I. Purpose and Greeting
If you have found this blog, it is likely because you were either browsing Blogger organically or you received a physical card in the mail directing you here for additional context. Either way, Merry Christmas to you.
A special Christmas greeting is extended to my loved ones tuning in here. I hope all is well, or as well as can be, wherever you may be.
II. Condolences and Remembrance
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Diana and family for the recent loss of Duncan. He is surely in a better place now, grounded in his faith in Christ.
Warm greetings are also sent to all of Di & Duncan’s family, including Dave, and in particular to those I know personally: Matt & Caitlyn, and their families as well.
III. Extended Family Acknowledgment
With affection and gratitude, greetings are extended to my beloved uncles and aunts, past and present, including: San, Mark, Barb, Lane, Sherwood, Ruth, Gary, Shirley, Faith, Wayne, Kay, Barry, Bruce, Anne, Marv, Barb, Karen, Doug, Mark, Ani, Adam, Teri, Glenn, and Brenda. If I have missed anyone, please know it is unintentional.
Greetings as well to my nephews and nieces, including: Simon, Alice, Reuben, Jonah, Silas, Megan, and Larkin. I know there are more, and I hold all of you in mind even if not listed here.
Cousins remembered with affection include: John, Nick, Mark, Kendra, Sherwood Jr., Dave (the undersheriff), Bill, Brian, Audra, Kurt, Dan, Alyssa, Scott, and Lynn.
Also remembered very affectionately are the children of San & Mark, as well as those of Barb & Lane, whom I have not yet met as adults. Likewise, the children of Mark P., Adam & Ani, and Teri & Glenn are my cousins, though we have not had the opportunity to meet.
I do recall holding one of the babies of Adam & Ani shortly after birth, many years ago in Grand Rapids. It feels like a different lifetime now, a thought I hope to explore further in this Christmas letter.
IV. Prayer and Intentional Remembrance
I hope and pray that all is well for each of you—those I hear from regularly, those I hear from once or twice a year, and those I have not heard from in a very long time. I would genuinely love to hear from you.
Please know that you are intentionally included in my prayers. I spend a great deal of time in deliberate prayer, including prayer for the repose of souls for those who have passed on, a practice rooted in Catholic tradition.
V. Reflections on the Year
It has been quite a year. 2025 is nearly over, and once again I found myself literally all over the map. Travel this year included two trips to the East Coast, many places in between from north to south, and later in the summer, time spent in the Northwest as well.
As the year closes, this note stands as both a greeting and a record of gratitude, remembrance, and continued connection.
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