The Christmas Shoes

A couple of weeks ago we bought what appeared to be a cute Christmas movie titled “The Christmas Shoes.” The movie is based on the song “Christmas Shoes” – if you haven’t heard it, you absolutely must! Be warned though, it is known to cause emotion; have your tissues handy. As you might imagine the movie, being based on the song is also quite the tear jerker. I won’t tell you about the whole movie (even though I really want to) jus t in case you choose to watch it yourself. But, there are two characters that start the movie at the grave sites of their mothers and then the movie is about how they got to that place and at the end they are shown again at the cemetery. The idea behind them being at the cemetery was it was their mother’s favorite time of year, so that is when they choose to go visit their graves.

As you know, Roy’s mom passed away 10 years ago this past July (unbelievable that it has been long ago) and her favorite time of her was Christmas. Fortunately for us, her name was Joy and we always have our home decked out in Joy paraphernalia (actually year round, but more so at Christmas). Our boys, being among the youngest of her grandchildren, didn’t get to know her before we lost her (Austin had just turned 1 and Bryce was -2) so we try very hard to make sure they know her regardless of whether they got to meet her or not. In continuation of this effort, we decided it was a good opportunity to take a road trip to Cisco today to decorate Grandma’s grave.

Our first stop on the way out of town was Wal-Mart. We picked up a plain ol’ wreath and the boys helped pick out some décor for it.

Here are some of the photos:

It is hard to tell, but the little figurine is an angel with a song book. For those of you never met Joy, she loved to sing! The metal JOY ornament is identical to one that hangs on our tree.

Everyone had a jolly time while we reminisced and continued telling the boys all about her… until… Austin asked if we could have a prayer. His prayer went something like this, “Dear God, thank you for these stories of Grandma. Please help her to be happy and having a lot of fun in heaven. Please help us to be good so we can have fun with her some day; in your son, Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I don't think any more words are needed on that subject.

Following the cemetery, we took the boys to the lot where Roy grew up (the house burned in 1996). The basketball goal that Roy and his siblings used to play on was still there and the boys were quite thrilled about getting to see that.

It is the little things in life, after all!

On the way back home, we stopped in Abilene and had dinner with our nephew, Josh and his lovely wife Jill, and our niece, Jenny.

We enjoyed getting to see you guys and visit for a while! Thanks for meeting us!

All in all, the whole day was well worth the trip!

Merry Christmas to all (don’t get too excited – it’s not like this will be my final posting before Christmas – I’m just feeling the spirit of the season is all)!