December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

Mobile Meals on the Move

Renovations Triple Non-profit's Serving Capacity

Holiday Eats

Jarrad Hewett, Voice of Disney

Dynamic Drones

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Features 8 10 12 16 18 26 30

Edmond Mobile Meals on the Move Holiday Eats A Conversation with Mr. & Mrs. Claus Amber Layne, Following the Creative Thread Dynamic Drones Jarrad Hewett: Voice of Disney A LOOK Back

Business 22 24

Real Deals Legacy Senior Living

Columns 7 28

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

In Other Words with Dave Louise Tucker Jones

On cover: Toni Washington and Matthew Rodriguez.

Photography by sundancephotographyokc.com

ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l sales@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA 1024 W Covell, Edmond, OK 73003 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com

DECEMBER 2023 Volume 19, Number 12 l Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. l © 2023 Back40 Design, Inc. PUBLISHER Dave Miller l PRODUCTION MANAGER Alison Miller l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE /EDITOR Laura Beam l GRAPHIC DESIGN Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to over 50,000 Edmond area homes.

Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

LOCALLOOK

Mobile Meals on the Move

By Taylor Bollinger

Edmond Mobile Meals believes in nourishing food and social connection for Edmond’s homebound residents. What they don’t believe in? Wait lists.

That’s why the non-profit's upcoming expansion is as exciting as it is essential for Edmond’s elderly residents.

“We are essentially the Meals on Wheels for the Edmond community,” explained Edmond Mobile Meals Executive Director, Cristi Twenter. Since 1974, the non-profit, charitable organization has operated independently.

From the midst of moving boxes, Cristi explained that the renovations will triple the non-profit’s capacity to serve. “We are growing exponentially, serving 20% more people this year than the year before, and 40% more than the year before that. We are determined to never put people on a wait list.” With the over-sixty population doubling by 2050, the organization predicts an even greater demand for their programs in the future.

Until expansion is completed within the next year, Cristi says their team will continue to “make it work.” Temporarily operating from Edmond Senior Center at Mitch Park, Cristi and her team have adjusted cooking times, tweaked their delivery schedule, and worked tirelessly to deliver fresh meals to nearly 300 seniors per day.

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Clockwise from top : Cati Stanila, Kim Easlon, and Cristi Twenter; Scott Storm; and Thomas Lundy

Renovations will triple the non-profit’s capacity to serve.

"We are growing exponentially."

- Cristi Twenter, Executive Director

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The delivery route requires 17 drivers and takes one to two hours to complete. While drivers are currently the most in demand, there are other ways to serve the cause.

Community members can also contribute with a weekly phone call as a Friendly Caller, or sign up as a visitor to provide program participants with muchneeded social engagement.

“Many of our clients live alone, and may or may not have family here. When they enroll, we ask about their loneliness and isolation,” Cristi said. “Visitors might go for a walk, have coffee, or do whatever the client enjoys to form a connection.”

Edmond Mobile Meals is 100% privately funded, relying on grants and private donations. Cristi drew some surprising cost comparisons between their programs and other health-care related expenses. “Research tells us a client can receive a year of our meals for the cost of one day in the hospital or ten days in a nursing home,” Cristi said. “Just $35 can provide an entire week’s worth of meals for one of our participants.”

Learn more about Edmond Mobile Meals, and current volunteer opportunities at edmondmobilemeals.org.

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FOODLOOK

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E ATS EATS

By Laura Beam

Make some tasty new memories this holiday season and spare yourself a sink full of dirty dishes with a festive meal at a local restaurant. Whether you’re meeting friends, taking guests out on the town, or are just tired of talking turkey and want a delicious distraction, Edmond has some fantastic eateries to make the occasion special.

BRICKTOWN BREWERY Just in time for the holidays, Bricktown Brewery has added

some tasty new items to the menu! Grab your friends and gather around a hearty skillet of Elote-style Chicken Dip, featuring pulled chicken, housemade Mexican-style corn dip, feta, jalapeño and Tajín. Enjoy other delicious newcomers this season like the Shrimp Mac & Cheese, Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese or the Meatloaf & Tenders Combo. So many ways to get your fix on a chilly day! Take advantage of Bricktown Brewery’s holiday gift card bonuses, available through December 31st. A gift for them = a bonus for you! Receive a $5 bounceback for every $25 gift card purchase, or a $250 bonus card with the purchase of a single gift card totaling $1,000 or more! Visit 1150 E. 2nd St., Edmond, or bricktownbrewery.com.

