My best presents this year didn't come in a box, wrapped with a bow.

My two sons and their families with me over Thanksgiving weekend.

Sitting in church and listening and watching my son Tom as he stood in the front and sang with the choir. He was completely in the moment.

Visiting my sisters and brother and sharing some time with them. Hearing what is going on in their lives.

The wonderful hecticness of my sister Wendy's family as they run around providing loving opportunities for their daughters to get a great education and explore their varied interests.

Hearing about my sister Bonnie's opportunity to own her own business and provide opportunities for her and her daughter Dawn as well as indirectly for her married daughter Valerie and her husband, Heath.

Witnessing the courage of my brother Bob as he faces a plethora of challenges. I am very proud of him and the hard choices he has made over the years. I am a good business woman but even so I doubt I could have done remotely as well if I had to travel in his shoes the last decade. He inspires me to keep believing in the possibilities of tomorrow.

I had phone calls, cards and notes from people I haven't heard from in a long time. To be remembered, not forgotten is a blessing of joy to me.

One of my best friends is feeling stronger and more healthy than he has in months.

The Titans have won their first playoff game.

My daughter-in-laws are wonderful ladies that share their time with me and in the midst of their hectic family lives do their best to include me in their lives and update me from time to time as to what their family is doing.

Calls from my sons.

My grandchildren Hope, Noah and Jake are life's jackpot of gifts to me. They are fun and make me smile to overflowing.

I live in paradise and have been blessed with unconditional love in my life.

No boxes or bows - my presents this year were too wonderful to be contained.

Lucky me. I hope you are lucky too. Happy New Year!.