have added to our extended "family" of friends who we know will never be far from our thoughts or our embrace. I have first hand felt the love come from people who have become an almost daily part of my life through pageantry and yes, Facebook, that I know will be with me until the end of my life.  I have some amazing things happening that are going to, and mark my words, turn 2013 in a year that makes dreams come true and turn wishes into reality, not just for me and mine but for my extended pageant family and the charities that I represent!  In keeping with that theme, I give thanks to God and Mary Richardson as I have another opportunity to compete for the most amazing Mrs. title in the business, that of Mrs. International 2013.  I have watched my son win his second national youth football championship and improve leaps and bounds as not only a young football player, but a young man poised on the edge of becoming an adolescent.  I have grown ever closer to my dear husband, a man who cannot do enough to make me smile, a man who the words unconditional love were made up for!  Edward is a man in every sense of the word but mostly for the way he loves Aidan and me...with everything he is and everything he ever will be! So even with its struggles I thank 2012 for making me a better person, bringing me closer to my family, bringing new forever members into my extended family and bringing me closer to my God.  I wish for you all the Very Merriest of Christmases as that is how I believe, but will also add a Happiest of Holidays for those whose lives are on a different path to their God!  May 2013 bring you all your hearts' desire!!!