The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Sunday, December 7, 2008

"Everyday Unwrapped"

candles Pictures, Images and Photos
In the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, do you ever just "sit" and notice what is around you...who is around you...and appreciate what life would be like without all that we find comfortable, sure, and certain? For several years now I have been focusing on appreciating those little moments, the small moments in a day that we often take for granted.

Emily from the blog "Chatting at the Sky" (you can find a link to her blog on our sidebar to the right) is doing a special awareness today on appreciating those little moments. I am joining in her request for readers to post an entry today about something small, yet noticed in their everyday lives. She is calling it, "Everyday Unwrapped" where we each "unwrap" the gift of today.

Here's what I noticed over the past several weeks Emily...

BEAUTY in red berries peeking behind a snow covered bush...

And snow covered pine branches...

JOY in watching children sled down a hill...

MAGIC in the twinkling of Christmas lights...

CONTENTMENT in smelling a delicious dinner in the oven and candles burning sweet apple pie fragrance...

FAITH in the power of love...watching our daughter read book after book to Grandma Lorraine. Even though brain cancer has affected her cognitive skills, the only response Grandma had was, "Sure, read another honey!" And Ashlyn was happy to do so, knowing that this visit could be the last with Grandma.

HOPE in the goodness of people...for all those who have brought meals, ran errands, sent a note of encouragement, and prayed for my mother throughout her cancer journey.

HAPPINESS in appreciating that my parents lives have molded mine...
NOTICING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT in small gestures...this may be my mom's last Christmas, and if it is, there are so many who are helping to make it a happy one...a friend bringing a fresh tree, caregivers who decorate, who make hot cocoa, and play Christmas music...
Hot maxican cocoa Pictures, Images and Photos
The gift of GIVING...at church people are "adopting" others who cannot afford to provide a Christmas holiday for their families...
Dentists have come to the church to offer free dental work...
Accountants and attorneys who come to offer free services to those who need it... Folks telling others to "be careful and drive safely" after a fresh snow...

There are so many small moments that I notice everyday, my list could go on and on. Thank you Emily for brining our attention to a great topic of APPRECIATION!

What small moment have you "unwrapped" today?

19 comments:

Kim said...

You are an incredible person. I love you very much.

My unwrapped moments would be:
*singing christmas carols with those you love
*laughter of friends
*getting a christmas card with a note from someone you weren't expecting to hear from
*the blessing of giving instead of receiving

glitzen said...

I embrace this concept with my whole heart, and thank you for posting about it. I try to do this, and its through my camera lens that sometimes my heart nearly breaks with the simple beauty of a moment captured. I wish I didn't let so much get by me already!
I will have to "unwrap" some gifts on my blog too. Thank you.

The Nester said...

Great post! I want to embrace and enjoy watching my boys sled down a snowy hill too! If it would only snow!

emily freeman said...

Wonderful, wonderful post. I love every single unwrapped gift. Thank you for your perspective.

Christi said...

I love your post - very well said! And look at all that snow! I haven't seen that much snow in all my life added together!

Bee said...

Oh, snow. That would certainly be a gift for me, but I can live vicariously through your pictures. They will be one of my "everyday joys" today.

I'm humbled by your post and am wishing your mother the best Christmas ever.

Anonymous said...

Your post left me in tears, but the good kind, I promise! Thank you for sharing with us. I loved each and every photo, each word unwrapped like a gift itself. We miss your part of the country (I am from Idaho, so not sooo close to you but I can relate to the beauty of God's handiwork in nature). God Bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful! I pray that this Christmas with your mom will be full of complete and beautiful joy-- one to look back on and remember with smiles.

Liz Harrell said...

This is such a touching and cheerful post, and lovely pictures. Thank you.

EEEEMommy said...

What a beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing! I will be praying for your family, that you would continue to see God's blessings even in the midst of trials!

This Little Hen said...

thank you for stopping by my blog, and thank you for noticing the gifts in life. I pray that your mother enjoys every second of this holiday season ans that you all have a very blessed Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Lovely moments! Thank you for sharing and I pray that you have even more wonderful memories of your Mother this Christmas and into the new year.

p.s. cute blog design ;)

Sue said...

Denise... you constantly amaze me. Thank you for this beautiful post, and for reminding us of the important moments in life.

My unwrapped moments for today:

* a note from a friend who was thinking of me
* the ability to put off errands for a friend who had the time to pop by
* the laughter of my girls while telling me about their day at school

Thank you for being my friend!

Miss G said...

This is a lovely post! Thank you so much for sharing it. I wandered over from emily's of course. My parents, one a lifelong Texan and one a Californian until he moved to Texas when he married my mom, as well as my brother and sister-in-law and nephew will all be transplanting to Colorado within the year. I have only been to Colorado once and look forward to getting to know more about your new state. I may check out more of your blog to see more pics of snow and such. I pray that this Christmas continues to be full of blessings and that God gives you the strength and presence of mind to notice. Kelly

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing all these wonderful moments! We are also trying to focus on the little things in life that make us happy especially during this busy time. We have been enjoying our lights twinkling at night. Warm Christmas Wishes to everyone! Miss you lots!!!!

Emily said...

What a beautiful post! What a great way to put the true meaning in Christmas....Thanks for the comment love!

*Just Jen* said...

What a beautiful post, brought a tear to my eye. We don't know eachother, but my prayer's go out to your mother. Happy Holidays!

Unknown said...

what a great post! It was beautiful! I wish it would snow here so bad.

Little Oak Table said...

Wow, what an awesome post! I enjoyed it tons!