This first December in Texas calls for celebrating new traditions as well as continuing old ones.
Monday for Evan’s 41st birthday, we planned a fire pit hotdog roast in our backyard with all the Texas family. Doug had the idea to set up one of Evan’s camp chairs in honor of him. His idea meant a lot to me, something tangible and ordinary. We shared memories or “Evan stories” and finish out the evening by roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Sadly, some of the family missed out due to a nasty stomach flu that hit our family hard.
Our tree is up and decorated, something Evan insisted we wait to do until AFTER his birthday. Lights are strung outside and a creche in the front yard. The manger will remain empty until December 24th.
Xhiv put this together in honor of her brother. She wanted to pass this part of family history on to her nieces and nephews.
Even after three tours of duty in the army, Evan would come home for Christmas and look for his slug ornament on our tree. He always made us laugh.
All those years ago, we had not an inkling that we’d be sharing his story with his nieces and nephews and that Xhiv would find books about Christmas slugs! Isn’t life strange and lovely?
Inundated with Love 
Great memories lani. Evan will always be there in spirit.
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