Approaching December

This Christmas, my step-adopted father passed away 10 years ago. He went by Hank, his given name was Julius Henry ...... he was a career U.S. Marine and to this day I proudly wear his "Retired Marine" sweatshirt. It is nearly threadbare. My mom, Alena, had one also about being a Marine's Wife was a tougher job ... I have that sweatshirt still, but had to pack it up ... it too is treadbare and I don't want to wash it again. My mom passed 9 years ago this December, she didn't make it to Christmas. Oh, how I miss them both. Not only them also my brother Mark, My father Arthur, My grand Hattie, My grand Anne and the only grandfather I ever knew and still so love, Charles. My uncle Sam (he was a Charles but when he converted to Judism he change it to Sam), My Aunts Pat and Ophelia. I think of my other Uncle Gene and wonder if he still walks here on earth. I can't seem to recall Ophelias husbands name, but he was the mayor of Kingsville, Texas in the late 60's and early 70's ... oh, it was J.R. Manning thats what it was!
I am so very thankful to my Abba in heaven, my true Father, oh how I long to see Him and the one that saved my soul, Jesus! Yesterday was Thanksgiving and Matthew called, was a blessing to hear his voice. We both long for the day we are called home.