Last night I suddenly realized.

My kitchen was sparkling clean. I rinsed the mop out and watched the cloudy water drain from the sink. The fresh smell of lemon. I hear the deep laughter of my husband and son bouncing from our walls as they watch David Letterman. We started this day with a trip to Shoney's breakfast bar so these two guys could eat their fill on eggs, bacon, biscuits and such. I smile to myself. It has been a full day again. Saying my goodnites to everyone, I collapse into bed. I start my prayers and suddenly my head remembers why this Christmas is so special. Next year, our son will be coming home from college for his break. My mind is awakened at this thought. I no longer feel the tiredness that once was covering me like a blanket. I continue to pray and my words turn into praise to my Heavenly Father. Our son has been a complete joy. He isn't perfect, no I don't have the last perfect child or anything like that. What I do have is a young man who has been trustworthy, honest, patient and kind. My prayer becomes tender. I am humbled at the thought of this Christmas season. I remember all the previous ones and smile. They have all been dear to me. We have been looking for an XBOX 360 until two days before Christmas and found one. My husband was putting a Barbie runway together at 4am, hoping no one would wake up and find us. Our children would get their baths, put their pajamas on and we would ride around town looking at Christmas lights until they would fall asleep on the way home. I offer my thankfulness as I end my prayer for the night and think about that young fellow sitting in his chair playing XBOX as I told him goodnight. I can hardly believe it is time for this to be his final Christmas before college. He has simply been a delight. I am so proud to be his mother and so thankful we have a daughter who has two more years with us. I just not ready for the complete empty nest thing. Merry Christmas everyone and stop to notice why this one is so special.