A family lovingly records Advent reflections for Gei Gei

February 4, 2022

It was the first week of Advent and my Mother, lovingly called Gei Gei by her grandchildren, shared that she would really like to participate in an Advent reflection, but was struggling to read as her eyesight is weakening. “Well, okay!” I said. She didn't have to ask me twice! I promptly Googled "Advent reflections for the visually impaired." I found several, but just thought how great it would be if we could both do the marvelous Rejoice! series by Father Mark Toups together. Little did I know, that her simple request would be the spark to light our path to Christmas this year. "Finding Your Place in the Advent Story" took on a whole new meaning and a much deeper journey of involvement that would touch many of our family members.

Initially, we were met with a challenge as unfortunately the Rejoice! series was not available in an audio format. My daughter Sarah said, “Mom, it's no problem. I got this! We will read the reflections and create our own audio files and I will text one to Gei Gei each day! Then this way she can hear our voices and it will be like we are all praying together." "Really? That can all happen via text?" I said in disbelief. It sure can, and it DID!

Since we were already in the first week of Advent, we decided to start right away with Sarah’s family so Ed, her husband, and their children Francie, Sadie, and Evan each made recordings to cover almost the whole second week of the book. It quickly became clear that not only was Gei Gei so appreciative for the gentle guidance found in each reflection, she was loving being surprised each morning by whose voice she would get to hear! We knew we better get some more folks lined up because we still had several days left of Advent. We branched out to eventually include all of the Vaughn siblings and their firstborn children across multiple cities and states. Through the power of the Holy Spirit (and with some help of technology which we all learned to accept during COVID), our family was truly linked and united in prayer this Christmas.

At 91 my Mother is still learning and growing in her faith. We were so touched by the comments that she would text us after the readings. It is our joy to share a few of her inspiring words in hopes they spark something inside of you like they did for us.

Imagining Mary and Joseph in their little house working out what was ahead of them and how they were going to accomplish it all! That’s a scene I have never imagined. I will spend time today thinking about their long journey as an example for me on my journey that’s ahead of me.
These readings fill my heart with joy. Joseph’s love for Mary is so strong!
This reading has made me think of my need for a Savior.
So much to think about this morning. I will concentrate on opening my heart and will work on reconciliation.
While tough to listen to, it reminds me that no matter how hard life is for me, we have to accept it and do the best we can. Never give up!

After Christmas, my eldest granddaughter, Francie, worked tirelessly to compile each day's audio files into a video format. Now, our family can go back and listen to loved ones’ voices and walk the Advent journey whenever we want! It is also available to share with others who might be in similar situations. Here is the link if you would like to check it out:
Advent Reflections for Gei Gei

Our hope is that you too will find comfort in the blessed season of Advent and maybe take the next step by telling someone about the grace that can be received by believing in the Messiah, Christ our Lord.