Tony.

On Friday our dear friend, Tony, died. He was diagnosed with alzheimer's disease last year and his pancreatic cancer diagnosis came in April of this year. It has been a slow, painful decline. And now? Heaven has become just a little spicier.

Tony was all American with a Mexican heritage. He was a solid citizen and a good Catholic man. He, and his wife, Lupe, were some of the first people to make Macho feel welcome at church. Tony was a man's man. 130 pounds of Mexican charisma. He was the man with the candy in his pockets for the children and without being offensive at all - he was always sweetly complimentary to the ladies. He and Lupe were steadfast and always were the worker bees when church things needed doing.

We will miss him. Tremendously.

October got past...I failed to post "Ink-tober" instagram photos. November is slipping by without my usual "gratitude" posts. And. I am more relaxed for it. Too many other things to think about and do. Yet. I am so grateful for this life. Even in the death of a friend I find the thanksgiving. I am so thankful to have known Tony. And to have been his friend. He added color to the world. To my world. To Macho's world. We loved him. And. He loved us back. That is enough to be thankful for.

We are gearing up for holiday mayhem. I will hold off our Thanksgiving meal until Friday, when our children and grandchildren will arrive. The feast will begin mid-day. And last until everyone is sated. Games will be played. Memories made.

Family Christmas gatherings are in the works. It is getting harder to gather with all the different work schedules. For extended family. And immediate family. Even though it is getting harder I still look forward to all the little miracles that lead us to celebrate the birth of God's love for us. The light in the windows. The lights on the trees. Candy canes and gifts under the tree. Angels everywhere. The good cheer that goes round. The softening of hearts. The outpouring of charity. Love.

Spread some kindness today.
Shalom.