This year is a little different for Christmas. It’s the first year we didn’t put up Lola’s angel tree. I feel guilty about it but in my heart I know she would understand. I am not feeling in the spirit this year but trying my best for the boys. We decided as a family to buy a special tree this year, it’s smaller, colored lights. We put up a handful of Lola’s angels on it and then replicated the tree my Grandma Van Haveren had. Her ornaments ( angels too), vintage tree topper, and even her silver garland around the tree. Finley and I still purchased our angel ornament of the year for Lola. It’s a small crystal angel accented with champagne gold. On the description it says that it stands for peace, love, hope, and light. I knew it was the one. Perfect for Lola. Next year her tree will be back up, maybe things will feel a little more normal somehow.
My dad and I sponsored a foster child in Sheboygan for Lola before he passed. He actually delivered it on Thursday before he got sick. It was fun to order a Barbie Dream Van, Christmas Barbie of the year, and books for a child that may have not had a Christmas otherwise. He loved bringing in the toys, giving was so important to him. Especially in Lola’s honor.
I received a card today from a high school friend. She wrote in it, “I can’t imagine how it was when your Dad and Lola reunited.” She sent along a beautiful gold glittery butterfly and told me this reminded me of them, together.
Happy Holidays.
Love- The Mother of an angel
