I recently spent a week visiting my younger son and his family. They live in a teeny-tiny house in Denver that makes my husband’s and my first 900 square foot house seem positively palatial.

But what their home lacks in size is more than made up for by its richness in warmth and affection. I’m reminded yet again that material things are not what makes a home a happy place. It’s the loving connections between family members that truly matter. And humor. Lots of humor! In their home, there’s a whole lot of laughter going on.

As many of you know, my son had a terrible fall climbing a mountain in Mexico this past summer. He nearly died. Yesterday morning as my son was hugging me goodbye, I told him what a beautiful family he had.

“I know,” he said. “I’m so happy with them. And so glad to be alive.”       

In this holiday season, I too am so thankful that my son survived and for the abundance of blessings in my life. High on that list is my caring, not to mention hilarious husband who has kept me laughing and loving for decades. I’m also so thankful that both of our sons married amazing women who have given them so much support and love.

Life is fragile and sometimes difficult, but as John Lennon of the Beatles wrote,

“All You Need Is Love.”