Pleasant evening and warm memories...

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2001
Pleasant evening and warm memories...
6
Tue, 12-16-2003 - 10:26pm
I was about ready to retire to the bedroom and maybe do some reading when I realized I really haven't had a chance to sit and enjoy my beautiful tree. I wasn't sure we were even going to be getting one this year with everything that has been going on, but DH when he left to go help make arrangements for his dad on Friday had asked that we go and pick one out. It's smaller than usual but has a beautiful shape and so often during the course of the holidays I never take the time to really sit and enjoy it's beauty and the memories that are held on its branches. So many ornaments picked especially for the person's personality and interests and loves. Ornaments made by a small child's hand. Remembering my slightly wacky but ever lovable aunt who passed away many years ago who on several occasions sent my kids personalized ornaments and who was always worried about whether I was taking the proper vitamins especially after I had my gallbladder removed! There are the beautiful music boxes that my SIL did in needlepoint for our home and the cute ornaments that she crocheted for the kids. I have ornaments from my parents dating back to World War II and depression times and how they managed during what must have been such difficult times. Although my house remains in an upheaval I really enjoyed taking the time to enjoy the beauty of the season this evening. We also had a card from a priest who we've known for many years. He holds a very special place in our hearts for many reasons. He was never known for his public speaking but truly lives his faith. He moved to North Carolina many years ago after retiring although he never truly retired. He is now 87 and enclosed a typewritten card that this would be the last Christmas card we would be receiving from him due to various physical problems. But true to his character always with a smile and something to say to make you smile he included some wit with his message. "Life is hard by the yard. Life's a cinch by the inch". "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind it it doesn't matter", "Life is a journey, not a guided tour".

I was really glad to spend those few minutes. It's put a lot of things in perspective.

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 12-16-2003 - 11:29pm
What a very special evening you had, and you made mine special by sharing yours.

Rhonda


Time invested in improving ourselves cuts down on time disapproving of others.

       ~~Rhonda~~


<

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 6:39am
That was a special evening.

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2000
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 7:35am
You warmed *my* heart with your memories. Our tree is a hodge-podge of ornaments, too. I've gotten a dated ornament yearly since 1978, with my mom being a big contributor, and it's fun seeing all of them each year. We've got lots of train ornaments because of The Cus-man's hobby, and now Allison is getting ornaments, too. They range from humor to the reverent, from Santa Claus' and snowmen to the Cross, some Allison made, and some are from our own travels (Charleston, SC and Altoona, PA - the Altoona one being a railroad one, too). Already this year Allison thoroughly enjoyed remembering "her" ornaments, asking us questions about others... like the "New Mom's/Dad's First Christmas" from 1998!




Cussette, CL for Family Finances
Visit the Family Finances Website

for links, tips, reading, tools and answers to your financial questions

C

Avatar for imthebigsister
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 9:00am
Susan - What a nice post! You reminded me to slow down and embrace and enjoy the simple things that make the holidays special. Tonight I'm going to sit down, have a cup of hot tea, smell the cinammon, look into the lights and ornaments on our tree, and think of how blessed we've been, and hope for those blessings to be extended to all our friends and family.

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 11:35am
Your post was beautiful and put alot of things in perspective.Thank you so much.

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 12:13pm
That was a wonderful post Susan.
Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty