West Webster Firefighters ......

Sheila's mantel

Today was the first or two funerals for the fallen firefighters from the Christmas Eve tragedy in Webster, NY. It's a day to say that our world is a better place as a result of them being here.

Thoughtfulness ..for West Webster Firefighters.

Have you followed the tragic story of the 2 West Webster fire fighters who were killed when responding to a house fire Christmas Eve day? And, that two other fire fighters are hospitalized, fighting to overcome their serious gun shot wounds. The Webster community is saddened; as it seems are the many people who have learned of this tragedy. Seven houses burned to the ground, lives lost, a community shaken and people wondering ..... why. 

 Very early Christmas Day I was shoveling my driveway and looked up at the sky .... while thinking about the impact to us who live in Webster; as well as, areas far and wide. Just a mere 3 miles away from where I was standing, is the plot of land  where people will visit and stand in silence ... wondering  .... why.

I thought about the sadness blanketing my community. I prayed that the light of the dawning sun would bring comfort .... or, something.

Behind me, over the area where this unbelievable event took place was black ... dark ....heavy.  I couldn't bring my finger to push the button to take the picture.

But, the sun continued to rise and the glow spread over me and to the west.

 I kept watching, and clicking ... and hoping.

 Please ..... just something to let the light of Christmas change things.

Hope, prayer, thoughts ........

There aren't answers.  Discoveries are made. Time passes. And, as that time passes, I become even more grateful to all the first responders everywhere. I have to find the positive ..... and maybe it's the awakening of awareness for what these individuals do for all of us. Although these are simple words ..... thank you ....

 Perhaps that is the  ... why.

Leftovers!

I love when I have time to just .... be creative!  The day began at the grocery store - nothing creative about that! But ....... putting the food away made me think about my dinner table for Christmas.  Hummm .... what to do about that situation?

Next thought ...... guess it's time to wander my yard.

So began the creative juices!  Into the house came the driftwood log from Lake Ontario (tucked away in the garage for just such a moment),  branches I trimmed off my pine trees, candles and candle holders from a little opened drawer .... and then a little bit of glorious sunshine!!!!

I'm ready!  After collecting all the "leftovers",  I'm ready for my family and friends!  I'm guessing that once those candles are dancing, it will become magical.  For, that is what a part of Christmas is about!

Helllooooooo!

What an incredible display of beauty, determination, creativity, and the desire to "wow" every car that drives by.  And, believe me, there are lots of cars driving by!

In the words of my granddaughter last night, "Nana, that's a helloooooo!".

A simple little box withstands the test of time.

This little box first entered my life sometime in the early 70s. I knew when it was first placed in my hand that it would always hold a special spirit ... a special warmth ... a special love .... to me.

                                                         Mom made this for me.

Even when Mom was alive, there was never a Christmas when this little box just snatched a part of my breath away as I readied it to be front and center on my tree.

And now, as she still glances down on me, that little box has even more meaning, her handwriting makes my eyes brim and the saying brings me a warmth that comes from deep within. What a wonderful gift she gave me!  I can see your smile and hear your laughter Mom!! What a great lady!

                   Oh yes, Happy Birthday from this week!!!

A little piece of Sarnac Lake on my tree!

 

Even love the words ......

 

.... a pine cone within the glass bulb.

And, one of my most favorite ornaments from my Mom and Dad.

I love that "she" hangs on my tree .... love and miss you both.

A simple picture .....

                                                                         .... says it all.