Christmas Past

Today, as I let my mind wander (notice how I say that as if I had a choice), I thought about the nativity scene they did at our ward Christmas party last night. Unfortunately, I didn't feel up to going but I heard that it was very sweet. It reminded me of a Christmas party at church 5 years ago...of a sweet little family who acted the part of that First Family...of a beautiful little black-haired baby girl with sparkle in her eyes and spunk in her every move as well as a feeding tube down her nose and a scar on her chest from her newborn heart surgery a short time before her diagnosis of Fanconi Anemia. I remember her parents, carrying her in their arms past the congregation members as they made their way to the stage...seeing how they carried the immense weight of finding out their little girl would be with them far shorter than they would have ever imagined. It's odd to think how little we knew Emma then but there was no doubt of the vibrant and stunning spirit that little girl had. It's been 5 years since then and we've come to know the funny sense of humor, the acrobatics, the zest for life that she has; to see her become a toddler and now a little girl who is a big sister. I guess that as I reminisce a bit about our trip to Florida to join her Make-a-Wish trip, it reminds me so much of her shortened mortality and makes me more thankful for the time we have now. I'm so thankful to have Emma here with us as long as we can and so thankful for all that Christ did for us so that we know her sparkle will go on for always.
I hope all of you are enjoying the peace this Christmas season can bring. Sorry I'm so mushy today but sometimes it's just the way it goes. Thanks for inviting us to come along, Emma, my green-eyed princess! :-)