Christmas Letter

This is the Christmas letter for this year.

The presents are all opened and the kids are absorbed in their new gifts. It is quiet and Phil is on the couch with Lady. Tilly is on my lap. Mark, Michelle and Michael are still in bed or at least on the lower level. Christmas music is playing and all is peaceful. The sun is shining through the woods and the trees are wrapped in snow. So many windows, every where you look their is beautiful trees and forest. God paints the greatest pictures.

We went to church last night and they had a kids mass. It was wonderful, the kids played out the Christmas story and we were able to get Phil to mass. The usher talked to a man and he willingly gave up his seat, so Phil could sit and see the kids. Then he made sure that someone came down the isle to give him communion.

So many wonderful strangers. So many wonderful friends and family. It is impossible to explain how much everyone has meant to us in the past year. We have taken many trips but the greatest gift we have received in the past year is the people, friends and family and even strangers who have helped us along the way.

As I sit here and see my husband, whom I love dearly, failing, tears come to my eyes. He told me this morning that living through Christmas was his gift to me. I told him I never had a better one. Muriel showed him an ornament and he had trouble telling what it was. He sleeps a lot more now and has trouble tracking things. His conversations are more confusing because he gets so many things mixed up and remembers things all wrong. However, the children and grandchildren are wonderful and so kind to him. He smiles when they show him their things and truly enjoys having them around.

Life is good right now and God has helped us through this journey. Every moment is special. I wish all of you the most blessed Christmas of all. I hope God is special in all your lives as he is in ours. Treasure these moment with family and friends. Finally, never forget to love one another, life is to short.

Judy Ortiz

Phil dictated this added statement:

I want to thank all the people who prayed for us, especially the people who have helped do things for Judy and I to make these last two years beautiful, special, loving and caring. It would not be right to name anyone in particular because all the things that were done, small, medium and large meant something to me in different ways. The tree stump is very close, Amen. God bless, take care and keep the faith. (Thank you, Judy).

Phil Ortiz