HOBBY'S HOAGIES Authentic East Coast hoagies and pizzas have been the specialty at

Hobby’s Hoagies for 32 years. Homemade Italian bread, rolls and pizza dough, plus prime, juicy ribeye steak, premium Boar’s Head lunch meat and crushed hot cherry peppers from Delaware are just a few of the reasons this family owned neighborhood sandwich shop continually gets rave reviews. The Special Italian Hoagie, Reuben and Philly Cheesesteak Pizza are always top picks. Make your holiday gathering extra special with delicious and colorful party trays of hoagies and homemade desserts or a fun 6 ft. party sub. Boxed lunches are great for office parties. Allow 24 hours advance notice for catering orders. Let’s get this party started! Visit 222 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond, or hobbyshoagies.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD PROVISIONS Amidst the manicured greens of Rose Creek Golf Club,

a culinary gem beckons all food enthusiasts, not just club members. This charming eatery, accessible to the public, has recently been adorned with the prestigious Top Ranked Culinary Award of 2023, a testament to the innovative vision of award-winning Chef Jim Camp. His seasonally inspired, from-scratch menu invites diners to savor each moment of the year's culinary tapestry, like the Braised Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta, which has become the talk of the town.

Neighborhood Provisions isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination where the confluence of awardwinning cuisine and the serene backdrop of Rose Creek Golf Club create an unforgettable dining experience. Located at 17031 N. May Ave., Edmond. Reservations: 405-330-1638 or via RESY.

S&B'S BURGER JOINT Take a front row seat to the good ‘ol days of rock ‘n’ roll with S&B’s

nostalgic music videos while you chow down on their Classic, Indie and Hard Rock burger combos. Black Angus Beef, turkey, veggie and impossible patties are paired with six different bun options to satisfy every craving and specialty diet. Loaded with creative, tasty toppings, these burgers rock! And everyone loves their epic dipping sauces and famous Bloody Marys.

This holiday, bring on the fun at your party or gathering with S&B’s catered Burger Bar or sandwich, sliders and tenders catering options. Check out their Rock Hour specials Mon.-Fri. From 2-6pm, Rewards Program and FUNdraiser nights too! Visit in Edmond at 2088 E. 2nd St. or 1000 NW 192nd St. or sandbburgers.com.

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TEXLAHOMA BBQ Warm up with pitmaster competition quality BBQ that’s unlike any

you’ve had! Blending Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma styles, and the finest meats that are trimmed and smoked on site daily, every bite is flavorful and tender. The brisket is a hit, with its rich, salty and peppery bite. The ribs are superb, with a Louisiana-inspired rub and the perfect char that melts in your mouth. Enjoy Holiday Carry-Out Meals featuring whole smoked hams and turkeys and sides by the pan to feed your hungry crowd in style. Great catering options and a food trailer that’s available for booking make the holidays extra tasty and easy! Enjoy Texlahoma 7 days a week at 121 E. Waterloo Rd., Edmond, or dine or drivethru at 2080 E. 2nd St., Edmond, or visit texlahomabbq.com.

YOLKIZZ CAFE Everything you love about breakfast, brunch and lunch at Yolkizz Cafe also makes it the ideal spot for on-the-go goodies and catering. Open daily from 7am-2pm, this local family-owned restaurant treats hungry visitors to delicious comfort foods like French Toast, Huevos Rancheros with homemade shredded beef Machaca, signature homemade sausage gravy, homemade meatloaf and cinnamon pecan rolls. They also serve a fantastic Grilled Pork Chop, and burgers, sandwiches and homemade soups. The French Toast Bites and Hashbrown Bites are perfect on-the-go treats. Paired with a steamy platter of fluffy scrambled eggs and a tray of chicken and waffles, it's a catering hit every time! Contact them to create your own catering extravaganza. Ask about gift cards too!

Visit 737 W. Danforth Rd. or yolkizzcafe.com.

LAURA BEAM Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines.

Interested in what Outlook can do for your business?

