It’s four days until Christmas and I’m sitting here feeling a little sorry for myself. This will be the second Christmas in Chicago and being apart from my family (Mother, Father, Siblings, Daughter).

I love the snow here at Christmas, the fun things to do in the city, but there’s just nothing like walking in the front door of my parents on Christmas Day and seeing the whole family, smelling the turkey and just hanging out with the fam for hours. We sit around and laugh and eat, and eat some more, with all the grandchildren and great-grands running around between your feet. This is the way it’s been for years, and I’m a little homesick.

Nevertheless, I’m still grateful to have my parents who are in good health, yet are getting older every year and I can’t help but think, “Could this be our last year with them?”

I want to relish every waking moment and take advantage of what little time I have on this earth with the ones in whom I’ve been entrusted. I am truly blessed.

I encourage you to make memories while you still can, enjoy the ones already made that are etched on the tablet of your heart, and to recognize how blessed you are, as well.

Merry Christmas!