Dear Tyler,

Hi pumpkin! How are you doing on this Monday afternoon? It sure feels like it is 6 pm at night when in reality it is only 1:05 pm. As you can guess, Mom didn't get much sleep at all again last night. The rain scared the pups throughout the night and Mark and Mom were up with them for most of it. We are all exhausted. Mark is working as usual and Mom is just doing little things during the morning and afternoon. I know that tonight will be a very early night for us all. Meme was up early too and Bob, well, he was up aound 9:30 am. He is the one getting all the sleep for all us 4. Princess is so tired as she should be and Ozzy is acting weird today. I am not sure he is doesn't feel good or if he is just tired as well so Mom is keeping an eye out and keeping him close to me today. He is sleeping pretty soundly right now though which is good. 

 The rain has passed us now and the sun is shining bright. Today is the 23rd of December. Just 2 more sleeps and it is the day that mostly every child waits for each year. For some it is not the merriest at all. There are parents, like Mom, missing a child even more this time of year, children that are without parents, homeless, people missing their parents or spouses. There is a lot of sadness every day and even more during the holidays. Mom is saying extra prayers for all of us. It is very important!

 Not much for updates for you today. No phone calls int he last few days for Mom. Meme has gotten a couple but not us. I did see a beautiful picture that Aunt Beck took from the desert this morning. What a stunning sunrise. Guess she is enjoying her vacation. That is excellent. I am sure that she is working hard there too. I remember her telling Mom that she was going to be working a lot of her time there. Auntie Kristina said she was going to try and call me today but I am sure that she has her hands full with everything over at her parents home. I am praying for Jim., Alice too. Things are not looking good at all I am afraid. I don't think it will be long for him to gain his Angel wings and be with you my sweet precious son. Mom is just hoping it won't be during the holidays. Auntie Kristina is going to have a hard enough time when her Daddy does leave this earth and it would be even harder for it to be during a holiday. I know you are watching over them and all of us. Thank you so much. It means so much to Mom to have you by my side even if I can't see you. 

 Mom will make sure to light your candle this evening. I will whisper to you as I always do every night too. Listen to hear my voice. Smile for me and I will smile to you. I hope that you are having fun tonight while I am getting some rest. I have no doubt that you are busy this time of the year. Whatever you are doing even if I don't know or can't see, I am so proud of you. I was and always am so proud of you, Tyler. I miss you more than words can say or express. I love you to the moon and back and all the way around the world. You are my hero and the wind beneath my wings. Forever you live inside my heart, mind, body and soul. Mom was so lucky to be blessed to have had you as my son when you were here with me and now I am blessed to have you as my Angel watching over me. You are the light that shines the way and path for me every day. I love you unconditionally. I really do. Every day has been tough since you went away but these holidays hurt even more. I cry tears of sadess but know I am okay. I just miss you like crazy. I miss everything. I always will. That is what being a Mom is all about. Always know that Mom will be okay. 

 Mom is going to close this letter for now. It is only 2 pm but I still ahve a few things to do and I want to just go relax as I am super tired. I am going to go relax for the rest of the day and call it an early night. I will be back tomorrow as I have no plans at all. I do need to do some precooking but that is it! Please come visit me in my dreams if you can tonight. I sure would love to see you there. Until tomorrow comes....good night and sweet dreams.

 Always, Mommy xoxoxo. Muah!

Here is today's prayer:

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17, TEV

Lord our God, our Father in heaven and our Father on earth, our Lord and our Ruler, we thank you that to this very day you have guarded and guided us and delivered us from great need. We praise you with hearts full of hope as we continue on our pilgrimage. For Christmas Day is coming with its message of hope that we may somehow bring honor to you in spite of all hindrances, mistakes, and sin, in spite of all death and the horror of dying. We know that you hold us in your hands. With your help we can look ahead, and again and again we may take a small step forward and live to the praise and honor of your name. So be with us now and bless us. Amen.