2009 Christmas Greeting

Hello, dear friends and family, it’s that time
when we reflect on months gone by and choose
a few events to highlight Kennel news
by crafting them to speak in rhythm and rhyme.
No bouncy poetry for me this year.
Sometimes I feel I’m mired in Advent’s theme
of darkness, grief and loss. Were it a dream
I’d gladly wake, make way for Christmas cheer.
For sure, our year has been the usual mix
of fun, new life, and laughter. Still a cloud
has threatened to envelop like a shroud
with pain-filled situations we can’t fix.
No matter the specifics we still say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



The New Year dawned ‘mid war and much unrest,
the economic future an unknown.
So many suffer, life pared to the bone,
but in the midst we know that we are blessed.
The sun still greets the day with warmth and light,
reminding us of mercies ever new.
The rain refreshes, as does morning dew,
inviting us to walk by faith, not sight.
Our children and grandchildren bring a thrill.
We look in little eyes and sense their joy
and curiosity, each girl and boy
an eager, open heart that we can fill.
What privilege we have, and this we say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



Yet oft’ we’ve taken note through circumstance
that life and death marched forward side by side,
a cycle that can never be denied.
Unwelcome partners, they are Dirge and Dance.
The Kennel and the Headings fam’lies had
some festive times. The memories are dear--
more precious when soon after, I do fear,
we got a call, this time the news was bad.
My younger brother, Ron, had passed away,
a sudden loss that makes no sense. We mourn.
He touched our lives, and still our hearts are torn,
his death, a myst’ry dimming thoughts to grey.
And yet with certainty of heart, we say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



The dance of life goes on with good news, too.
Our children all are active, doing well
with work and play and stories fun to tell
of toddler antics, stunts the kiddies do.
The year brought growth upon our fam’ly trees.
How joyfully we welcomed each new birth.
Two gifts from God, and who can say their worth?
The future will be shaped by such as these.
The first was Evelyn Grace, her birth a thrill
to Nate and Terah, Bella and the boys.
And then came Lucas James, he added joys
at home with Steve and Fran, Logan and Lil.
We count our many blessings and we say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



Our projects kept us home —more work than play
with one or two exceptions. In the fall
the AETA met in Montreal
and we delighted in our time away.
A vineyard now is growing on our hill.
The hours of labor Larry, Steve and Scott
devoted brought results. The barn has got
a new roof, too. More time is needed ‘til
a total transformation is complete.
We’ll stay in touch. You’ll be the first to know!
Meantime, we’ll keep on working, on the go.
We think to work for friends is quite a treat.
As we reflect and end this note, we pray
That gratitude and Love have hemmed YOUR day!