Holiday Bessings

I have been doing as many wonderful Christmassy things as I can. I love the joy Christmas brings to people. I have lights in my dorm (thanks, Dad), a pink tree (thanks, Mom) and a bunch of gifts for my friends and family. My Christmas season started off in our Chapel.

I read a passage from the Bible in the annual Christmas service the College puts on. That was so much fun. I had the choir behind me and had the privilege of experiencing the power of live singing. I want to thank the College for letting me be a part of that magical night. And I am thankful that the lift worked and that nothing went wrong with my DynaVox. I got to teach about 100 people that night that communication can come in many different forms which was a gift in itself. Along with being grateful for a multitude of blessings throughout the year, I am always reminded that it is a gift that I have this fabulous power to teach people.

The weekend after that, my dorm became Santa's workshop. Kids, it is of course a metaphor, of course Santa's workshop is in the North Pole! I sent out twenty five packages to my friends in Minnesota. It was absolute craziness! I did not have a bed; it was covered in wrapping paper and gifts. I know that the majority of you up in Minnesota have not gotten these packages so don't count on this post to give away anything!

That is about all I have done so far. I have been extremely stressed with finals. I had two twenty five minute group presentations, a seven page paper, an essay test and a skit to perform. Yeah, I've been busy. I have to mention that right before one of my presentations, I'm standing in the coffee line and the back of my chair breaks. I am in the reclining position when I want to be sitting up ready for the presentation. I did have a bit of a meltdown because I am thinking, how the heck am I going to type my paper that is due in two days and my group presentation is in a hour. However, after a few encouraging words from my assistant, Kim I got myself together. I have to give kudos to my dad for driving out the next night to fix my wheelchair.

As for today, in a few hours Dad will once again drive out to Elmhurst and pick me up to go home for two weeks! I am so excited! I get to see all the neighborhood kids ice skate in our backyard. Yes, our back yard becomes a skating rink due to the efforts of several neighborhood dads. They get obsessed but it's actually really nice of them. Also, the Thompson family is hosting their annual Christmas party!

I absolutely, positively love this party! Everyone who makes our life good and meaningful is there and they all make a point of talking to me which is the greatest feeling in the world! In addition to this joy, I am also reminded of how far I have come. Some of our guests held me when I was hours old and now when they embrace me; I am this tall, intelligent young woman who leads a wonderful life. So to see people who held me at birth, then seeing me slung over my father's shoulder getting carried to bed to the present which is talking to me about college and my aspirations. It's pretty meaningful. I consider this party a reminder from God that I am doing well and that my life is filled with love.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. You are all in my hearts year round but this time of year, you are being thought of even more than usual. Thank you for continuously lighting up my life.

May you be blessed this season and have a wonderful New Year!

Can't Wait to go Home,

Hannah!