Christmas Tree 2006

Our New Tradition

We decorated our tree today. This was something we had put off because we would be spending Christmas break on vacation in Disney World this year and we did not intend to cut down a live tree (as we have the past 4 years) due to the watering that it needed and that we planned on being away from home spending time with our families. However, John woke up this morning and announced that he wanted us to have a white tree this year to start a new tradition. We found a suitable “artificial” white tree and bought blue lights that matched the blue and silver color palette that Melissa has established as our family Christmas color aptly called “Winter Wonderland”. Christmas sounds and songs filled the air in our home as we decorated this new tree and we were very surprised at how beautiful the tree turned out. Melissa then commented, “I think we found our new tradition.”
With the death of Austin, Melissa’s youngest brother, still fresh in everyone’s mind the one year anniversary of his tragic loss is fast approaching on December 25th. Christmas this year will be especially meaningful for our families but mostly for the incredible way Austin’s death has brought us so much closer over the last year. We have cried together, hugged, held hands, prayed, listened, talked, made meals together and created so many lasting memories. This Christmas we will be most thankful that we are all together.