Things Aren’t Always Full of Cheer

Things aren’t always full of cheer. That may sound a little hard to hear right after the holidays, but it’s how I feel right now. Let me explain.

Things Aren't Always Full of Cheer | The Bearfoot Baker

Photo By Christopher Burns

Christmas, winter and celebrating The New Year are things I look forward to all year long. Everyone’s heart is full of cheer and love. Well, this year was different for my family. Yes, we all were full of the Christmas spirit and looking forward to celebrating the holidays with our family, but my husband’s father was sick. He’s been sick for a while and he passed away on December 28, 2017.

J.L. was an amazingly talented man. He could play the guitar like a pro, build anything your heart desired including a guitar, grow veggies that would make anyone’s heart happy, paint beautiful pictures, and he was a great father, father-in-law, and grandfather.

I like woodworking years ago so he’d buy me tools for Christmas and make little jokes about how he was the only man he knew that could do that for his daughter-in-law. He was a really nice guy. He always had something nice to say about other people.

I am relieved he isn’t in pain or suffering anymore. I know he’s in a better place and I’m very thankful for that. It’s just hard. It’s hard because I’m human. I wanted him to stay here with us. That’s a very selfish thing to say, but my heart is broken. Broken because he was one of the nicest people in my life. If I was sad, he’d say something to lift my spirits. If I was worried, he would talk about something I loved so I’d stop thinking of what I was worried about.

To say he was kind was an understatement. He was a good man that I respected and loved. Seeing how he treated my husband and children made my heart grow. I miss him. God is with me and He will see me through this. He is my rock. He is my strength and He will help me heal.

Things Aren’t Always Full of Cheer

Thank you, Lord, for giving me an amazing father-in-law. Thank you for being my rock, my fortress and helping me with this healing process. I’m glad J.L. is in heaven with you, and I’m glad you’re here helping us remember the good times we’ve shared with him.

I’m very sorry for not being around as much as I wanted during this holiday season. I didn’t get all my emails answered or didn’t make the Christmas cookies I had planned, but I did enjoy time with my family. I hope you made some memories this year.

I’m in the kitchen baking again and will be back soon with tutorials, tips, and sweet treats. Until then, I love you all!

Bear hugs,

Lisa