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

Monday, December 1, 2008

Out with the turkeys and in with the Christmas trees!

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Happy December! Whew, I can't believe it is already December 1st..it seems like just yesterday it was the 4th of July! Is it just me, or does it seem that time passes more quickly than it did a few years ago?!?

We arrived safely last night at 2 a.m. and were excited to see our snow covered car at the Denver airport! The kids were hoping to sled today, but most of the snow was melted by the time we made it home. What a change from sunny 70 degree weather in California to the current 21 degrees outside! :-) After enjoying a few minutes outside on the lawn to savor the little snow remaining, carrying the luggage in, sorting mail, etc...our heads finally touched our pillows by 3 a.m.

We were all tired this morning, but the kids were anxious to get the Christmas decor up so Tom brought at least a dozen Christmas boxes up from the basement inbetween watching the Raiders play. He's a good man and even boxed up all the Thanksgiving decor for me! He had furniture to move to make way for the tree and we both noticed today that while unpacking, doing laundry, carrying boxes up stairs, etc...that the older we get, the more tiring each task becomes! hee hee My ablity to stay up until the wee hours of the night to get everything accomplished seems to have just vanished! So, many tasks remain undone...the laundry can sit, the groceries can wait, and I shall go to bed instead of decorating the Christmas tree! There are still 24 more days, right?! :-)

My mom sounded so strong today on the phone and we had such an enjoyable visit with her during this past week. Time is short so we had her open her Christmas gift early, and she was so excited to enjoy it! (I think it was the perfect gift, but someone else I know is also getting one so it must remain a secret for now!) Each day brings new challenges, but she never lets those setbacks get her down. I continue to be amazed with her cheerful disposition despite a very grim prognosis. I don't think I could ever feel sorry for myself again after seeing the grace with which she has faced such a difficult year. As cancer claims each dignity we all take for granted, she continues to smile, to be grateful, and to inspire me! I will continue to keep you updated on how she is doing in the coming weeks.

Enjoy the holiday season, take time to relax, and spend time with someone you love!

Happy December 1st!

7 comments:

ShutUpandRun said...

Glad you made it home safely and that it was a nice visit with your mom. You know I was thinking of you!!

Sue said...

I'm glad you had such a wonderful trip! As always, the pictures are terrific and it's good to see your mom still smiling and enjoying her days. She's an inspiration... you all are.

Have a super day... and yes, the time is flying by!!!

Kim said...

You really do get a lot done each day Denise! Whew~

Got your sweet Christmas card in the mail today. The picture of the kids turned out so well. Love the new christmas blog layout and music too! I will get there eventually. Working on cards a little at a time, keep watching the mail :-)

p.s. enjoyed all the photos from your trip...

Liz Harrell said...

I'm so glad to hear that you had a good holiday with your mom.

Shannon said...

Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving!! :)

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for sending me the card and updating lorraine's condition. lorraine and i were friend while in college at webster in st louis. i visited her one time in southern california.lorraine is a special person.
judy wright, owensboro,ky i used my neighbor's computer

glitzen said...

I'm so glad you were able to spend time with your mom, it sounds like you sure had fun together. She must be such a wonderful mom, I can tell from the pictures.
glad the Christmas tree is going to come together as well! I got a big smile on my face when I thought about her getting TWO this year. Good for her!