CHRISTMAS
Every time a hand reaches out
To help another....that is Christmas
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding.
That is Christmas
Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other.
That is Christmas
May this Christmas bring us
Closer to the spirit of human understanding .
Closer to the blessing of peace.
Author Unknown
Williamsburg Wreath
This is my favorite of the Williamsburg Wreaths I have posted - it is not necessarily the most beautiful wreath but I think its the most successful photograph.
Happy Birthday, Mama
In my family Christmas is a double birthday celebration - it's also my mother's birthday - something, that when I was a kid, struck me as amazing. We can't celebrate with Mama this year - I can't even call her - she died August 29 - so I decided that it was foolish to give up honoring her on her special day.
Mama was born on Christmas Day 1915. Last evening when our family gathered for Christmas Eve we lit three candles - she would have been 93 today - and sang Happy Birthday in her honor. It felt warm - it felt right.
A few years ago Mama told me a very sweet story about having a Christmas birthday. Her father Gus Keasler died when she was eighteen months old. Granny did not remarry until Mama was eight. Ellie Hall and Jack Baer were married on December 27th.On Christmas morning Mama found a red bicycle under her Christmas tree from Daddy Jack.
"I was so thrilled. I could not believe it. When I rode it up and down the street outside the house I called to everybody I saw, I've got a daddy now! I've got a daddy now. It was my best Christmas.
I bet if you could ask Mama now to tell you about her favorite birthday she would tell you it was 3 years ago when as many us as could gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday.
Three Beautiful Things
1. Christmas Mass - the church is all dressed up to celebrate The Word Made Flesh.
2. Loving family - here and far. Good food, hugs, singing carols and talking on the phone.
3. Sunny skies during the day and later glorious colored lights brighten the darkenss.
1 comment:
Merry Christmas, Ellouise! The photos are beautiful, especially the one of your family with your mother.
And a happy birthday to your mama, too. She hears you, as you know.
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