Contact her at laura@edmondoutlook.com

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FEATURELOOK

A Conversation with Santa and Mrs. Claus

By Amy Dee Stephens

Despite a busy schedule, the jolly Clauses found a moment to chat after the Luminance kick-off at Mitch Park. They shared their insight into the year’s most popular gifts, Santa’s favorite cookies, and the magic of Christmas.

So, what are the popular gift requests this year?

Santa: Coal, of course! Ho Ho Ho! Mrs. Claus: Now Santa, talk about the toys…

Santa: Oh, yes. Hot Wheels and Barbie dream homes are as popular as ever, but also a lot of electronics. Children want the Nintendo Switch and the new iPhone 92.

Mrs. Claus: That’s iPhone 15.

Santa: Yes, well, I’m a toy maker, not an electronics manufacturer. Luckily, Mrs. Claus made a good arrangement with Amazon to order the electronics. Adults, don’t forget that I require a handwritten letter from the parents, because a child can’t enter into a contract to pay for internet or phone service.

Mrs. Claus: Santa, remember how you sometimes get requests for impossible gifts?

Santa: I do. Things like, “Please make my parents get back together,” or “Make my sick sister well.” Those are tough requests. I never make promises I can’t keep, because I can’t control other people’s choices or finances. But if a child ever asks for food, I always let someone know, like a school principal, who can help with resources.

How do you manage to deliver so many presents?

Santa: The population has gotten so big that I rely on the larger Claus community to help me. I even have cousins who visit malls to get children’s gift requests. Mrs. Claus has the biggest job, though, because she manages the naughty or nice list and all the elves.

Mrs. Claus: Don’t forget all the baking.

Santa: Oh, Mrs. C knows how much I love trying new cookies.

Chips Ahoy don’t cut it anymore. When I get home after Christmas, Mrs. Claus gives me a nice, warm cup of cocoa and homemade cookies.

Mrs. Claus: But he never makes it to the second cookie before he snuggles up for a long winter’s nap.

How did Mrs. Claus and you meet?

Santa: She was a gift wrapper in a department store

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when I met her. We kept in touch by writing letters. Now, we’ve been married for about 300 years.

Mrs. Claus: You chased me a little bit! Remember those sleigh rides in the moonlight?

Santa: I remember. That was before we took on the challenge of taking care of children around the world. Now, we only have downtime in the summer.

Mrs. Claus: Summertime is when you enjoy golf. Remember the custom knickers and paperboy hat you wore to the golf tournament last year?

Santa: It is nice to wear different clothes. Hundreds of years ago, I wore a robe and corded belt, in the St. Nicholas tradition.

Americans changed that about 100 years ago when Coca-Cola drew me wearing a red suit and hat.

Mrs. Claus: Red is expected, but I wear my blue Christmas dress to Thunder games.

Santa: You see, Mrs. C and I can have style! I’ve recently started custom-designing suits in modern colors. It’s nearly 2024 , after all.

What’s your favorite part about being Santa?

Santa: I think Mrs. C would agree that the thing we love most about Christmas is seeing the smiles on children’s faces.

Mrs. Claus: I agree. It’s magical.

Santa: Magical and rewarding.

The Clauses, Unwrapped Mrs. Clause is a trained actor and Santa has been to nine Santa Claus Universities. He says, “It’s not the suit and beard. You’ve gotta have the Santa heart.” The two have worked together for so many years that everyone assumes they are really married, but they’re not. “We are both married to other people,” said Santa. “Sometimes my wife comes along as Sugarplum Mary, my lead elf.” All agree that it’s a time-honored career to keep the Christmas gift-giving tradition alive.

To learn more or book a Santa appearance, visit santascottok.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Amber Layne,

Following the Creative Thread

By Taylor Bollinger

Leah Gunn Photo @leahgunnphoto

Leah Gunn Photo @leahgunnphoto

Name a needle, thread, machine, or fabric – Amber Layne knows it. Not only does she know it, she understands how it’s made. She can tell you why it’s chosen. She can show you how it’s used. She is an expert in her craft, and after one conversation with her, you’ll suddenly want to take up sewing, too. Amber’s passion permeates.

What is so thrilling about a needle pulling thread? For Amber, it’s all about the act of creation.

“I believe that creation is a form of therapy,” she said.

“Creating is what we are here for. It helps us be our best selves, and move through some of the good, bad, sad, and happy in our lives.”

Amber Layne As a sewing instructor and owner of AmberLayne.Co, she classes, and in-person courses in empowers students to create partnership with the Studio School at Creating helps us be our best anything they can imagine.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. selves, and moves us through Amber started her sewing Her students have seen overwhelming journey as a child. Always some of the good, bad, sad, and success, starting dance-wear artistic, there’s hardly a happy in our lives. businesses, upcycling vintage clothing, medium she hasn’t explored. making bespoke utility wear, and even “I’ve worked in interior design, creating costumes in Vegas. But Amber as a photographer, as a painter – I’ve had my hand in a lot of doesn’t measure student success in business terms. Instead, she things, but I’ve always loved sewing.” But the more she tried to emphasizes the internal impact of the craft. learn, the more questions she uncovered. “There are not a lot of “All my life, I never felt like I fit anywhere,” Amber explained. options for learning the real nitty gritty of sewing. You can learn “Teaching these sewing classes is building a community where to do one thing – a project, some pants, a potholder – but I’m a creatives realize they aren’t as alone as this world can make them nerd. I need to know the “why” behind it.” feel.”

So, Amber set out to discover every detail of sewing on her While it might sound like a lighthearted hobby, Amber says her own. “I called manufacturers and asked questions, I took every courses are comprehensive, requiring focus and commitment. class there was to take, studied under a master tailor, and I “There’s a difference between crafting and craftsmanship,” she spent over a decade just learning it from the inside out.” said. “Sometimes we don’t even know what’s inside us until we’re As her learning progressed, Amber was repeatedly asked to exposed to the right learning opportunity. There’s something share her knowledge. “I was happy to do it,” she said. “I realized inside of you that’s been waiting to be discovered all along.”

I wasn’t the only one searching for a comprehensive sewing Learn more about Amber’s mission to “create beauty, make education. There wasn’t a linear system for learning. It was a lives better, and love with abandon” at amberlayne.co. need, especially in this region.”

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FEATURELOOK

Dynamic Drones

By Amy Dee Stephens

What’s a guy to do after piloting aircraft for 6,000 hours and working as an aerospace engineer for NASA? Play with drones, of course. Up to 50 at a time!

It’s a hobby that Brad Snelling has turned into a business.

He and Will Clay founded Dynamic Skies, Oklahoma’s first drone light show company, two years ago. The drones are programmed to fly in formations that create animated designs in the night sky.

“I like fireworks, but light shows offer something new,” Snelling said. “There’s no debris. No noise to startle kids or pets, and it can be customized for each event. I was surprised to realize that no one was doing drone shows in Oklahoma.”

Don’t assume that Snelling is a drone novice, however, because he launched the first official drone program for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He confesses that, as a “techy,” he loves his day job of researching future concepts and systems for air taxis and cargo delivery with Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the technical name for drones.

In the evenings, he turns his skills toward creatively designing entertainment that can be viewed from up to three miles away. “The theme of each event guides the storyboard. To design the 3-D formations, we use professional animation software,” Snelling said. “It can take 50 hours to design a 10-minute show!”

Flying with Precision Dynamic Skies’ first few shows, a Christmas event in Stillwater and the prelude to the 2022 LibertyFest fireworks display, were viewed by thousands of people. Although they faced some challenges at those early shows, Snelling and Clay used those opportunities to keep improving. Before each event, they conduct numerous pre-flight and safety checks, and Snelling’s family is trained to help with customer service and safety prior to the airborne entertainment.

When showtime finally comes, everything is on autopilot.

“Speed matters, spacing matters, and getting it timed to the music matters,” Snelling said. “Ultimately, it all comes down to computer programming, and I really enjoy that process.”

Snelling also enjoys teaching others how to fly drones.

Last year, Dynamic Skies provided training camps to young adults around the state. Colleges are already developing drone programs, and Oklahoma was ranked #1 in drone career readiness last year. “There’s a huge opportunity for people entering the career field of aviation and technology.”

Flying Full Circle As Dynamic Skies continues to increase its business, including the recent kick-off to Edmond’s Luminance, the holiday schedule has become trickier. Fortunately, corporate events and weddings happen year-round. Snelling and Clay have also done a few charity events to raise money for schools and athletic programs.

