It was a Christmasy Christmas Day. The dreams-do-come-true kind. Everyone spilling with blessing. The children declaring every gift one they’d been wishing for “all my life.”

And I thought of you. I thought of you when:

the sunrise lifted my eyes toward the God-painted glory.

the German Shepherd, your other best friend, pawed me at the door.

Kaela held me while the tears missed you so much.

Maciebear, and her engulfing Grandpa Bill shirt, hugged me.

canned cinnamon rolls followed by Luke 2 upheld your tradition.

49er beanies, gloves, and football, our cheer stuff, cheered our littlebear.

a new running reflector vest, surely eased your mind, Hector Protector.

quoted lines from movies you know circled the room.

Our son’s barbecue burgers surpassed your grill skill— and you are proud.

I thought of you when we ate green MnMs, shot the Fart Blaster, and watched the embers in the stove. I thought of you when I opened my eyes first thing, and shut them last thing. I thought of you when Jesus reminded me that you made Christmas Day Christmas in every way. And I’ll think of you when Christmas Day comes again. And again.