If he were closer, there would be no hesitation. He is who we would choose. We have some great doctors and nurses, no doubt. But the one who has provided a “Lott” of hope and continuous encouragement is one we have never physically met.

So I want to start my HAPPY New Year in February and celebrate these anniversaries: the shortest month moving into Spring, the beautiful red and pink colors, the love month, the month of roses and Reese’s hearts (I mean come on), the Superbowl month, the month our first child was born, the month of future hope, and the month we have and continue to celebrate so many happy anniversaries and events.

We have to give ourselves those moments when the inner toddler is relentless. Let it go, and then remind ourselves that we must move beyond the infant stage and make the best of the current world we have.

So laying any other struggles aside, I dare not forget this. We can often overlook how much God has done. How could I? But yet, I am human, and from the beginning of time, we have been guilty of this.

Recently, as he has stepped into and embraced this newest role, I am confronted with the truth that only a man stands in my little boy’s shadow.

She smiled, prayed for us, and kept showing up continuously. I know there were many silent tears, but she swiftly wiped them away and moved forward.

We remembered the world through the sparkly, innocent eyes of a one and three-year-old. We embraced being perfectly imperfect, but we had merry moments and made some great memories! Most of all, we didn’t think about a monster that threatens to steal what we cherish most.

This man’s red is not a shiny red suit, but his form creates scarlet shadows. As we think of him at Christmas, lying in a manger, in a stable, keeping company with the animal babies, we are oblivious to red destiny encompassing his very entry into the world.

Forgiveness is the best form of love…
It takes a strong person to say sorry…
And an even stronger person to forgive…

If compelled to, go ahead and give. In the best-case scenario, you truly helped someone.  And guess what? If they lied to you, scammed you, bought a bottle, or anything else, God will sort that out. That is the part of it that truly is not our job!