“We recently got asked to tour with a big-name artist, whose name you would recognize—but we prefer to do local shows. After spending years traveling, both of us are motivated to stay close to home and be with our families.

I view this as a fun, future, retirement job for me,” Snelling said.

Having grown up in Edmond flying radio-controlled airplanes above Waterloo Road and then actually flying airplanes for the Air Force, FAA, and airlines, Snelling feels like his drone hobby has brought him back full circle.

“It’s fun for me, and it’s fun for the spectators. During a show, we love hearing people guess what formation is coming next before it’s fully formed,” Snelling said. “Drone technology has come so far that the sky is no longer the limit. Besides doing important work for businesses and the military, drones create spectacular entertainment. People love seeing beautiful colored lights in the sky.”

Visit dynamic-skies.com to learn more.

Brad Snelling and his daughter Tiffany Snelling

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BIZLOOK

Real Deals

By Maria Veres

Real Deals of Edmond is full of surprises. The centrally located retail space is bursting with home decor items, gifts, and trendy women’s fashion pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

Merchandise is added daily, making every visit a new experience. The affordable prices are the best surprise of all.

Affordable, Local, and Unique Real Deals is locally owned by Aspen and Patrick Spaulding. It’s part of a network of franchises across 19 states— but if “franchise” makes you think “cookie cutter,” think again. Each location features unique products and displays.

Aspen personally curates merchandise

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to meet the needs of Oklahoma customers.

Real Deals carries home decor items from around the world, at prices that won’t break the bank. The women’s fashion boutique includes clothing for women and young adults with sizes from XS-3XL. The store also offers inviting gift items.

Bringing a New Shopping Experience to Edmond Aspen discovered Real Deals while living in Rapid City, SD. When she and Patrick moved their blended family to Edmond, she wished many times for a local Real Deals store.

After 16 years in nursing, Aspen wanted a change. Patrick encouraged her to pursue her dream of owning a business, and she was thrilled to discover Real Deals offered franchises.

The couple spent months preparing before opening their store in August.

“The Edmond community has been so supportive,” says Aspen. Her family plays a vital role in the business.

As co-owner, Patrick handles the

Patrick and Aspen Spaulding

finances, while their children and their parents help, too.

Real Deals is open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday. Whether you're looking for holiday gifts, home decor, or unique fashion, Aspen and her team will help you find exactly what you need. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram (@realdealsedmond) to see what's new each week, and stay in-theknow of all of the events happening in the shoppe!

Real Deals is located at 610 S Kelly Ave. #P, Edmond. Contact them at (405) 285-8089 or realdeals.net/edmond.

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BIZLOOK

Legacy Senior Living

By Maria Veres Combining the comfort of home with full-time professional care, Legacy Senior Living offers a welcome new option in assisted living. Seniors enjoy a beautiful home setting with private rooms, a resident-to-caregiver ratio of almost 1:1, and a compassionate, family atmosphere.

Welcome Home!

Legacy provides boutique-style care in a home which has seven bedrooms so it can accommodate up to seven resident families in the home. With trained, certified staff on site full-time and a primary care provider on call 24/7, relatives have peace of mind that their

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loved one’s needs will be met, day and night.

Each resident has a personalized care plan. The care team makes sure they take medications consistently and eat well—two key elements for preventing falls or other health crises.

Legacy serves three homecooked meals a day, with residents’ preferences always considered.

Legacy is competitively priced with other assisted living options. It meets all state licensing requirements and provides a level of home comfort that large facilities might not offer.

Serving Elders, Families, Employees, and the Community Katie Dickey, Physician’s Assistant and Residential Assisted Living Specialist, co-owns and administers Legacy Senior Living. It’s more than a job for her. It’s a calling that grew from her experience caring for her mother, who developed dementia at age 58.

Katie is always happy to talk with families and guide them toward the resources they need, whether or not their loved ones choose Legacy.

As the demand for elder care in Oklahoma grows, Ben and Katie are committed to serving residents, employees, and the community with excellence. “We’re a new solution to an age-old problem,” says co-owner Ben Dickey. “Our goal is to be a premier provider of assisted living services in Oklahoma.”

