Never Forgotten

So representative of what we had.  At the age of six, it was a Christmas present to his mama.  So carefully selected to show his feelings and share them.  Always cherished.  Never forgotten.  I can see our faces and hear our voices of those tender moments so precious. 

As the song sings in the background "it's a wonderful time of the year"-- I can still agree.   The wonderfulness is an inner remembrance of the time spent with family during this special holiday season.  Whether it is a ten year old memory or as recent as last weekend.  As soon as something happens and it passes, it is a memory.  A memory not to be worried about or mulled over but a piece of what makes us who we are today.  It is a spark to ignite our future and provide hope.

The subject of vacation came up this week with a parent of one of our students.  A little disgruntled about my lengthy vacation during this season, she said over her shoulder "yeah, I get a whole two days off".  Poor lady.  I couldn't help but wonder if she would amass her whole family around for those two days.  I sure hope so. So, yes, I'm so fortunate to have vacation during the holidays.  And yes, I'm so fortunate to have so much family that the celebratory festivities are spread throughout many days.  What I miss is evident.

A friend and I shared some time together this past week.  Sick.  She has had the cold/flu for many days.  It's hard to get up for the holidays when a sinus headache overtakes your energy.  Such a dear lady.  She always tells me she's "elderly".  I hardly think so but I laugh all the same.  Our visit was deep and the tears numerous.  We spoke of loss and heartache and how holiday memories are not always poinsettias and beautiful wrapping paper.  We spoke of letting go and loss that surfaces often.  It was a cluster of minutes, making up a larger period of time and life stood still. That's what sorrow does to people.  Slows life down, calendars do not matter, time has no relevance.  So we ended our visit with a prayer and a never failing hope.  Hope, birthed so many years ago in a manger.