Dec 26, 2009

Christmas interrupted...


After celebrating the early part of Christmas Eve with our friends, which I will post about later, my hubby and I went to pick up his 83 year old mom to take her to her church for the 11 pm Christmas Eve service, which has become our tradition ever since his dad passed away. We found her not feeling well and having trouble breathing. We called EMS and spent the rest of Christmas Eve in the ER with her, till about 2:30 am when they finally got her into the critical care unit. Turns out she had a completely collapsed lung and her oxygen level was not where it needed to be.

So...I went ahead and baked the ham Christmas Day and had the (in town) kids and grandkids over and went through the motions of opening the gifts, but we didn't even set the table and make the rest of the planned food. My mom went to my brother's house instead. Hubby and I hurried off to the hospital since they have restricted visiting hours in critical care.

We are quite exhausted, and not sure where this is all leading right now.

I'm so happy I had faithfully and joyfully "kept" Advent, and I am being so blessed by the 90 day on-line study group discipline I've been doing. Also I'm grateful for the many many hours I was able to spend with two of the grandchildren and also with my mom and friends during the month before Christmas, living "in the moment" and not stressing over the holidays, but joyfully anticipating and contemplating the meaning of it all, and joyously singing Advent hymns I hadn't looked at in a long time.

While none of this was a surprise to God, we are sort of like the deer in the headlights, stopped dead in our tracks. When I get a chance, I will share our adventures of playing Santa and our "You've Been Gifted" and "Christmas Jars" stories. The season has truly been a blessing. Tomorrow is my family's big party, with four generations getting together. I hope we will be able to be there. Then our SC branch of the family will be arriving on New Year's Day...so we still have much joy to look forward to.

I'm looking forward to hearing all of your stories as well. I have a feeling after the first of the year there will be a flurry of activity in the blogosphere! In the meantime, may God's peace be with you all.

8 comments:

Deborah Ann said...

Sounds like your Christmas held some unseeable events. You are so strong...to do what needed to be done, and to plow ahead with the meal, for the sake of others. You are truly an inspiration!

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

Hope your MIL strengthens and is feeling better and is better able to get her breath, that is so scary.

Jess said...

Hi Sweet Friend,

Praise God you were able to join your husband in ministering to your mother-in-law. A friend of ours also ended up in the ER on Christmas Eve, but we didn't know about it until today.
The only certain thing in life is the constant change of events and plans...and we are such creatures of expectation and tradition!
Blessings as you flex around everyone's needs and as you continue to celebrate this precious time of year.
Sending my love ~ Jess

Dar said...

I am a new admirer of your wonderful and heartfelt postings. My prayers are with you and your family for a speedy recovery for your Mother-in-law. Whatever God has planned for her, it will be good.
You have taken me back to church with your teachings. You are an inspiration and I thank you along with our Lord and Bless-ed Savior.
Blessings Be Yours my new friend

Judy said...

Praying for strength...

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your MIL.

Lori said...

I am sorry to hear that your Christmas was interrupted with your mother-in-laws ill health.

In spite of that, you are still so positive and warm as you describe your Christmas. It is good that you can see so many blessings in the midst of it! I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more about your Christmas. XX Lori

Anonymous said...

What a great resource!