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Sugar Lump Studios

Art by Nancy Maxwell James

{One Glorious Day}

December 25, 2008

I have had a wonderful Christmas this year. It has been several years since I have felt so happy and peaceful inside. The past two years were difficult on my family.
Christmas 2006 – we had just buried my Dad a few months back….

Christmas 2007…my son had been in Iraq for 5 weeks facing 13 months of deployment…

Christmas 2008…my Mom spent Christmas Eve with us and slept over, we had a houseful for dinner and gifts, and awaited Andrew’s arrival. It was as special as waiting for Santa Claus to come!

He arrived Christmas morning, I heard his old car pull in the driveway, squealed and ran to the door. I opened it, as he brought packages out and once I got my arms around him wept like a child. I felt so badly, I did not want to do this but my soul needed to let it go. And I did…let go…13 months of fear.

He kept asking if I was ok, all the while I kept crying and apologizing. I told him he had no idea how happy I was that he was out of Iraq and home on U.S. soil…once I “got myself together” we snapped this photo…sorry for the pj’s and sad look….

We had breakfast and opened gifts, then headed to my sister’s were we joined my siblings and their families, and Ian and Allison were also there…


I was grateful to Ian’s girlfriend Krystal who was able to get the boy’s to have their pictures taken over and over again. The boy’s have issues with their Mom who loves to take pictures and scrapbook, but I think they are getting close to realizing how they will treasure them one day.

It was wonderful to watch Andrew interact with his cousins, siblings, aunt’s and uncles and tease his precious Grandma. My greatest gift of all was having my son home, even if it is for a little while he is in Michigan and no longer fighting a war so far away.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Sugar Lump Studios • 19 Comments

About Sugar Lump Studios

I am a dabbler. I love to create using all sorts of mediums...pattern papers, stamping, fabric, assemblage, collage, altered art, a never ending smattering of whatever strikes my fancy in whimsical moments. I find creating allows my soul to be fulfilled and love to spend hours in the studio.

Comments

  1. shirley

    December 25, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    nancy,
    God Bless you and your family. I'm so happy you had your son in your arms once more. Your son ROCKS!
    What a wonderful Christmas for you. Keep the faith!
    Shirley
    p.s. I love your blog

    Reply
  2. lorhen82

    December 25, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Nancy,
    What a wonderful Christmas present to have your son home with you again! Your story reminded me of those Hallmark commercials that always make me cry! Please tell your son that I am grateful that he gave so much of himself for our country. I know how much these young men have to sacrifice.

    God bless you and your family!
    Lori

    Reply
  3. Klaartje

    December 25, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    I'm so glad for you that your son is save home again! I hope you and your family have a great 2009!

    Reply
  4. Godelieve

    December 26, 2008 at 12:26 am

    This must have been your best Christmas ever!
    All the best for 2009!

    Reply
  5. Sandy

    December 26, 2008 at 2:28 am

    I'm so glad for the gf who got the pics, too. You're right, they WILL be glad to have those pictures sometime, even if they're grumpy about posing now. Yay for your best present ever, being with your kids on Christmas :)

    Reply
  6. Susan

    December 26, 2008 at 5:00 am

    I can so feel your joy…what a blessed Christmas you celebrated. I, too, wept for you and your glorious reunion…Fantastic and beautiful family…long may you reign!

    Reply
  7. Louise (KardKrazy)

    December 26, 2008 at 9:19 am

    Nancy, don't feel guilty about crying — you earned every single one of those tears. (I was getting teary just reading your post:)
    I am so, so, so glad your son is home safe and sound and that your Christmas was such a joyful occasion.

    Reply
  8. Jacqueline

    December 26, 2008 at 9:51 am

    Glad to see the photo's of your son AT HOME! Many blessings to you and your family Nancy!

    Reply
  9. Jo Capper-Sandon

    December 26, 2008 at 11:42 am

    Well isnt that the BEST news!! It must have been like a scene from a movie. And you even look glamorous in pj's! More thoughtful not sad…
    You know I've often thought of you and Andrew- so pleased you had the best Christmas present you could wish for.

    Reply
  10. Kristin Long

    December 26, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    Nancy, I'm so glad you had a wonderful Christmas! I hope you have a great break from school, too!
    Kristin

    Reply
  11. Sue McGettigan

    December 26, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    Now THAT's a homecoming! So thrilled to hear he's home and you had such a lovely Christmas day :)

    Reply
  12. Mary-Beth

    December 27, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    Nancy, how wonderful for you and your family to have Andrew back on US soil. And to have hm home for Christmas is so special. Congratulations!

    Reply
  13. Kimmie

    December 27, 2008 at 5:21 pm

    Nancy,

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your lovely family…God Bless you! May 2009 bring your family health, happiness and joy!

    Reply
  14. Lana

    December 29, 2008 at 7:13 am

    Hey Nancy, you just made me cry! In a nice way..I am so happy for you! Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful New year! Lana xxx

    Reply
  15. Chris

    December 29, 2008 at 10:33 am

    Oooooooh Nancy!! I am soooo over the moon for you that you finally got your family close and all together again and could share such a wonderful time.
    The photographs are beautiful and the story of Andrew's arrival had me sobbing with you… it has been a long time for you and I'm sure he appreciated the love that has followed his every move from you while he was away.
    You obviously have such a great devotion to your family Nancy and it touches my heart to see your joy return :D
    hugs
    Chris xx

    Reply
  16. Jedi Sue

    December 30, 2008 at 6:55 pm

    YAY!!!! That's the best news I've heard all day!!!

    Reply
  17. Cora

    December 31, 2008 at 6:30 am

    Nancy,
    It is so great to see Andrew home safe and sound. I hope your holiday was wonderful. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  18. purplepaint

    January 1, 2009 at 6:56 am

    Nancy – It's so good to see pics of Andrew back at home! I'm glad he's done with his tour and back on US soil also! I'm sure you had a Merry Christmas! Marva

    Reply
  19. Anne

    January 22, 2009 at 8:35 am

    What a fabulous Christmas! Definitely one to remember! :-)

    Reply

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