God Rest Ye Merry

Translated into modern English: “May God grant you (cause you to have, continue in) peace and happiness.”  

We treasure all the cards and letters we’ve been receiving. They bring comfort and joy to us. Receiving a mixture of sympathy and Christmas cards – reminds us of the mixture of “Congratulations on the birth of a son (Jeremy)” and “our sympathies on the loss of your son (Ryan)” cards – 31 years ago.

The angels told shepherds that they had “news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Included in those “all the people,” were folks like Rachel who refused to be comforted because her children “were no more.” It requires time, love, hope (and more) to come to understand fully our Savior’s rescue from “Satan’s power when we were gone astray,” and its effects, including death itself. This good news grants us the ability to move through these hard days.

2025 was a mixture of pain, sadness, new things and joy.

In February, Joan woke up to severe pain, an abscess within the left side of her face. Immediate surgery was required as the infection could have moved to her brain. Thankfully, she has mostly recovered from that. Later, she battled skin cancer.  Surgery was also successful there (she is still healing).

Coming into the year, Ron’s right eye (his lens implant from years before) was misbehaving. In May, the offending lens was removed. Thankfully, it turns out that he didn’t need a follow up surgery.

Matthew continues to be challenged by the effects of his traumatic brain injury at infancy but seeks to build on his strengths, especially music. He takes voice and French horn lessons. He also attended a weeklong acting camp – culminating in a few key roles in the Kids musical version of Finding Nemo. His greatest contribution was a strong voice (always on pitch, always coming in on time) which helped lead the other children.

At the end of September, we had a big backyard birthday party, complete with a live bluegrass band. We celebrated 93 years (Dad) and 39 years (Kari).       

Shortly after Kari’s death in October, Joan’s dad survived a face plant. The LGH ER did a great job of treating his nose – no follow up surgery required. Less than a week later, our granddaughter Elia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It is sad to see her face this. At the same time, we are amazed at what a trooper she is.

A highlight of our year was attending Joni and Friends Family Retreat in the Poconos. The health of each of us was stable enough that we were able to greatly enjoy it. We are so happy that our retreat had a Christmas theme to it – an early Christmas with Kari part of it. And therefore, the reason we have a 2025 Denlinger Christmas photo that includes her.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas…

O tidings of comfort and joy!