He was there - sitting nearby, often involved in conversation. A joyous occasion with food, family, the excitement of children, the cries of sleepy infants, joking from the teens, and laughter from the adults.
It was funny - sitting there watching him - I was struck by the blue of his eyes, the play of expressions that crossed his face. His smile was warm and relaxed. He was sitting forward a bit in his seat, taking everything in. The scene was one of happy chaos.
- Presents being opened by young and old.
- New parents aglow in experiencing their child's first Christmas.
- Parents and Grandparents sitting back and watching their offspring while mentally replaying visions from so many Christmas' past.
- Children eager for the next package!
- Lots of mini-conversations all around. Talk of gifts, schools, SAT's, restaurants, bbq equipment, 'High School Musical', 'Star Wars', babies, the rising cost of health insurance, recipes, church politics, etc.
My eyes were drawn back to him. He has a strength of character I admire and integrity I have great respect for. He loves his family dearly and I watch him as he watches his children and their children, his mother, his siblings and their children. The banter among everyone is easy and comfortable.
It is heartwarming to see his eyes light up as he watches the kids open presents and listens to their thoughts on Santa and just when he'll arrive at their homes.
Talk of duct tape and wrapping paper is plentiful. Large boxes containing small gift-cards and lots of filling are opened and and I listen, amused, as he shares with us that presents really should be wrapped using two or more types of Christmas wrap!
Through all of this I am certain of one thing in particular - I am in love!
At this moment, as in many others before, I say a quiet prayer of thanks to the Lord above for this special man - thankful that he is my dear husband. Thankful, too, for the love he gives me in return. Thankful for the years we've spent together, and looking forward to the ones yet to come.
Most of all though, thankful we fell in love.
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