Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s 12:05 a.m., December 25, 2011.  I promised myself I wouldn’t stay up this late, but I am here anyway.  Tomorrow I’ll be so tired and unable to fake a smile in front of everyone come afternoon.  But I must get one thing under control before I go to bed.

I arrange all the kids’ presents neatly on their Thomas the Train table.  I just finished wrapping the last one.  The green Peanuts paper is for the boys, the Snoopy-covered red is for my little girl.  They make a pretty picture on the table.  I consider snapping a photo, proof of hard work and commitment in this season of emotional chaos, but I am too tired to grab my camera.  I simply sit on the steps for a moment to let my thoughts settle.