It hits when I least expect it

I was folding laundry, my mind in a far off spot thinking about who knows what. Then it hits like a lightning bolt out of a clear blue sky. I miss Dakota. With Christmas approaching, thoughts of what I am missing, what my parents missing is fresh in my mind. I realize that the Christmas holiday hasn't been the same since 2001, his last with us. We go through the motions but really, all our minds are on the emptoy spot with us and within us. I know he's not what Christmas is about and while I don't forget the real reason for the season, I also realize that the magic of Christmas is more real, more special, more fun when there are children around. Granted, he'd be 9 so not the little kid embedded in my memory, but still someone to spoil and to love and to make us laugh.

Christmases Past

1997

3 1/2 months old and oh so fragile and oh so precious.

1998

His biggest brother was the best--he loved him so much.

1 year, 3 1/2 months

1999 (I think)

With his papaw.

2 years, 3 1/2 months

2000
Ready to dig in.

3 years, 3 1/2 months

2001

Fully immersed in the Christmas spirit.

His last Christmas to physically spend with his family.

4 years, 3 1/2 months

Less than 7 months later, he was taken from us.