The best Christmas present

I was really surprised this Christmas. Twice! My sweet husband got me what I really really wanted, even though he wasn't supposed to buy me anything (ahem!). I fully intended to save my money through my birthday to get it myself.  That cheater. He rocks.

I got a lot more than that this Christmas.  I got the absolutely priceless gift of watching my kids light up with each gift. (Pictures soon!) I got to see my "Secret Santa" family member figure out who I was. I even got a beautiful gift from Julia that she made just for me (and her dad) while away at school.  But, the best gift I got this year isn't like any of those.

This year, I opened a package and found a raw, true labor of love from my daddy.  As it turns out, he has spent the first part of this whole year writing a book!  He is now a published author, and his story is dedicated to me and my brother.  Nobody knew he was busy writing this book - not even his wife. He kept it a secret so that the masterpiece could be opened on Christmas morning!  This book was given to me, my brother and my step-mom (aka OM) on Christmas morning. As each of us opened our individual presents, we were startled and confused...  how could someone have spent so much time, so much creative energy and done so much writing without telling anybody about it during the process!?!

I buried my nose in this book immediately and read for the first hour of the morning until breakfast was ready.  The kids were happy with their new toys and delights, Rich was busy baking his awesome homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, and OM and I were sitting on the couch, our noses buried in this book while dad was channel surfing the tv.

I was selfishly resentful when I had to put the book down to eat my breakfast. I was sad when I realized I'd have to put the book away and spend the rest of my day with the rest of my amazing family. I turned pages while I was undressing for my shower. I turned pages while I blow-dryed my hair.  I turned a page while I was tying my shoes.  Then, I put the book aside and spent the rest of Christmas day with the family - we drove to my MIL's house and enjoyed tons of fabulous comfort food, lots of candies and cookies, and we played games while the "kids" played downstairs. Then, we opened presents and more presents and more presents and marvelled at all the fun stuff the kids (and adults!) got. We played some wii together. We cried tears of laughter together while playing the Game of Things. Then we ate some more and played some more and had dessert together...  and (thankfully?), the day flew by justlikethat.  Although it was a long, relaxing day, it flew by in an instant! And when we got home, we bathed the kids, put them to bed, and I once again buried my nose in this book!

Then, I woke up and read some more, and I didn't - I couldn't - put the thing down until I had turned the very last page.  I finished reading at two or three in the afternoon, and then I handed the book off to my wonderful husband, laced up my running shoes and spent the next half hour outside in some freezing cold fresh air to process what I had just read.  It was the first time I'd ran at all in about four months.

My dad amazes me. He amazes me with his heroism. He amazes me with his heart. He amazes me with his writing talent. He amazes me with this history, with his values, with his understanding of society. He even amazes me with his ability to pull off such a surprise, such a gift at just the right moment.  He's completely humbling, very inspiring, and downright amazing.

And maybe when I'm done thinking about all of this and pondering his character and sorting through my emotions, maybe I'll be able to tell you more about this BOOK! 

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