God sometimes gives us unexpected gifts. Our gift has been a grandson who enlivens our lives and makes retirement very different than the one we anticipated. He is a special joy. And that's "Casey." In 2006 we fulfilled our dream of living in Italy for a year. It was every bit as wonderful as anticipated. This blog begins in 2005 as we prepared for that experience. Since then we have explored many places together. That's the "Travel." And finally, I am a person of opinions--spiritually, politically, on just about anything and that's the "Other Stuff." Welcome to my blog.

Friday, December 17, 2010

A Christmas Gift...A Christmas Memory

Do you have poignant memories of Christmas past? Ones that seem to appear unbidden when a wisp of song floats in the air or a blurry picture shimmers momentarily.

My mother died in 2004 but in reality she left us several years before that. We watched as she slid into the state of dementia where the mind slips away. So, it was a time of rejoicing when she went to face her Jesus.

One of my favorite Christmas memories features mom. Every year I would ask her what she would like Santa to bring. And every year, for as long as my adult mind can remember, her answer was "Nothing. I don't want anything."

So, one year, perhaps the last when her mind was still there, I decided she would get her wish.

I beautifully wrapped several boxes--each nested into the preceding one. There was much colorful tissue paper and many beautiful bows. And then, finally, when she reached the last box which would hold the treasure I had found that year, under layered red and green tissue was a lovely printed note that said: Dear Mom, this year I have for you that which you have always wanted.....Nothing. I love you.

Unfortunately, I did not have the fun of watching the opening ceremony as Mom was with my brother and his family in Northern California. Fortunately, I had alerted my sister-in-law that everyone should watch as the beautiful package bloomed. The report back was that the room posed transfixed while the boxes appeared from within each other and, then, Mom burst into uncontrolled laughter, followed by everyone else as it was passed around.

The Opening

I treasure the gift of laughter I was able to give Mom and the memory now treasured by everyone who became part of it.

Mom at 90

My brother, mom and me 
Her 90th Birthday Celebration



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Friday, December 10, 2010

And God Reigns Eternal

Busy, busy, busy relegates blog to end of list but......this is far better than any words I might share anyway. Enjoy. I tear up each time I listen.

(You can see it better if you double click on the video and watch straight from You Tube.)