Dateline: Christmas Eve in Munich

It is 5 p.m. here and getting dark. I am in Lauren's room while she and Mom are in another building do preparation for dinner tomorrow. We have been having a very good week in Munich on our first trip to Europe. It has been wonderful to spend time with Lauren and meet her friends, see where she lives, and get a sense of the challenge and adventure it must be for her to make her way in a different language and society. Weather has been cold and snowing or raining most of the time. We have quickly learned to dress in layers, and the high importance of a good "schal", German for scarf. It is a central item of dress and style. Tonight Lauren will spend at our room so our family will have Christmas together tomorrow morning. We have presents and a small tree. It will not be the same without our son, but it will be good to be with our daughter. Love your children, people, and have a little love in your heart. Merry Christmas to all. I wish I could be like Jimmy Stewart and get a "do over" for Christmas so I could run down the street shouting for joy. That is not to be, but I will treasure this Christmas in Munich with Lauren and remember it for its pleasures and happiness.