Christmas Eve, 07

It’s the night before Christmas and out on the lake,
The stars are all shining and nowhere a flake.
Ben and Penny hung stockings by the chimney with care,
Then drove off to Michigan to be with family there.

Barb and I alone nestled snug in the bed,
While visions of family arriving dance in our heads.
Sleep will not or’ take us, anticipation reigns supreme,
As the day draws near in fulfillment of a dream.

It was in September when Kari moved into our home,
Giving us freedom for the country to roam.
We drove off in earnest but our hearts were so torn,
To leave our new Janie, Nathan and Cailyn had born.

Listening to Ms Garmin for directional tips.
We drove off the interstates for many side trips.
Discovering family history in the Dakotas and Minn,
And blogging the story to friend and kin.

Meeting friends from Maine to the Carolinas,
After Barb lit the lights over the Niagaras.
NY, Philly, D.C., and Boston so welcoming,
The numerous battlefields so disheartening.

From cornfields to museums to the Statue of Liberty,
This land so abundant, not all we can see.
That this country is bountiful and oh, so blessed,
As we on this trip have carefully assessed.

That God affords us the right and the reason,
To make every day a celebration of His creation.
That family and friends are wherever we roam,
Even though thoughts often harken towards home.

Our prayers are with you on this warm winter night,
We hope that you bask in the promise of Light.
The anticipation of Grace we all can afford,
We wish you blessings on the Night of our Lord.

So back to the anticipation, in just a few days,
Our family will gather on the dock in this bay.
Ben, Penny, Kari, Nathan, Cailyn and little Janie so dear,
Will gather with us to celebrate the New Year.