Mailbox Monday - December 28

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Welcome to the final Mailbox Monday of 2015. Last week I missed this great meme because the family visited New York City for the holidays. One big change from last year--police officers carrying assault rifles in Times Square. Part of me is comforted by the extra security. The other part is freaked out by what the world has become.

We started off our trip by visiting Radio City Music Hall to watch the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It's always a great show.

The girls and their friends took their last ride on the Toys "R" Us Times Square Ferris wheel. Sadly, this store is closing. 

We did some Christmas shopping in the city (rode the escalator up to every floor in Macy's) and spent a good part of the next day in Central Park because temperatures have been unseasonably warm this December.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas. We had two days of celebrating. It was a quiet day with just us and the in-laws on Christmas, but Saturday the whole gang was here. 

One book was under the tree for me. It is one I've wanted for a while, so I am thrilled.

Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. At Christmas, the final decoration Marge Reed hangs on the family’s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering.

Yet a message delivered by one of Robert’s fellow soldiers and a mystery letter found in a Bible put a father’s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.

That's it from me. Did you receive any books for Christmas?