To learn more or schedule a meeting with Katie, contact Legacy Senior Living at (405) 438-3157 or legacyseniorhomes.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Jarrad Hewett

Jarrad Hewett

The Voice of Disney and Best Selling Author

By Taylor Bollinger Even if you don’t know his name, you may recognize his voice. Edmond native, Jarrad Hewett, is an award-winning author and the voice of HGTV and Disney Channel. Though he’s experienced incredible success on this path, it’s not one he always imagined for himself.

“After graduating from Oklahoma City University, my intention was to attend entertainment law school,” Jarrad said. “But when I moved back to L.A., I got into voiceover acting and that’s kind of where it all started.”

The product of hard work and good relationships, Jarrad later landed a gig as the voice of White Castle. He continued to lend his voice to various projects, being featured on nearly every network in the nation. Among his most notable projects are narrating HGTV’s “Tiny House, Big Living” and Disney Channel commercials.

On Writing Best Sellers But when a writers' strike occurred in 2007, Jarrad devoted the 8-month stint to diversifying his work. And so he began his writing career. He is now the #1 Best Selling author of four books, including his latest USA Today Best Seller, “The Answer is Energy.”

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Oklahoma, a place where people are friendly and neighborly, to moving to L.A. and saying, ‘Oh, that’s not how the entire world works.’ So I began looking at how our beliefs and how we are raised impact our lives, and I am passionate about helping others embrace our sameness, and examine our differences.

If we can learn how to support each other, we can get through life much easier.”

Zillow Gone Wild Jarrad is currently writing and residing in Oklahoma. But even his home has made the news. Recently featured on ‘Zillow Gone Wild,’ his home is full of character and, he noted, for sale.

When asked about the unique nature of his home decor, Jarrad explained, “I was really excited to move back to Edmond and get to share time between Los Angeles for work. When my father became sick, I became his caretaker, and it required me spending much more time here in town. I found that art and design were two very therapeutic outlets. We all spend so much time in our homes, but how often do we allow them to actually be fun and expressive places to live? I know it turned some heads when my realtor gave the photos to Zillow Gone Wild, but ultimately, if you like art and fashion, even if it isn’t your taste, I think one could very much appreciate it.”

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ALOOKBACK

Come Sweet Christmas!

By Louise Tucker Jones It’s the second Christmas without my son, Jay and it seems harder instead of easier. Last year I was still in shock.

Numb, having just lost my son and my mother. Functioning but not living.

Grief is a hard journey and it’s different for everyone. Lately my mother often comes to mind. And yes, I understand it’s because I put off grieving her death. At the time my mom slipped into heaven, I was spending every minute of the day and night in ICU with Jay. Praying! Interceding! Begging God for a miracle for my son. My mother would have understood.

But I don’t want grief to define me.

I want my life to have purpose and joy and to honor those who loved me

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dearly but are now in heaven. And I don’t want to miss the love of family and friends who are here with me, but I also want them to realize that at this time in my life there is always someone missing—Jay. Sometimes celebrations are tough for those of us in grief. Yes, we want to be happy and excited for holidays but it can still be hard. Shopping and parties are just not part of our DNA right now and wrapping presents often reminds us of all the gifts we wrapped for loved ones no longer with us. But here’s the deal. It’s not the real Christmas we find difficult to celebrate. It’s the commercial one. The lights, the music, the festivities often remind us of what we truly miss and want.

To me, the real Christmas isn’t about presents and Santa. It’s about Jesus Christ. “It’s the reason for the season,” as some say. That’s the Christmas I choose to celebrate. Yes, I miss my son, Jay, along with my husband, Carl and other family members. But I rejoice in a resurrected Savior who sacrificed his life for me. The King of

Kings and Lord of Lords who wants to bless us all with love, joy and peace.

So Come Sweet Christmas Come!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows.

LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

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Photo provided by Edmond History Museum, edmondhistory.org

ALOOKBACK

a look back A 1950s Christmas Orvis Risner, his wife Johnny, and their children, King and Courtney, decorate their family Christmas tree in 1950. Orvis came to Edmond in 1948 to run a real estate business and actively served on the Edmond school board for over a decade. Orvis Risner Elementary, built on the Risner’s farm land, opened in 1962 under the name of Southern Hills Elementary. Later that year, it was renamed in his honor (after he passed away from a skiing accident).

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1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003