This is our 19th Christmas letter in 21 seasons of Christmas as husband and wife. Remembering our Savior and sharing our lives with each other is a great way to end every year.
This has been a difficult year for Jackie’s side of the family.
Early in the year, we learned that Jackie’s mother’s battle with cancer was not over. This year, her healing came in the form of a new body for Ruby. Much of Jackie and Becca’s summer was in Indiana spending precious time with Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of the family.
For a family that is steeped in traditions of laughter, activity, fellowship and helping others, this was a very different summer. One full of tears, comfort, pain, prayer and song. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of stress, but it was always balanced with promise and hope.
Over Thanksgiving, we continued on with the Etsinger traditions without Grandma with joy and sorrow. Each of the daughters helped Grandpa with the meal and Aunt Shirley brought balloons to send off with a message of thanks associated with the privilege of knowing Ruby as a wife, mother or grandmother.
The community response in Wakarusa and Nappanee brought back fond memories. We miss it dearly and have questioned our placement in Lexington more this year than ever before.
But now we look to the new. The new year, a new marriage Stephanie ( Jackie’s niece ) married Peter in the spring and new life as we take Ruby’s role of dropping subtle hints about finding suitable partners, getting married and starting families like hers and her children’s.
In this season of Christmas, we pray that you have the grace, peace and hope that Christ offers before, during and after death. ENJOY LIFE NOW!
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