Today started with a Yahoo headline that caught my attention. It was about a 24-year-old U.S. soldier, Spc. Bowe Bergdahl, from Hailey, Idaho who is being held captive in Afghanistan. The story caught my eye because Bergdahl looked terrible while the Taliban soldier looked giddy. When I read that Bergdahl was from Idaho, it brought the situation even closer. I called Jessie, in Idaho, to tell her about the headline and she thanked me for putting a downer to her day ...from the start.

My Aunt emailed just after that, saying that my Grandfather is getting weaker by the day. He has been on my mind ALL day long and tears keep flowing. He is 92 and has lived a very full life but it's hard to begin to let go of the head of our living family tree. He has created so many beautiful places. My mind loves to go back to his campground and swim in the deep water with the sugar sand beach ...and run on the rock wall that designated the boat harbor. I can easily put myself in his Crestliner boat, fishing in his favorite spots. Family stories, and family character shape so much of the future and GrandDad's are full of confidence, strength, humor and so so much perseverance. The fact that he is fading now is so hard for me to think about ...it's not in his character.

Jessie called at lunch and said 50 more people were "let go," including someone she's seen put his heart into the company. She was upset because so many coworkers are left with stress and questions NOW ...winter, Christmas, new year.

All I could do after our conversation was bake chocolate chip cookies. Strange choice but it seemed a necessity. Now, I'm left thinking about how our Christmas tree is lit-up all day long, but it's not until the darkness surrounds us that the tree really has a presence. Every decoration represents something of our history but I don't contemplate it until nightfall. GrandDad is a great hero in my life. He has the most handsome full head of hair, parted on the Left side. I part mine on the Left too. GrandDad's has a wavy curl that gives him such distinction. I am YOUR granddaughter, Grandfather.

I pray for all of those who are letting go during the holidays. I pray that the illumination finds you and that you are embraced by love. I pray that Bowe Bergdahl comes home, to Idaho, safely.