It has most certainly been an incredible year. Incredible for its challenges, and losses, its love, and its lessons. This was among the most difficult holidays. But, as a "Cook Sister" and daughter of our mother, we know that we need to set ourselves aside at this time of year, and think of others and how we may make the holidays pleasant for them. We will tend to ourselves later.
Inspite of all the challenges, I was a trooper. Even when I didn't want to be. Even when I barely had the energy to lift my head from its pillow each morning. Even when it seemed no one else cared about any of it. But I was going to get through.
The tree was found among the moving rubble and put up (about 4 days before Christmas). The presents were bought and wrapped. The holiday food was purchased and prepared, being sure each family favorite was included. The words "Merry Christmas" were spoken to many.
Going through the motions to instill a memory for this holiday, Sam and I went to Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. I was wanting to be sure to make my mother proud, while always asking myself how she could have gotten through all of this with six kids, when I was struggling with far fewer.
Continuing to make my memories, I gathered my digital camera for Christmas morning pictures. Taking a picture of the Christmas tree with gifts beneath, my camera seemed to almost stutter at the effort to take the picture.
As I looked at the digital screen the message appeared.... "The Battery is Exhausted".... not "low battery"... not "replace battery"... but "The Battery is Exhausted".
I knew exactly what the problem was... my own battery was ... exhausted!
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